Author: paulflowers@dpmfinancials.com

The Weather Reports predicts SUNNY SKIES

The Weather Reports predicts SUNNY SKIES over COROZAL

Jungle Rewind: Thunderbolts vs Cerros Suns

Suns Rise in Corozal: Rudon and Clifton Lead Cerros Past Thunderbolts in Thriller

By Paul Flowers Jr. | May 31, 2025

COROZAL TOWN – On a spirited Saturday night in front of a roaring home crowd at the Andres Campos Civic Center, the Corozal Cerros Suns claimed a dramatic 67-65 win over the Belize City Thunderbolts, powered by standout performances from Greg Rudon and Jamaal Clifton. This was the biggest win for Corozal pro basketball in over 17 years, and their newly minted General Manager Lupito Acosta might just have earned enough votes to run for office after this monumental triumph.

This historic clash marked a Manan vs Toucan Conference showdown between these two teams, and the energy was unmatched. It was the largest crowd to attend a pro basketball game in Corozal since 2017, with a dynamic atmosphere that reminded Victor Evans of the Dangriga vibes, even without the presence of the signature drums.

The game started with both teams trading early baskets. Glency Lopez and Michael Caseras connected on quick field goals to get the Thunderbolts rolling, but Brandon Rogers and Rudon responded in kind. Matthew Young asserted himself early on the boards with several putbacks. The quarter ended in a tight 19–19 draw.

Lopez was particularly sharp in transition, converting two tough layups in traffic, while the Suns kept pace with a late drive and dish from Clifton to Ray Cruz that capped off a balanced first quarter.

The Thunderbolts got a lift off the bench from Greg Fisher and Everal Tablada, who provided hustle and mid-range production in the second quarter. But Corozal leaned heavily on Rudon’s perimeter shooting and Jamaal Clifton’s inside dominance. The two combined for 17 of the Suns’ 35 first-half points. Still, despite the Suns’ burst, Lopez kept Belize City even with clutch drives. The half closed with the scoreboard knotted at 35–35.

A key sequence late in the quarter saw Clifton snatch an offensive rebound, kick it to Rudon for a wing three, then follow it with a putback bucket the next trip down. Lopez answered with a pull-up jumper and a pair of free throws to keep things level heading into the break.

The Suns came out hot in the third quarter. A quick flurry from Marquis Williams and a triple by Rudon gave Corozal a seven-point cushion. Lopez and Young fought back, with Young cleaning the glass and finishing inside, but turnovers from Belize City’s bench allowed Corozal to keep the lead. Clifton dominated the paint, grabbing tough boards and hitting a key midrange jumper. The Suns edged ahead 51–49 heading into the final frame.

At one point, Corozal threatened to pull away, but a steal and layup from Lopez followed by a late tip-in from Tablada sparked a mini Thunderbolt rally that set up a thrilling final ten minutes.

The final quarter was a seesaw affair. Every time Corozal made a push—through Rudon’s crafty drives or Clifton’s rebounding—Lopez answered with clutch buckets. A Lopez layup tied it at 55, then a long three gave Belize City a brief lead. But Corozal’s poise prevailed. Rudon nailed a momentum-shifting triple with 1:15 left, then Clifton iced it at the line. The Suns outscored the Thunderbolts 23–18 in the final quarter to secure the 74–67 victory.

Velasquez delivered the dagger with a baseline floater with under a minute left after a series of offensive rebounds. Lopez missed a contested three in response, and Corozal’s crowd erupted as the Suns dribbled out their biggest win in nearly two decades.

Top Performers

Thunderbolts

Cerros Suns

Glency Lopez – 25 pts, 8 ast

Greg Rudon – 22 pts, 7 reb

Matthew Young – 15 pts, 27 reb, 2 blk

Jamaal Clifton – 17 pts, 12 reb, 3 ast

Michael Caseras – 9 pts, 7 reb

Isienie Velasquez – 11 pts, 4 reb, 2 stl

🔹 Team Trends

  • Cerros Suns: Shot 36.7% FG, 4-of-21 from three, won the turnover battle late.
  • Thunderbolts: Shot 40.3% FG, grabbed a monstrous 55 rebounds but couldn’t convert second chances.
  • Total turnovers: 56 combined.
  • Thunderbolts were just 3-of-11 from beyond the arc.

Final Word

This win puts Corozal firmly on the map. Rudon is proving to be a premier scorer in the BPBL, while Clifton—aka Jeff Clifton—is looking every bit the anchor this squad needs.

For Belize City, the warning signs are flashing. Despite monster nights from Coope and Young, the Thunderbolts need more composure and help from their supporting cast. Neither Eyan Rene nor Victor Evans suited up in this one, and with two remaining roster changes still available, the Thunderbolts are expected to make a major move soon if they hope to stay in the championship conversation.

Matthew Young made history with 27 rebounds, dominating the glass like a man possessed. But his finishing touch around the rim betrayed him—his lack of polish and conversion on second-chance opportunities became a glaring weakness. For all his effort and production, this is the next step in his evolution to elite status in the BPBL.

