Blazers, Rockers in fight for title

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Waterhouse Blazers will be hoping to close out their best-of-five finals series in the Southern Conference Divisional Basketball Championships, when they oppose Arnett Gardens Rockers in game four today at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, starting at 7 p.m.

The Blazers, who lead the series 2-1, were beaten by the Rockers by 15 points at home in game three on Friday.

The Blazers are expected to face a tough contest when they play away to the Rockers, who welcome the return of two of the key players who played a vital role in their game-three victory.

"We have to be more focused on playing basketball and know that we have to play hard to win the game," said Michael Kirlew, coach of the Blazers. "We have to ensure that we limit our turnovers because there were too many turnovers from us in game three."

Kirlew said there is much room for improvement.

"I think we will play better defence on Monday because we played no defence on Friday and we have to do a better job rebounding the ball," he observed.

Raymond Layne, who top-scored for the Blazers in game three with 16 points, will lead his team's charge to victory. He is expected to receive support from Gwayne Marks and Cordell Grant, who netted 14 and 12 points, respectively, in game three.

Granville Wilson, manager of the Rockers, said his team is oozing confidence.

"Our confidence is high because we crushed them in game three at home and that was their first home loss of the season," said Wilson.

"I think that victory has sent a message that we are here to play and so we are coming for the victory," he said. "We just have to play hard and defend well and hope for the win."

The Rockers will rest their hopes in the hands of Delano Mallett, who netted a game-high 25 points in game three. He is expected to receive valuable support from Vivian Spence and Arnel Campbell, who scored 19 points each in game three.