Herbert Morrison’s U19s on a roll in rural basketball

Herbert Morrison Technical High's (HMTH) under-19 team have been impressive in the first round of the ISSA rural schoolboys basketball and head coach Levar Rose expects more improvement from the team as the competition progresses.

Zone B's HMTH demolished Ocho Rios High 67-20 at home on Monday to keep their unbeaten record intact. The winners were led by Ryan Jurdine's 18 points, two rebounds, two assists and seven steals. He got good support from Joshua Ferguson's 16 points, three rebounds, five assists and seven steals. Ocho Rios's Fabian Oliphant scored nine points, made three steals and pulled down two rebounds.

"We have the skillset so once we get dedication from the team, I think everything else will fall into place," said Rose.

With this win, HMTH sit atop the group on with eight points from four wins, York Castle and Ocho Rios are tied on five points.

According to Rose the team aims to continue on the winning path.

"We have been training in the summer so that gives us a little edge over the other teams. Most of the teams we are playing in this division are newcomers, so we are not expecting much competition now," said Rose.

"It was a sweet feeling when we won the all-island championship seven years ago. We want to end that drought so we can relive that moment," added Rose.

The final result was never in question after HMTH took a 17-0 first-quarter lead, before extending the lead to 20-4 at the half. By the end of the third quarter there was no coming back for Ocho Rios as HMTH outscored them 12-6 and finished the fourth quarter with 18-10.

HMTH's Aaron Rayson said there is a need for improvement in more communication.

"We need to improve on chemistry and speaking on the court. Once that is dealt with, we should be good this season," said Rayson.

Meanwhile Antoneil Brown, coach of Ocho Rios, said his team is rebuilding.

"We have been dormant for about 10 years. We have some players who were introduced to the game in the past two years, so we are slowly putting things together," said Brown.

He added, "Hopefully, if I have them in sixth form next year, we will have a better team."

In Zone B under-16, York Castle High outclassed Holland High 94-38. Omar Campbell scored 31 points and five rebounds with his teammate Marcodean Frater adding 31 points. Holland's Antwan Wint put up 25 points and four rebounds.