The Suns have officially lit the fuse in the Toucan Conference. With a road trip to PG for a doubleheader against the Panthers up next, a sweep would propel them into second place and put them firmly in the driver’s seat to play for the Cup championship. Watch out—things are heating up.

Stay locked into Jungle Rewind for all your BPBL drama and deep dives.

By Paul Flowers jr

Western Ballers Prove they can do it Twice

Ballers Strike Late to Down the Kings in Belmopan Showdown

Jungle Rewind: Kings vs Ballers

Ballers Strike Late to Down the Kings in Belmopan Showdown

By Paul Flowers Jr. | May 30, 2025

BELMOPAN – In a tightly contested matchup at the UB Gymnasium, the Cayo Western Ballers used a ferocious second-half push to take down the Capital City Kings, 80–70, in a battle that had the home crowd holding their breath until the final minutes. This clash marked the Capital City Kings’ opening night in the BPBL, coinciding with the bustling National Agricultural and Trade Show—Belmopan’s largest annual event. While the crowd arrived fashionably late, they packed the UB Gymnasium to near capacity, igniting the arena with thunderous energy. This was easily the largest crowd to attend a professional basketball game in Belmopan since their championship run in 2017.

On the heels of a slow start in game one that saw the Kings go down by 25 points in the first half, the Kings brought the early energy this time around. They jumped out with purpose, riding the shot-making of Brandon Flowers, who poured in 13 of his team-high 18 points in the opening quarter—including two triples that set off a fiery 8–0 start. Jayden Lopez added nifty drives and a silky layup, and John Kelly was a force on the glass, helping the Kings secure an 18–15 lead after one.

But the Ballers started to settle. Arik Nicholas, a former Arizona Christian standout, began to assert himself with early free throws and a transition finish. On the other side, his ex-college teammate Nisani Mendez entered the game off the Kings’ bench and immediately made his presence felt—scoring 9 points in the first half with a blend of aggressive drives and timely jumpers. Meanwhile, the relentless Dennis Flowers III came alive with aggressive scoring on both ends. By the second quarter, Dennis had already notched double digits, punctuating the half with a clutch layup that cut the Kings’ lead to 35–31.

The third quarter was all Cayo. Arik Nicholas and Dennis Flowers III detonated for a combined 20 points in the frame, including a 22–9 run that flipped the script. While Dennis caught fire from deep—burying back-to-back threes—many of the opportunities came from sloppy turnovers by Belmopan’s supporting cast. These miscues fueled Cayo’s transition game, allowing them to push the pace and seize momentum. Meanwhile, Jahiem Ciego controlled the paint with putbacks and hustle plays, adding to the Kings’ third-quarter woes.

Suddenly, the Kings looked out of sync. Nisani Mendez tried to keep the hosts afloat with an and-one drive and a late triple, but turnovers piled up and the Ballers pushed the pace. Kerwin Palacio provided key bench minutes, including an energy-boosting layup and two big free throws.

Entering the fourth, Cayo led 63–54, and the Ballers never looked back.

Though Brandon Flowers returned with a strong close, including a pair of midrange jumpers and two free throws, Cayo’s core proved too much. The Ballers had pushed the lead to nine entering the fourth, but Belmopan battled back to within five before Brandon Flowers hit a momentum-shifting dagger three with just over two minutes remaining, giving the Kings a last gasp of hope. Still, Dennis Flowers III responded by taking full control, ending with a game-high 28 points on 8-of-14 shooting, 6 threes, and 6 rebounds. Arik Nicholas added 25 points, 7 boards, and 100% shooting from the line, helping seal the win.

The Kings, while spirited, couldn’t find enough from their bench. Their bigs struggled to handle Ciego inside, and 14 turnovers limited their second-chance opportunities. Yet, the flashes from young talents like Nisani Mendez, Jayden Lopez, Jevaughn McKenzie, and Shane Pratt hint at a promising future. If Belmopan is to build a franchise that resonates with the community, they must find the patience and style to incorporate and develop these rising stars into a sustainable core.

Top Performers

Cayo BallersCapital City Kings 
Dennis Flowers III – 28 pts, 6 reb, 6 threesBrandon Flowers – 18 pts, 8 reb
Arik Nicholas – 25 pts, 7 reb, 6 FTMJames Moore – 12 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast
Jahiem Ciego – 10 reb, 6 pts, 3 stlJohn Kelly – 6 pts, 11 reb

Team Trends

  • Cayo shot 43.1% from the field and 38.9% from deep, with a deadly 85% clip from the line.

  • Capital City Kings struggled from beyond the arc: 5-of-23 (21.7%).

  • Kings’ turnovers: 28 total, leading to 20 Cayo points.

  • The Ballers outrebounded the Kings 41–43, with Ciego and Palacio providing the edge.

  • Cayo’s bench contributed 18 points versus just 14 for Belmopan.

Final Word

This was a gutsy, late-blooming win for the Cayo Western Ballers, who now look like serious contenders in the Jaguar Division. With Dennis Flowers III showing MVP-level form and Arik Nicholas asserting himself as a top-tier force, the Ballers have found a dangerous rhythm. Both are firmly in the early-season MVP conversation, and it’s far too soon to dub either the sidekick—this duo is still figuring out who’s Batman and who’s Robin.

