Monday's Hugh Campbell Final will be a rematch of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) championship series, as Sunday's semi-finals was by far the most exciting day of the tournament. The double-header featured the best teams in the tournament, two Nassau versus Freeport contests, and in the end, the Nassau teams prevailed quite convincingly. This is the first time in seven years that two teams from the capital will meet in the Hugh Campbell championship game.
Both games were played at the A.F. Adderley Gymnasium.
In the first game yesterday, the C.I. Gibson Rattlers took on the Eight Mile Rock Blue Jays. The Rattlers went on to defeat the Blue Jays in a blowout, 71-48.
C.I. Gibson was powered by a balanced scoring attack as well as a strong game from their star point guard Shakwon Lewis, who finished the game with seven points, four rebounds and two steals. Diandre Jones had a team-high 13 points for the Blue Jays.
Rattlers' Head Coach Kevin Johnson said he was pleased with the way his team executed.
"We were well disciplined on the defensive end and wanted to stay focused on what we have to do," he said. He also said that his team would be ready for the final game.
"We just have to display mental toughness, once we do not play out of character we will be fine," said Johnson.
Coach Johnson also was very pleased with the play of his point guard.
"He is a natural point guard, and he has our team going in the right direction, and that's what a point guard does," said Johnson.
The second game of the evening was also won in a blowout, as the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins jumped ahead and stayed in front winning the game, 79-50. The Marlins were led by their shooting guard Brendon Stubbs, who finished with 17 points to go along with five rebounds and four steals.
Doris Johnson suffocated the Jaguars all game wit their defensive pressure, forcing multiple turnovers and contesting every shot the Jaguars took. Marlins' Head Coach Denykco Bowles said that defense is definitely a priority for his team right now.
"Defensively, we just have to go out and execute the things we worked on all year," he said.
"As long as we do these things, we have a chance to go against anyone."
Coach Bowles also talked about the confidence he has in his team going into the final game.
"Our shots are starting to fall now, and we are more comfortable behind the three-point line," said Coach Bowles.
"We struggled with our shooting all year and now that we are getting hot, I like our chances going forward."
The final game is set for tonight at 8 p.m. at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium.

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