The KFC National Basketball League Finals began on Wednesday night, June 24, at the Beausejour Gymnasium with a nail-biting start to the best-of-three series. The Bonne Terre Blazers moved closer to claiming the Ricky “Skecky” Estwick Trophy after edging out the two-time defending champions, Soufrière Kings, 62-59.
The Blazers finished the first quarter ahead 16-11 after a seven-point run, but the Kings fought back to lead 28-27 at halftime. The Kings entered the last quarter up by two after Linzell Alcee made a layup at the buzzer. However, Bonne Terre tightened their defence and put together an 18-13 run in the final quarter to close out the win.
This was the first time the Kings lost a knockout playoff game since 2023, when the Blazers won the championship. The men from Sulphur City had not lost in the finals for the past two years.
The Louison brothers led the Blazers to victory. Troy scored 19 points, including two three-pointers, and added 10 rebounds, three assists, and five steals. Andre finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. Lance Louis added 12 points, five assists, and three steals.
For Soufrière, Kimani Charles scored 16 points and had four assists. Clayton William added 11 points and seven rebounds, while Linzell Alcee finished with 10 points. Jayzee Saltibus grabbed 20 rebounds and scored 13 points. Sydney Didier struggled with scoring, finishing with six points, but contributed seven assists and six steals.
It was a very close game, and Soufrière will need to regroup before Game 2 on Friday night at the same venue. Both teams finished with 43 rebounds and 17 turnovers, and each made 23 field goals. However, the Blazers were more efficient, helped by Troy Louison attacking the paint all night.
The action continues on Friday with a women’s exhibition game at 7 p.m., followed by Game 2 between the Blazers and Kings at 8:30 p.m.