For the Kings, Brandon Flowers looked every bit the franchise cornerstone, but he needs more help. The forward-center rotations are still shaky, and the team must address turnover woes to remain competitive.

This was more than a W—it was a warning. The Ballers are here, they’re deep, and they’re hungry.

By Paul Flowers Jr

Game of the Week Preview

Best of the West: Round 2 – Fire di Come!

Best of the West: Round 2 – Fire di Come!

This weekend, Belmopan City wah get hot! There’s going to be heat, there’s going to be fire, and yes—there’s going to be a battle! Horses wah deh pon di run, bulls wah show dehn horns, vendors wah di hustle, and of course—Agric wah di gwaan!

But beyond the rodeo vibes and long lines, there’s something even bigger brewing—something that wah mek that “Pan” feel like a pressure cooker. If you haven’t guessed it yet, we di talk ‘bout di clash in the BPBL Jungle: Cayo vs. Belmopan or a good old-fashioned Battle of the West.

Now, anybody weh grow up between the twin towns and the Garden City knows this rivalry is more than just basketball. It’s a love-hate dance. Belmopan got the ministers, embassies, and government offices. Cayo? Dehn got the vibes—best BBQ, serious nightlife, and deals straight outta Melchor.

Right now in the BPBL, it’s the Capital City Kings representing Belmopan, and the Western Ballaz holding it down for Cayo. Tonight, they clash again in a high-stakes rematch. The last time these two squared off, the Ballaz ran the show—77 to 57, behind a 27-point explosion from none other than Dennis Flowers III, who had fans saying, “Wait—who da dis bwai?”

Add in some fireworks from Aaron Alison, who dropped 3 treys like it was nothing, plus steady contributions from Ciego, Molina, and the silent killer Kerwin Palacio (Belmopan bwai, mind you), and it was clear: Cayo came to handle business.

But don’t write off the Kings just yet. That first game was deep in Cayo, on the hot cement court, in front of a loud home crowd, where wins don’t come easy. And let’s not forget—Cayo thief half of their team! Palacio? Gone. Arik Nicholas and Ciego? Also gone, straight from the south.

Despite that, a deeper look at the numbers tells a different story. Belmopan actually out-rebounded Cayo 41 to 35, and edged them in steals. Turnovers were nearly even. Cayo just shot better from deep—8 for 20, while Belmopan only managed 5 for 15.

But back in the Garden, that stat could easily flip. Call me crazy, but I see three big reasons this game could swing Belmopan’s way:

  1. They’ve had two weeks to prepare. And nobody knows Coach Tarr’s system like Coach Williams.
  2. Cayo’s squad is already set, while Belmopan might still have a few tricks up their sleeve we haven’t seen yet.
  3. Home court, baby. Ain’t nothing like playing in your own yard, especially when Agric weekend has the whole city buzzing.

Let’s keep it real—Belmopan has their backs against the wall. If their new imports don’t show up tonight, it’s pack up time. But if they come out running, playing defense like bulls with horns, and take advantage of every steal and every bounce, we could have a whole different ball game.

So, if you love ball, rivalry, and a whole heap of excitement, don’t miss this one. The BPBL Game of the Week is going to be hot.

It’s going to be fire.

Coach Jamell Wagner

Jamell Wagner is a Three Time Champion with 4 Championship appearances in the last 5 years.

BPBL Power Ranking – Week 2

BPBL Power ranking

Week 2

 

BPBL Power Rankings – Week 2
The League Takes Shape

Week 2 has added definition to the BPBL landscape. The San Pedro Tiger Sharks made the biggest splash, handing the Thunderbolts their first loss in a high-scoring 109-101 battle—proving their depth and composure under pressure.

The Thunderbolts, led by Glency Lopez and Victor Evans, still look dangerous but now have questions to answer. Meanwhile, the Dream Ballers bounced back with a statement win behind a 32-point, 13-board explosion from their star forward Milton.

What’s clear across the board: the teams with strong local cores are rising. The league’s bet on Belizean talent is paying off early, and Week 2 gave us a real glimpse of who’s ready for the long haul.

Let’s dive into this week’s Power Rankings.

7. Punta Gorda Panthers-Toucan

The Panthers have experienced the most challenging stumble out of the gate. As a newly assembled team with a rookie coach, owner, and GM, they began their season midweek with the first Thursday night game of the year. The lineup featured some surprises, both in terms of who appeared and who was absent. Former Griga forward and last season’s MVP runner-up, Jonathan Guzman, made his debut, while Chance Leslie, who once scored 10 three-pointers against the Canes before suffering an injury setback, also took the court. Expected to play was power forward Daniel Estes, who emerged as an unstoppable force in the 2024 playoffs, but he was a no-show. In a surprise appearance, legendary Belize National Team power forward and two-time champion Alex Carcamo joined the lineup.

Unfortunately, what promised to be an exciting duel was overshadowed by tragedy when Guzman suffered a significant injury in the second quarter. Although there were bright spots and special moments, the absence of the two projected powerhouses, Guzman and Estes, proved insurmountable for the Panthers. Their main challenge is personnel: they urgently need to get their power players either replaced or into the country if they hope to assert themselves in the Toucan Conference.

