Willful Skillful, coached by Ronald Simmonds aka ‘Gola’, swept Young Starz, who were coached and managed by Bryon D. Massicot, to advance to the championship in the Junior Division of the Honourable Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League. Photo: VINO/File

Junior Bayside Blazers have been eliminated from the 2019 Honourable Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League. Photo: Team of Reporters

Junior Bayside Blazers were severely hampered by the injury of their star player, Malaki A. Smith. Photo: VINO/File

Defending Champions Senior Bayside Blazers are also facing elimination in the second round playoffs of the 2019 Honourable Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League. Photo: Team of Reporters

There were only two junior games and it was a ‘do or die’ for Junior Bayside Blazers and Young Starz. They both ended up being ‘clean sweep’ victims in the best of three series after losing their first games last weekend.

Willful Skillful vs Young Starz

It was an easy second win for Willful Skillful coached by Ronald Simmonds aka ‘Gola.’ Young Starz, who were coached and managed by Bryon D. Massicot, did not put up much of a fight from the second quarter.

In the end the score was Willful Skillful- 68, Young Starz- 43.

Jr Bayside Blazers vs Shooting Starz

In the second game, it was a tougher fight between Jr Bayside Blazers coached by Nathaniel J. Malone.

In the first three quarters, the Junior Bayside Blazers had the lead; however, by the fourth quarter it seemed like they ran out of juice.

Jr Bayside Blazers’ big player got injured

In addition, the Jr Blazers star player flown in for the game, Malaki A. Smith, had a minor injury to his left toe, which began to affect his game.

In the fourth quarter, when they needed Smith the most, he had to sit out. Shooting Starz, managed and coached by veteran sports organisor Mr Milton C. McLean, eventually won the game and advanced to the 2019 championship. 

The final score was Shooting Stars- 75, Junior Bayside Blazers- 68.

The only hope now left for the Bayside Blazers brand is the Senior Division where the defending champions, along with 79, are facing elimination after losing their first game in the second round in the best of 3 playoff series.

Games back on

Games are expected to continue from Friday, November 15, 2019 when the Junior Championship will start between Willful Skillful and Shooting Starz, as well as the continuation of second round action in the Senior Division.

As of publication time, no official schedule from the Hon Julian Fraser League had been released. Public Relations Officer Honourable Julian Willock, when reached, said he was "getting on a flight and could not speak."