The latest round of BOV Division One basketball delivered another weekend of close finishes, standout performances, and dominant victories. Hibernians’ hard-fought win over Starlites JSD took centre stage as the highlight game, showcasing a battle against the league leaders and the title holders on both ends of the court. Luxol Sherries Estates edged Valletta Lions in a nail-biter that went down to the final seconds, while Athleta showcased their firepower in a commanding win against Tigers BT. Earlier in the week, Luxol reinforced their dominance with a convincing victory over the Tigers.
Malta Basketball reviews last weekend’s games to bring you the highlights and standout performances.
Hibernians vs Starlites JSD
Hibernians claimed an 85-78 victory over Starlites in a game that featured a high-scoring duel. Starlites’ Trevon Reddish-Rhone was sensational, scoring 35 points, including key baskets to keep his team competitive. For Hibernians, Ivan Demcesen’s 24 points and Derek Brown’s efficient shooting from the perimeter provided the offensive edge. Hibernians dominated the paint, with Demcesen’s second-chance points and Tedrick Wolfe’s transition play contributing to their success. Despite the introduction of new player Chris Paul, Starlites were undone by turnovers at critical moments, which Hibernians capitalised on to pull ahead late in the game.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Hibernians’ inside scoring and rebounding prowess were crucial against a Starlites side that relied heavily on Reddish-Rhone’s offensive output. Hibernians also showed composure at the free-throw line in the closing stages, sealing their victory with critical shots from Wolfe and Brown. Starlites displayed admirable energy but lacked the defensive discipline to contain Hibernians’ balanced attack.
Leaders on Offence and Defence
- Offensive Leader: Trevon Reddish (Starlites) – 35 points, showcasing versatility and scoring from all areas.
- Defensive Leader: Ivan Demcesen (Hibernians) – Dominated the boards and provided critical second-chance opportunities.
CHECK OUT THE FULL MALTA BASKETBALL RECAP HERE…
Valletta Lions vs Luxol Sherries Estates
In a gripping encounter, Luxol edged Valletta 85-84 in the game’s final moments. Myles Carter led Valletta with a standout 32-point performance, including clutch baskets that kept his team in the fight. Luxol’s Darron Howard contributed 19 points and hit crucial free throws, while Caleb Jones-McCrary added 25 points, dominating in the paint. The game saw multiple lead changes, with both teams trading scoring runs throughout. This game saw the introduction of former Tigers BT guard Serge Hamparsumian as a new Valletta player.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Valletta’s offensive effort was spearheaded by Carter and Eric Terry, whose interior scoring posed challenges for Luxol. However, Luxol’s depth and composure under pressure proved decisive. Nenad Bukva’s perimeter shooting complemented Jones-McCrary’s inside presence, and Howard’s leadership ensured Luxol stayed calm during tense moments.
Leaders on Offence and Defence
- Offensive Leader: Myles Carter (Valletta) – 32 points, with several key baskets late in the game.
- Defensive Leader: Caleb Jones-McCrary (Luxol) – Controlled the paint with scoring and rebounding.
CHECK OUT THE FULL MALTA BASKETBALL RECAP HERE…
Tigers BT vs AtoZ Athleta
Athleta overpowered Tigers BT 109-65 in a game that showcased their offensive firepower. Kurt James led the charge with 34 points, including several emphatic dunks and second-chance baskets. Caleb Matthews was lethal from beyond the arc, contributing 18 points, while Maxwell Amoafo added 24 points and controlled the boards. Tigers BT relied heavily on Kendall Jordan, who scored 20 points but found little support from his teammates.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Athleta’s balanced scoring and defensive intensity overwhelmed the Tigers, who struggled to contain their opponents in transition. Athleta excelled in creating turnovers and converting them into easy points, while their superior depth allowed them to sustain pressure throughout the game. Tigers BT lacked the offensive consistency to challenge Athleta’s dominance.
Leaders on Offence and Defence
- Offensive Leader: Kurt James (Athleta) – 34 points, with efficiency and flair.
- Defensive Leader: Maxwell Amoafo (Athleta) – Dominated the boards and provided a strong interior presence.
CHECK OUT THE FULL MALTA BASKETBALL RECAP HERE…
Luxol vs Tigers (Thursday’s Game)
Luxol controlled their midweek clash against Tigers BT, winning decisively 109-65. Darron Howard starred with 33 points, combining deadly perimeter shooting with fast-break finishes. Caleb Jones-McCrary added 24 points, showcasing his athleticism and control inside the paint. Tigers, led by Albert Varcallo, struggled to match Luxol’s pace and efficiency.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Luxol’s superior ball movement and balanced scoring outmatched the Tigers’ efforts. Howard’s scoring runs set the tone early, and Luxol capitalised on turnovers to build a commanding lead. Tigers lacked the defensive organisation to slow down Luxol’s offence and relied too heavily on individual efforts.
Leaders on Offence and Defence
- Offensive Leader: Darron Howard (Luxol) – 33 points, including sharp shooting from beyond the arc.
- Defensive Leader: Caleb Jones-McCrary (Luxol) – Dominated in transition and on the boards.
CHECK OUT THE FULL MALTA BASKETBALL RECAP HERE…