Essentially, the Panthers must right their ship by next weekend, as their two upcoming games against the Corozal Sirrus Suns may very well serve as the first elimination series of the young season—only one team can advance to the conference championship. We’ll be watching the plane manifests closely over the next two weeks

6. corozal cerros suns-Toucan

The youngest team in the league entered the competition with much more than most expected. The Andres Campus Stadium, newly renovated by the Ministry of Sports, drew a large crowd eager to witness the historic debut of the Suns in the 2025 tournament. The Suns faced a tough matchup against the three-time champions, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks, and to the surprise of many, held their own for the entire first half and most of the third quarter.

Considering this was both the management’s and players’ first time in the arena and city, it was a welcome and refreshing experience for everyone who attended and contributed to making this a reality in Corozal. Visibly nervous, the team struggled with poor shooting all night, and their turnovers only helped give the Sharks extra possessions. Over the past two weeks, the team has had time to make necessary adjustments, but life gets no easier as the number two team in the league, the Belize City Thunderbolts, comes to town with plenty of energy and motivation. Corozal will need to grow up quickly if they want to defend their city against a Thunderbolts attack that has scored 100+ points in all three of its games so far.

The lone bright and consistent spot for the Suns was Ray “Uncle” Cruz, a champion in his own right. Cruz proved that all he needed was time and opportunity; now, the question is whether he can maintain that consistency. The Suns have firepower in Greg Rudon, a former 50-point scorer, and last year’s starting small forward and sharpshooter, Brandon Rogers. With Rupert Brown—an experienced coach with a teacher’s heart—at the helm, the young players are expected to develop quickly, and this team should get stronger as the season progresses.

5. Belmopan Capital City Kings - Mayan

Every king needs a kingdom, and that is the task facing Capital City this weekend. After being blown off the court last Saturday night, the Kings have had two weeks to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it. Changes are in the air for the Kings, but these personnel adjustments are being kept close to the vest. The disappointing performance of the foreign players left a lasting impression after the dust settled, so any changes are likely to come from that group. However, many outside observers believe the roster itself isn’t the problem—Belmopan is stacked with talent. The real questions revolve around who was playing when and how mentally ready the team was to take the floor on opening night. Perhaps some misplaced confidence and a blatantly late arrival contributed to a lackluster approach, leading to an early 25+ point deficit in the first half.

Now, retribution time has arrived, with the team marketing this matchup as the “revenge game.” Both Cayo and Belmopan are coming off losses, and given the competitive nature of the Mayan Conference, neither can afford another defeat this weekend. Belmopan needs this win if they are to build a fanbase that will rally behind a well-constructed local roster. Their two young stars, Jayden Lopez and Nissani Mendez, need to step up their production if the Kings want to hold court in the Mayan Conference.

The bright spot for the Kings was their second-half play, as the entire team matched the Western Ballers point for point after falling into a deep hole. The emergence of a leader on the court also bodes well for the Kings’ rebound, as Brandon “Puddy” Flowers—a champion—emerged as an unstoppable force in the paint from the wing in the second half. Arik and the Ballers will need a plan to stop Puddy, or it could be a 30+ point performance on Friday night from arguably one of the best power forwards in the country.

Highly recruited John Kelly, expected to be the breakout player of the season after his dominant performance in the 2024 Championship series, has yet to find his footing and identity in the capital. Rookie Head coach Stephen “Merte” Williams has had two weeks to review the tapes and was seen in Griga watching the Ballers in person this past weekend. Most of next week’s analysis will focus on how well he adjusted to the Western Ballers. We’ll be eagerly awaiting those adjustments.

             4. cayo western Ballers – mayan

The Western Ballers’ fall from first place to fourth is less about their own performance this weekend and more about the personnel adjustments made by the two teams of three teams that passed them. This shift is a testament to the evolving talent pool in the league rather than any major missteps on their part. However, there were still plenty of mistakes that contributed to their slide during their second game in Griga last weekend.

The most glaring issue was the lack of consistent performance from Dennis Flowers III. After a 25+ point performance in the home opener, where Flowers looked like the best point guard in the league, he was significantly stifled in Griga by two point guards determined to show that the race for top dog is far from over. Another concern for the Western Ballers was the play of Darnell Oden. In game one, Oden looked unstoppable in the paint, creating the illusion that, combined with the well-documented outside shooting of the Caty boys and the high-flying duo of Arik Nicholas and Ciego, this would be a complete team. But in Griga, his production and presence in the paint were nonexistent.

Sharpshooter Curry and the rest of the young guns also struggled, as the bench and supporting cast for the Western Ballers never seemed to get off the bus. As a young team, their main challenge is how the bench and supporting players perform in hostile environments, and they failed that test this time around.

The one bright spot for the Western Ballers in their loss was the emergence of a clear leader both on and off the court in Arik Nicholas. Arik was unfazed by the famously intimidating crowd—in fact, he seemed energized by them. His 20+ points performance, which included four spectacular dunks, justified his preseason hype and has thrust him into the conversation as one of the top players to watch in the league.

