Advantage Herbert Morrison

Herbert Morrison Technical High School (HMTHS) struck first in emphatic fashion, handing defending champions Manchester High School their first defeat of the season with a thrilling 57-36 victory in Game One of the Under-16 ISSA Rural Schoolboy Basketball finals at the Herbert Morrison Court on Monday.

Despite being considered underdogs against the defending champions, Herbert Morrison’s head coach, Levar Rose, believes that embracing the underdog mentality will drive their team forward.

“I think for this year, we will work with underdog status. I think the reason we would do that is when a dog is against the wall, he has nowhere to go but forward, and I think that’s what we’re working with,” said Rose.

Though he calls his team underdogs, Herbert Morrison are yet to lose this season but believe that if they are to win, clocking the first game against a traditionally superior team was important.

“For the past couple years, we’ve been here with Manchester, and they have been getting the best of us. So to actually get our win in Game One, it’s a good look.

“The mindset going into the away game is should be fully confident. Once we execute what we are supposed to execute, and put the game at a decent margin, then we don’t have to worry about anything,” added Rose.

Herbert Morrison showcased their dominance on both ends of the court, with Antonio Kerr pouring in 13 points, along with three rebounds, and four steals to lead the charge. Tyler Linton chipped in with 15 points and four steals. Manchester’s Jayquan Palmer had a double-double, scoring 14 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks.

Manchester head coach Damon Sullivan said frequent turnovers cost his team, putting their title defence under immediate threat.

“The game was well played by Herbert Morrison. I think we turned over the ball a lot. We tried to stay in the game somewhat but kept turning over the ball. I think that is where we lost the game,” said Sullivan.

“We have the next two games at home, so it is just now to prepare properly and execute on the day. We are playing against a quality team, so if we don’t turn up wherever the game is being played, we will not win,” added Sullivan.

Game Two of the best-of-three series will resume on Friday at Manchester, starting at 2:15 p.m.

In another game, Mount Alvernia High dismantled Muschett High 97-6 in their ISSA Schoolgirl Rural Basketball competition at Herbert Morrison Court on Monday.

Mount Alvernia’s Caustena Holness led the charge with 27 points and three rebounds. Lashawna Murray added 16 points and six rebounds.