LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter
Dwayne Johns (centre) of Catherine Hall All-Stars gets by Port Royal Bulls' Kenardo Wright (9), Leighton Meeks (20) and Elvis Pollack (with hands raised) during action on opening night of the 2008 KFC National Basketball League at the National Stadium court on Sunday. Port Royal won 66-50. - photo by LeVaughn Flynn
The first two trophies of the 2008 KFC National Basketball League season were won on opening night, Sunday, at the National Stadium court. Newcomers Port Royal Bulls claimed the President's Cup after beating fellow debutant Catherine Hall All-Stars 66-50.
Meanwhile, reigning champs Urban Knights blew away Blazing Panthers 71-55 in a rematch of last year's final to win the TVJ Challenge Trophy. Fernando Young led the winners with 14 points and Leon Chung scored 12 for Panthers.
First-quarter lead
Catherine Hall had an impressive first 15 minutes, filling the lanes on the fastbreak and converting quickly. They ended the first quarter leading 19-16.
However, Port Royal gained the lead off a Davion Wade shot (26-25) midway the second quarter and never looked back.
They went on a 15-4 run to end the first half, helped by Catherine Hall's turnovers and poor free-throw shooting (4-12).
Damion Young, one of four former Tivoli All-Stars players on the Port Royal roster, led his team with 15 points and 15 rebounds while Kenardo Wright chipped in with 11.
14 points, 14 rebounds
Centre Jermaine Rerrie, who established his presence at both ends of the court, finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds for Catherine Hall while Dave Black added 12 points.
Both teams exhibited the usual less-than-perfect early-season form and have much to improve on if they are to compete with top teams Urban Knights, St George's Slayers and Tivoli.
"Our defence was poor and on offence we were complacent," said Port Royal coach Oneil Williams. "We didn't start with our starting five because we wanted to see how the other players responded," he added.
Catherine Hall player/coach Rodcliffe Rhynie said his team was short-staffed on opening night.
"We started well but afterwards wore down because three of our players were absent," Rhynie said.
"We didn't have any of our post-up players for this game but next match we'll have the inside game."