Cayo needs to prove they can win on the road before they can be seriously considered Jaguar Cup contenders, especially since the road to the Mayan Conference title will run through some of the league’s most experienced road warriors in Evans, Coope Lopez, and Eyan Rene. They’ll have the chance to change that narrative this weekend when they travel to face a Capital City Kings team already desperate for a win and unable to afford an 0-2 start in the Mayan Conference.

3. Dangriga Dream Ballers - Toucan

After suffering a 20-point blowout at the hands of the Thunderbolts in the season opener, the Dream Ballers didn’t limp home to lick their wounds. On the contrary, they appeared strangely confident and unrattled by the loss. What was clear in that game, however, was that Griga had no presence in the paint and was simply too small to handle the Thunderbolts’ forwards.

On Thursday, Griga stunned the basketball community by announcing the addition of former Cayo Western Ballers and San Pedro Tiger Sharks big man, James “Hammer” Milton. By all indications, Milton bears little resemblance to the player he once was—Hammer 2.0 still brings his trademark intense inside presence and gritty paint play, but now adds a three-point shot and impressive ball-handling, including coast-to-coast drives and assist-generating outlets.

With the addition of longtime NEBL forward Quinton Bowen and the emergence of power forward Antonio Flowers, Griga has made major adjustments over the past tow week under the steady hands of the only GM in the league. Seems like RAN does RUN things in the South. The usual suspects—Boogie Mitchell, Daniel Conque, Raheem Thurton, Kevon Lourie and Deshawn Brackett—the Griga Dream Ballers who annihilated the high-flying Western Ballers at home looked nothing like the team that had their heads handed to them just a week earlier in Belize City, where they gave up 100 points to the Thunderbolts. What a difference a week makes. The Cayo Western Ballers proved themselves worthy of their high praise and former number one status, but they were no match for Milton, whose 32 points and 13 rebounds marked the most dominant performance in the young 2025 BPBL campaign.

One thing is clear: traveling to Griga is something no team in the BPBL is looking forward to, as it’s unlikely anyone will escape the league’s most intimidating home court with a win. The arrival of Milton has vaulted the Griga Dream Ballers to number two status, though they have yet to prove they can repeat this performance on the road. The Thunderbolts have a loss to the Sharks on the road and a big win against Griga at home. They won’t meet again this season to determine the best team on a head-to-head basis, but we only have to wait a couple of weeks to see what happens between the Tiger Sharks and Griga in Griga to have the comparisons needed to determine the true top three teams in the league at this time.

Until then, we’ll place the Dream Ballers in third place behind the Thunderbolts, who have posted three straight 100-point games, earning the right to keep their number two status.

2. Belize city thunderbolts - mayan

The battle for the city was lost in convincing fashion to the city rivals, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks. This defeat cost the Bolts the chance to solidify their meteoric rise to the top of the Jungle Habitat. Now, the once-soaring Thunderbolts have lost their bright sunshine, and the humidity in the air is no longer conducive to lightning strikes.

The bright side of Saturday night’s performance was that the Bolts once again put up 100+ points against their third straight opponent. The flip side, however, is that this time they gave up more than 100 points and looked powerless to stop the Sharks both in the paint and in transition. One standout was the emergence of Glance “Coope” Lopez’s legendary scoring ability. Coope burst onto the scene by recording the league’s first 30+ point game (a feat matched by Hammer Milton the same night) and seemed unstoppable in the open floor, as well as against both zone and man defenses.

However, if the Thunderbolts want to enter the jungle and compete for the Jaguar Championship, they must address a glaring problem in the middle. Matthew Young is a force offensively in the paint, but he lacks the above-the-rim athleticism needed to defend the league’s many high flyers. Larry Johnson is not fond of the physicality inside and seems more comfortable on the perimeter. The best option off the bench at forward is U17 national team standout Michael Caseras, who is playing the best U17 basketball behind Leggy Griffin, but at 6’7”, he lacks the toughness, physicality, and physique to battle bodies in the paint.

With few options inside, the Thunderbolts’ posts were exposed on the forward line, with three Sharks playing hot potato with offensive rebounds all night. Until they solve this issue, they will struggle against all the big teams—which, for now, means the Cayo Western Ballers, Griga Dream Ballers, and San Pedro Tiger Sharks. And last time I checked, only two teams are invited to the Jaguar Championship dance.

Even with Coope scoring 22 and Victor adding 20, it still wasn’t enough to keep up with the Sharks. It’s hard to imagine both Coope and Victor needing to score 30 each just to give the Thunderbolts a chance at victory. The Thunderbolts have some work to do.

1. San Pedro Tiger Sharks-Toucan

The strategic actions and long-term vision of Rico Black have long been the driving force behind the Tiger Sharks’ success. A master planner and personnel arranger, Rico has always been notorious for prioritizing performance over friendships or big names. In the ocean of San Pedro, Rico is the big shark with the largest bite radius and the highest pound-per-square-inch power delivery.

