Wolves lead the pack

(CNS): Wolves, the most popular team in the Dominos Pizza Men’s Basketball League, is ranked number one in the standings, after 10 weeks of play, the Cayman Islands Basketball Association report. With a wealth of talented players and one of the largest fan bases among local men’s basketball teams, Wolves is strongly rivalling last year’s champion, George Town Sports Club (GTSC) for the honour of most-liked team. Coach of the Wolves, Duran “Trini” Whittaker, attributes his team’s large fan base and popularity to its attitude towards the game. “It’s all about basketball and having fun, while giving the fans what they want – good, hard-fought basketball,” he said. (Photos by Tara Bush. Left: Collin Anglin adds another two points to the board )

Since its inception three years ago, Wolves have made it to the playoffs twice, only to lose in the semi-finals. In the top spot this year, the team is once again poised for a shot at the championship. Coach “Trini” says his team is going all the way because of his secret weapon – Dwight O’Garro — one of the leading players in the league. O’Garro is backed by a roster of other good players, including Gary “Butcher” McLaughlin, Earl Allen and Carson Fagan.

Whittaker said one of the biggest decisions he has to make on game day is who to start and which two players he will not register for the game. Despite Wolves’ enviable position as the league leader, Coach “Trini” knows only too well that the real battle is for the league title. Right: Osmer Miller (#15 Colombia) takes the shot while Sebastian Sache (15 Shaolin) reaches for a rebound.

Defending champions GTSC have lost four games and may find it difficult to make the play offs. Tarheels are going through a rebuilding year and Shaolin has lost three games. Columbia, the team that moved up from Division Two, are in the number three position.

Esso Blazers are in second place, and by all accounts, are in the best position to take the league this season, because they have a deep bench. Like GTSC, Esso Blazers are waiting for their college players to return, but are in a better position with enough skilled players to take them through the season. Silver Bullets, who have a weak bench but five very good players, are in sixth position.

National Basketball Technical Director, Victor “Voot” O’Garro, said the tournament is a toss up thisyear.

“This is the most balanced men’s league we have ever had. There are no clear winners and while fans may have their favourites it will come down to the last point in the last game before we can determine the dominant team,” he noted. Coach O’Garro explained that the strength of this year’s league be partly attributed to the dismantling of Juniors, which is comprised of U-19 players.

So who will get a chance at the playoffs? Which of the four teams – Wolves, GTSC, Shaolin or Columbia — will take the championship trophy?

With the skills amongst the players and coaches on an equal level, it comes down to the X factor – who wants the championship more.

The Dominos Pizza Men’s League games continue every Sunday and on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at the courts off Eastern Avenue.

Photos: Osmer Miller (#15 Colombia) takes the shot while Sebastian Sache (15 Shaolin) reaches for a rebound.
colombia vs shoalin 2
Collin Anglin adds another two points to the board.