The Tribune

By JONATHAN BURROWS

Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

THE Nassau Flight Services Ballers left no doubts about who owns the Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association (BGDBA) championship, completing a four-game championship sweep of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Panthers with a narrow 79-77 victory in game four at the A.F. Adderley Gym to capture their second consecutive title and finish the season undefeated.

The Ballers had to dig deep in the championship-clinching game, overcoming an early deficit before holding off a late Panthers push to preserve their perfect season and add another championship to their young but growing collection.

Head coach Christopher Moss described the achievement as a special moment for the organisation, particularly given the consistency the team has displayed since entering the league.

“Man, it’s an honour. It’s an honour to be in a league like this, and for us to come in here and repeat as champions, that speaks volumes,” Moss said. “I think this could be a dynasty, so let’s keep looking forward.”

The championship victory was not without its challenges, as the Panthers came out with plenty of energy and established an early advantage, leading 21-14 at the end of the first quarter. However, the Ballers responded with a dominant second period, outscoring their opponents 32-20 to take a 46-41 lead into the half. The Panthers refused to go quietly, keeping the game within reach throughout the second half before the defending champions managed to close out the two-point victory.

Moss credited his players’ experience in championship situations for helping them navigate the pressure of the closing stages, noting that the group understood what was required when the game was on the line.

“We’ve been there before. We know what it takes, we know what needs to be done, and the guys just got it done,” he said.

Now two time finals MVP Abel Joseph delivered another championship-worthy performance, leading all scorers with 33 points on 13-of-25 shooting from the field, including four three-pointers. He also grabbed seven rebounds, recorded three steals and dished out two assists in 40 minutes.

Kemsey Sylvestre added a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Shantoin Pratt and Anthony Dummett contributed six points apiece. Xavier Thompson chipped in five points.

The Panthers received 19 points each from Brandon Strachan and Roosevelt Whyly. Whyly also dominated the boards with 16 rebounds and added six assists, while Jeremy Neely finished with 12 points and William Rigby recorded a double-double of 10 points and 17 rebounds.

The foundation of the Ballers’ success was established long before the championship series, with the team’s commitment to preparation and building trust among its players proving instrumental throughout the season.

He acknowledged the work required to keep the group focused, particularly when players had to make sacrifices to attend practices and maintain the standard expected of a championship-winning team.

“Practice, practice, practice, conditioning and trusting. I don’t think we would get it done at all if we didn’t put in all the work, the bruises and everything that comes with getting them to practice,” Moss said.

One of the biggest challenges during the deciding game was ensuring his players remained focused after their strong second-quarter response. With the championship within reach, Moss said he had to remind them that the job was not yet complete.

He explained that the team initially appeared to be celebrating the moment before securing the result, something he was determined to correct before the Panthers could take advantage. “We can’t go to another game. We have to finish it now,” Moss said. “I think they tasted the moment too early, but we had to get them to understand that it ain’t finished yet. Finish it, and then we celebrate.” That message ultimately resonated as the Ballers maintained their composure and secured the victory to complete the sweep.

The latest championship also represents another milestone in what has been an impressive run for the organisation.

According to Moss, the Ballers have reached the championship series in each of their three seasons since joining the league, losing in their first appearance but winning the title in consecutive seaons after.

He also pointed to the team’s relatively small number of defeats over the past four years as evidence of the consistency they have worked to establish. “We lost about four games in four years, two games last year and two the year before,” he said.

With another championship secured, Moss is already looking towards the possibility of an even greater achievement next season, as the Ballers attempt to make it three consecutive titles. “Most definitely. The sky’s the limit. Once we keep putting in the work and putting Him first, He’ll do the rest,” he said.