This week, the Sharks faced a tumultuous storm in the form of the undefeated Belize City Thunderbolts and proved once and for all that Sharks are not so easily struck by a thunderbolt of lightning. The Bolts entered the matchup riding high after scoring 207 points in two blowout victories against the Dream Ballers and the lowly PG Panthers, seeming poised to establish themselves as the undisputed apex predator in the jungle. But the Tiger Sharks had other plans.

The arrival of Jehad Wright brought the defense and offense they lacked in game one, along with the experience of a championship guard and the pedigree and IQ of a national team player. Long considered the only person who can match the venerable two-time MVP Victor Evans, Jehad’s addition made the Sharks instant contenders. If that wasn’t enough, Rico Black also secured the one Belizean player who could be considered a foreigner by his skills, yet is a consummate Belizean with an impeccable high school basketball hall of fame career. We are talking about the former national team leader and face of Belize basketball for the past 5 years, in the person of Hon. Minister Devin Daly.

Devin, Jehad, Arana, and American Malik Hunt proved to be the combination that catapulted the Sharks to number one status and made them the frontrunners for the Jaguar Championship Title. The Sharks were simply too complete for the Thunderbolts, forcing them to rethink their options at center and sending them back to the drawing board in search of answers. Brian White has emerged as the number one power forward in the league by posting a 23 piece on the boards on Saturday night. With Brian, Hunt and Leggy Griffin controlling the paint, Daily hitting from distance to keep the guards honest, and Arana and Jehad weaving through the spaces created, the Sharks looked complete, balanced, and clearly in control all night. The Sharks did give up 101 points to the Thunderbolts, suggesting that they need to sure up their defense to truly complete their dominance in this league.

The final score was closer than the game felt, and by the middle of the third quarter, it was clear that the Sharks are the best team in the league—for now.

By The GM

Dream Ballers Rebounds in Home Opener

Milton’s Masterpiece: Dream Ballers Drop 88 on Cayo in Home opener

by paul flowers jr.

The Jungle Rewind

Milton’s Masterpiece: Dream Ballers Drop 88 on Cayo in Griga Home Opener

By Paul Flowers | May 25, 2025

DANGRIGA – If there was any doubt about who the league’s most dominant big man is, James Milton put that question to bed with a bulldozing performance under the Friday night lights in the culture capital. The EZ Investments Dangriga Dream Ballers rode a monster 32-point, 13-rebound explosion from their star forward to power past the Cayo Western Ballers 88–76 in a wild Toucan Conference clash.

This was a high-octane, momentum-swinging affair—loaded with crowd eruptions, fast break flurries, and one-man heroics. By halftime, the stadium was rocking with a standing-room-only crowd, a true reflection of the hometown energy fueling the Dream Ballers. The full Dangriga experience was in effect—including the Griga-patented drums of their fathers, a rhythmic pulse that served as the background to every highlight and heated possession. And while Cayo came with firepower of their own, it was Milton’s relentlessness, paired with Deshawn Brackett’s 15 points and 7 assists, that anchored Dangriga through every storm.

The Dream Ballers opened up with pace and purpose. Brackett drilled an early triple, and Kevon Laurie showed flashes of finesse inside. Milton was already on the glass from the opening tip, cleaning up misses and punishing switches. Still, Arik Nicholas kept Cayo in it, throwing down a two-handed slam and adding a pair of tough finishes.

By the end of the first quarter, Dangriga held a slender 22–20 lead. The pace was up, the fouls were frequent, and both squads knew this was going to be a war of attrition.

In the second, Antonio Flowers made his presence felt off the bench—slamming home a dunk and grabbing six boards in just 11 minutes of work. Meanwhile, Daniel Conorque found his groove slashing to the rim and hitting a key floater in traffic.

Cayo countered with a crisp stretch from Anthony Howell, who was surgical from mid-range and a perfect 7-of-7 from the floor. But turnovers began to bite them, and the Dream Ballers capitalized. Edgar Mitchell and Brackett ran the floor like veterans, and Milton continued to feast—bringing the Dangriga crowd to its feet with a coast-to-coast euro-step finish.

By halftime, the Dream Ballers were up 50–38 and looked to be in full control.

But the third quarter brought chaos. Arik Nicholas unleashed a barrage—rattling off 10 quick points including a highlight dunk and back-to-back buckets in transition. Jahiem Ciego added his own punch, slashing for 10 of his 12 points in the second half alone. Suddenly, Cayo had pulled within two at 59–57, silencing the Dangriga crowd.

Just when it looked like the Western Ballers might flip the game on its head, Daniel Conorque hit a deep triple, and Milton answered the bell again with back-to-back buckets inside. Brackett added a driving floater, and just like that, the Dream Ballers restored breathing room to close the third up 67–57.

The fourth quarter belonged to the hometown team. Antonio Flowers opened the frame with an offensive putback and a dunk that brought the gym back to life. Then came the knockout blow: a four-minute stretch where Dangriga outscored Cayo 14–4, capped by a Brackett-to-Milton alley-oop and a transition layup by Quinton Bowen.

Cayo tried to respond with late triples from Dennis Flowers III, but it was too late. Turnovers piled up, and Milton’s final two baskets—including a baseline fade and a buzzer-beating three—were pure icing.

