How Do the Panades Taste in Peini, Punta Gorda?

27th June 2025

The Jungle is unforgiving — not just the sweltering heat of Belize, but the unrelenting competition night after night. For five consecutive weeks, at least one matchup has pushed beyond regulation. The margins? Razor-thin. The storylines? Gripping. The stakes? Growing by the second.

Across the country, young men are stepping into the spotlight — homegrown talents, rising through sweat and sacrifice, blending with the Belizean-Americans, 1 Foreigner and naturalized players seasoned by NCAA courts and college arenas. The result? A hard-nosed, fast-paced, physical brand of basketball that feels uniquely Belizean — raw, electric, impossible to turn away from. To those who once questioned whether this league should even exist? Look around. Belize doesn’t just play basketball — Belize breathes it.

But let’s dive into this weekend’s pivotal showdowns.

The buzz begins with Julian Gomez, the 15-year-old sensation from Corozal, whose highlight-reel dunk and statement block set social media ablaze. The Cerros Suns continue to defy expectations with grit, hustle, and heart — their upset over the Thunderbolts proved they’re a threat. If they can maintain composure for a full 40 minutes and cut down the unforced errors, the Suns could rewrite more narratives this season.

Their next test? A doubleheader against the increasingly dangerous Griga Dream Ballers, a team constantly evolving. Just weeks ago, it was Gabriel Taylor making headlines with clutch plays. Now, they’ve bolstered their arsenal with none other than Kirk “Shaba” Smith, national team stalwart and defensive anchor capable of guarding all five positions for a relentless 94 feet.

But it was the steady hands of Raheem Thurton that guided them to victory last game — leading all scorers with 16 points, stepping up precisely when MVP candidate Deshawn Brackett was limited to just 15 minutes of action. Brackett still delivered 12 points in that short stretch — a testament to his firepower — but Griga’s depth, resilience, and strategic additions are reshaping their identity. They might have lost their Boogie man with “The Hammer”  gone, but now they have the personnel to win close games they once let slip away.

Out west, it’s pure pride on the line. The iconic Battle for the West returns as the division-leading Cayo Western Ballaz, ranked #2 overall, face the formidable Capital City Kings on the road. Cayo enters with momentum, but unless the Kings dictate the tempo, dominate inside, and capitalize on turnovers, this could be another feather in the Ballaz’ cap. All eyes are on Nisani ‘Goated’ Mendez, whose near-poster on MVP contender Arik Nicholas last meeting still echoes, and whose 40-point explosion in Belmopan remains etched in local lore. This rematch? Expect intensity.

But the marquee question — the real headline — circles back to Punta Gorda:

How do the Panades taste in Peini?

The San Pedro Tiger Sharks remain untouchable — undefeated at 6-0, the league’s lone perfect squad. With Keon Rowland, Tyrell Griffith, and the strategic brilliance of Coach Kurt “Chengo” Burgess, they’ve built a juggernaut. But their victories? Far from comfortable. Three overtime games. Three escapes. The Sharks have been cornered, caught — yet they slip away every time, leaving opponents hungry for a breakthrough.

Last week, it was the PG Panthers, powered by the dynamic Marquis Cunningham, who nearly served the upset special. They came painfully close — now, fate offers a rematch, this time in the proud, passionate heart of Peini, Punta Gorda.

So, the question remains — will the Panthers finally reel in the Sharks and serve up golden, victorious panades? Or will the community settle once more for refried beans and tortilla — the bitter taste of another near miss, another Shark escape?

This weekend, the court decides.

History’s on the menu. Let’s see how it tastes.