Neil Samuels (right) scored 22 points and registered seven rebounds for the Hoopers in their 67-60 victory over Catherine Hall All Stars in Game Two of their Flow National Basketball League Western Conference final. - photo by Adrian Frater

Western Bureau:

Hoopers crowned themselves champions of the western phase of the 2009 Flow-sponsored National Basketball League on Tuesday night at the Montego Bay Cricket Club Courts when they defeated Catherine Hall All Stars 67-60 in their Game Two showdown, which gave them a 2-0 win in their best-of-three finals.

Coming off their comfortable 66-52 Game-One victory, the Douglas Reid-coached Hoopers were forced to dig deep and hold their composure as the Catherine Hall team battled bravely to level the series. However, amid flaring tempers, Hoopers held on for their win, which ruled out the playing of a Game Three.

"It was a tough game but we did what we had to do," said coach Reid. "I though the officiating was a little bit soft as the officials treated the game as thought it was not a contact sports, nonetheless we (are) happy for this win."

The game started with the Catherine Hall team in charge and putting much pressure on Hoopers in a strategy that paid off as they won the first quarter 17-13. However, Hoopers quickly settled and claimed the second 18-15, which resulted in Catherine Hall enjoying a close 32-31 half-time lead.

In the third quarter, Hoopers finally began to gain the upper hand as they took the quarter 18-14 to move into the final quarter with a 49-46 lead. The final segment was both fast paced and contentious as the battle for supremacy intensified. In the end, Hoopers won the quarter 18-14 to seal victory.

Outstanding

Neil Samuels, with 22 points and seven rebounds; and Omar Bell, who had 10 points, were outstanding for Hoopers. Gayon Malcolm, with a game-high 22 points; and Durwain McIntosh, who had 15 points, emerged the top players for Catherine Hall.

By virtue of crowning themselves western champions, the Hoopers team has now earn the right to represent the region in the NBL All-Island play-off, which will feature the winners from the other regions. The winner of the All-Island play-off will be crowned national champions.

"Going into the national play-off, we will have to step up our game because we know that the teams, especially from Kingston, usually play a more solid game to our teams," said coach Reid.

"Nonetheless, we are looking forward to representing the west well and creating an impact."