Top Performers

💪 Dream Ballers

Western Ballers 🏀

James Milton – 32 pts, 13 reb, 15-23 FG

Arik Nicholas – 24 pts, 8 reb

Deshawn Brackett – 15 pts, 7 ast

Anthony Howell – 14 pts, 7-7 FG

Edgar Mitchell – 7 pts, 9 ast

Dennis Flowers III – 15 pts, 3 stl

Antonio Flowers – 6 pts, 6 reb, 3 blk

Jahiem Ciego – 12 pts, 3 ast

Team Trends

  • Dangriga shot 42.4% from the field, but earned 20 free throw attempts and dominated the paint with 54 points inside.
  • Cayo actually had a better FG% at 46%, but their 19 turnovers and just 6 offensive rebounds limited their second-chance chances.
  • The Dream Ballers’ bench contributed 17 points, while Cayo’s bench was outscored and outrebounded throughout.
  • Transition play was a difference-maker: Dangriga scored 20 fast break points and converted 14 Cayo turnovers into baskets.

Final Word

This wasn’t just a win—it was a warning shot. Dangriga is not a team to be taken lightly, especially with James Milton, who basically came off the plane and stepped onto the court to deliver what may already be the best individual performance of the season. In his first game in Belize since 2017, Milton didn’t just return—he erupted. This is a different Hammer that just landed in the culture capital, and somewhere, Thur is wondering where his hammer went… we think we found it in Griga.

Brackett, meanwhile, continues to evolve into the league’s premier floor general. If they keep getting that kind of inside-out dominance, energy off the bench, and pressure-powered transition buckets, the Dream Ballers could very well dance deep into September.

Cayo, for all their talent, will have to figure out how to manage the ball better under pressure and get more out of their bench if they want to challenge for the top spot in the Toucan Conference.

“We weathered the storm and then we put our foot down,” said Coach Byron Flowers. “That’s a statement win.”

by paul flowers jr., BPBL

Sharks Thrive Amidst Thunder Storm

San Pedro Shoots the Lights Out in High-Flying Win Over Thunderbolts

The Jungle Rewind

San Pedro Shoots the Lights Out in High-Flying Win Over Thunderbolts

By Paul Flowers Jr.| May 26, 2025

In what will surely go down as one of the most explosive offensive showcases of the early season, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks outgunned the Belize City Thunderbolts 109–101 in a thrilling shootout at the Belize Civic Center. This was a game that had it all—scorching three-pointers, poster dunks, full-court pressure, and a second-half tempo that tested every ounce of conditioning.

At the center of it all was Francis Arana, the Sharks floor general who poured in 22 points, 4 assists, 3 steals, and a pair of backbreaking triples, including the late-game dagger. And if that wasn’t enough, Malik Hunt added a punishing 20 points and 9 boards while Brian White turned in a performance for the ages with 23 rebounds to go with his 9 points.

But the storyline that will echo throughout Belize isn’t just stats—it’s Devin Daly’s dramatic return. In a move straight out of a sports movie, Daly—recently elected Minister of State in the Ministry of Sports—stepped out of his ministerial chair and onto the hardwood for this season. With only one practice under his belt, the future Hall of Famer and former face of the national team reminded the nation who he is: 21 points on 61.5% shooting, 5-of-7 from three, and a full-court presence that lifted San Pedro’s ceiling to championship heights.

Daly is on track to take his fourth franchise to the BPBL Finals since returning from his U.S. college career in 2017. He already owns a championship ring with the Belmopan Bandits (2017), another with the Belize Hurricanes (2018), led the Belize City Defenders to the 2024 Finals, and now has Tiger Sharks fans dreaming of another deep playoff run. His performance had fans buzzing and playfully renaming his official title to “The Minister of Buckets.”

Also making waves was Jihad Wright, the former league MVP and national team forward who made his season debut. Though he only recently arrived, Wright showed flashes of dominance with clutch dunks, hard-nosed defense, and a critical third-quarter surge that reminded everyone why he was once the league’s most feared forward.

Meanwhile, Thunderbolts’ anchor Victor Evans was reported to be under the weather. The reigning two-time MVP fought valiantly and finished with 20 points and 7 rebounds, but couldn’t quite find his usual rhythm in this relentless matchup.

It was the Sharks who bit first. Free throws from Keon Rowland, a spinning layup by Francis Arana, and a fastbreak slam by Malik Hunt gave San Pedro an early cushion. Despite that Glency Lopez showed that he came to play. The Thunderbolts floor general matched them blow for blow, finishing the quarter with 12 points and three assertive drives through traffic.

Still, the Tiger Sharks’ balanced firepower was overwhelming. Jihad Wright, freshly arrived and already looking like a serious upgrade, hammered home a dunk, and Daly went full flamethrower mode with three triples in a first-quarter flurry.

San Pedro closed the first with a 34–23 lead, though Lopez and Tyrone Hall did their best to keep the ‘Bolts in striking distance.

