Two-time defending champions Soufriere Kings sit atop the KFC National Basketball League with five wins from six games and a better point spread than their closest rivals, Bonne Terre Blazers. Soufriere won twice last weekend.
On Friday, the league leaders beat the most successful local team, Courts Jets, 71-43. Sydney Didier led with 15 points and six steals, shooting 47 percent from the field. Jayzee Saltibus, the season’s top scorer, added 22 points and 16 rebounds. Rayquan Francis also posted a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Marcian Calderon led Jets with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
On Saturday, the Kings faced a tough challenge from the second-place Morne Gladiators, who had possession with 12 seconds left but could not hold on, losing 64-63.
Linzell Alcee led Soufriere with 16 points and four rebounds, making timely baskets. Saltibus finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Didier added 11 points and five rebounds. For Gladiators, Shamoir JnBaptiste scored 11 points, and Jayxan Justin had 10 points and 14 rebounds.
Also on the weekend, Bonne Terre Blazers edged South Coast Basketball 62-58. Orin Thomas recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Troy Louison scored a game-high 18 points. For South Coast, Kurt “Bawse Cartel” Raphael had 14 points, and Tim Baptiste scored 13.
Courts Jets bounced back from their loss to Soufriere by outlasting Firedup Fitness 104-43. Tristan James finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. Ryan Philogene led all scorers with 28 points, nine rebounds, and eight steals. Garick George added 16 points.
The competition continues on Wednesday at the Beausejour Gymnasium.
