By Tyriq Walters | December 2024
The North Ruimveldt Ravens emerged victorious in the Guyana Basketball Federation’s Elite 16 Knockout tournament, defeating the Victory Valley Royals in an intense match that stretched into the early hours of Sunday morning at the National Gymnasium.
The Ravens, led by the dynamic duo of Shamar Huntley and Captain Dominic Vincente, initially edged out the Royals with a narrow 15-14 lead in the first quarter.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the second quarter as Nikolai Smith, a recent transfer from the Plaisance Guardians, delivered a series of three-pointers, giving the Ravens a commanding 37-28 lead at halftime.
Despite a strong effort from the Royals, it was veteran Ryan Stephaney’s stellar performance in the final quarter that sealed the Ravens’ win.
Captain Dominic Vincente attributed the team’s success to their collective sense of togetherness, stating, “The key is togetherness, if we didn’t pull it out together, we wouldn’t have come out victorious. We had to collectively come together, pull one goal, and we came out victorious.”
The Ravens’ victory earned them a $300,000 prize, while the Victory Valley Royals took home $100,000 for finishing second.
Stabroek Eagles secured third place and a $50,000 cash prize, with MVP Nikolai Smith receiving an additional $25,000 for his exceptional performance.
The Ravens’ win cements their status as the top basketball team in Guyana.