The second quarter was even more frantic. Every Thunderbolt surge was met with a San Pedro answer. Tyrell Griffith came off the bench with 12 huge points, Keith Pollard cleaned up inside, and Arana orchestrated the pace like a concertmaster. But the Thunderbolts found a groove of their own.

Lopez powered his way to the rim again and again, finishing the half with 18. Victor Evans began finding pockets in the midrange, and Matthew Young gave Belize City key extra possessions with 7 rebounds.

Then, with the clock ticking down, Tyrone Hall splashed a corner three, followed by a fastbreak and-one by Young. After a defensive stop, the Bolts tied it up 55–55 going into the break.

If the first half was a shootout, the third was trench warfare. Malik Hunt came out with purpose, scoring three quick buckets, and Wright muscled his way into the paint. Arana added a pair of silky finishes, and the Sharks reclaimed the lead with relentless fast breaks and timely second-chance points.

The Thunderbolts answered with hustle: Young carved up the baseline, Lopez stayed hot, and Evans dropped a much-needed triple to keep them within single digits.

Still, the Sharks closed the third on a surge. Daly drilled another three—prompting fans to chant for the Minister of Buckets—Wright hit a transition layup, and Arana danced his way into the paint. By the end of three, San Pedro led 82–73.

The fourth quarter was chaos.

Daly caught fire again, opening the quarter with a slick layup and another long bomb. Wright added a thunderous dunk, Griffith scored on a spinning hook, and the lead ballooned to 15.

To their credit, the Thunderbolts refused to go quietly. Evans dropped 10 in the fourth, Hall buried a late three, and Lopez continued slicing through defenders en route to a game-high 32 points.

But it wasn’t enough. Arana hit the final nail with a pair of free throws and a final assist to Earl Johnson, sealing the deal as the final buzzer echoed through the gym.

 Top Performers

 Tiger Sharks

Thunderbolts

Francis Arana – 22 pts, 4 ast, 3 stl

Glency Lopez – 32 pts, 5 ast

Devin Daly – 21 pts, 5 threes

Victor Evans – 20 pts, 7 reb

Malik Hunt – 20 pts, 9 reb

Matthew Young – 16 pts, 7 reb

Brian White – 9 pts, 23 reb

Tyrone Hall – 14 pts, 6 FTM

Team Trends

  • San Pedro shot 48.8% from the field, made 8-of-15 from deep (53.3%), and out-rebounded Belize City 62–40.
  • The Thunderbolts scored 29 points at the stripe, but gave up 17 turnovers, including 6 by Victor Evans.
  • Fast break play was the Sharks’ superpower: Tiger Sharks had 20+ transition points, many initiated by Arana or White.
  • San Pedro’s bench contributed 25 points compared to just 6 for Belize City.

Final Word

The Tiger Sharks are for real—plain and simple. With Francis Arana running the show, Daly and Wright firing on the wings, and Brian White owning the paint like a landlord in full eviction mode, this is a team built for title talk. Add in Malik Hunt’s inside presence and a bench that’s no slouch, and you’ve got a deep, dangerous roster. Brian White, once a dominant national team power forward, is back with a vengeance, reasserting himself as the number one big man in the league. And if you’re looking for the future, Tyrell “Leggy” Griffith is making his case loud and clear. The U21 standout is shaping up to be the best locally developed big since Jahiem Ciego.

The Thunderbolts showed flashes, especially Lopez’s fearless drives and Evans’ hustle, even while battling illness. But it’s becoming clear that the forward-center positions aren’t giving them the firepower or presence they need—especially with players like Hames “The Hammer” Milton now wrecking shop in the league. With Coope Lopez erupting for 32 points and reminding fans why he’s called the “Prince of the City,” it’s easy to forget he once averaged 15 ppg as a facilitator on a stacked Hurricanes squad. This was his first 30-point game since 2018, and the offensive firepower is clearly there on the wings. Still, down low, the lack of production is glaring. If the Thunderbolts want to remain in the Cop and Jaguar Championship conversation, they’ll need a serious paint presence—and fast.

This one was a statement. San Pedro isn’t just swimming—they’re circling.

by Paul flowers jr

BPBL Power Ranking – Week 1

BPBL Power ranking

Week 1

BPBL Power Rankings – Week 1
The Real Has Begun

The talking is over. The hypotheticals have faded. Week 1 of the BPBL season is officially in the books, and for the first time, we’re not guessing—we’re reacting to real basketball. Real rosters, real rotations, real results.

Teams have taken the floor, and the early returns are already telling us a lot. Some squads backed up the offseason hype. Others, well… let’s just say the spotlight burns brighter once the games start counting. What’s clear? The teams with solid, battle-tested local cores have hit the ground running, justifying the league’s shift toward elevating homegrown stars. From fan-favorites like Coope Lopez and Arik Nicholas to breakout young guns, Belizean talent is front and center—and driving the story.

But make no mistake: the margins are razor-thin. The right foreign or Belizean-American addition isn’t about being the guy—it’s about complementing your guys. Week 1 gave us our first taste of who got that mix right.

So here it is: the first official Power Rankings of the 2025 BPBL season. Real games. Real data. Real movement. Let’s get into it.

7. