BEBL Round 8: Dream Ballers lose to Tiger Sharks

Francis Arana

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most important game in the last round took place in Dangriga between second ranked Dream Ballers (7-4) and fifth ranked Tiger Sharks (5-4) on Saturday night. Dream Ballers were defeated by Tiger Sharks in a tough game at home 72-76. Tiger Sharks dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Dream Ballers' 32. They outrebounded Dream Ballers 50-24 including a 35-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Point guard Francis Arana (180-1997) orchestrated the victory by scoring 15 points and 9 assists. The former international guard Jihad Wright (193-1993, college: UNCP) contributed with 15 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. The former international guard Daniel Conorque (193-1991, college: Pima CC) replied with 14 points for Dream Ballers. Tiger Sharks have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 5-4 record. Dream Ballers at the other side keep the second place with four games lost. They share the position with Running Rebels. Tiger Sharks are looking forward to face league's second-placed Running Rebels in Belize City in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Dream Ballers will play on the road against Panthers in Punta Gorda and are hoping to win this game.
The game in Belmopan was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Running Rebels (7-4) played at the court of 7th ranked Red Taigaz (3-7). Running Rebels managed to secure a 6-point victory 99-93. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward James Stanback (198, college: Camden County) who helped to win the game recording 29 points and 5 rebounds and Bryan Hudson who added 24 points and 5 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) during the contest. American Jeremiah Toney (196-1998, college: Southwest, agency: One Motive Sports) responded with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Running Rebels moved-up to second place, which they share with Dream Ballers. Red Taigaz lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with seven games lost. Running Rebels will play against Tiger Sharks (#5) in San Pedro in the next round. Red Taigaz will play on the road against Western Ballaz in San Ignacio and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in San Ignacio was also quite interesting. Third ranked Hurricanes (7-1) played at the court of 6th ranked Western Ballaz (4-6). Hurricanes defeated Western Ballaz 82-68 on Saturday. The winners were led by Kris Frazier who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points and 17 rebounds. Even 26 points and 9 rebounds by Mark Gordon did not help to save the game for Western Ballaz. Western Ballaz's coach rotated eleven players and allowed the starting five to rest. Hurricanes have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Loser Western Ballaz keeps the sixth place with six games lost. Hurricanes' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Belize City to the arena Defenders.

In the last game of round 8 bottom-ranked Panthers were smashed by Defenders on the road 105-60.
The most impressive performance of 8th round was 25 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists by Nigel Jones of Defenders.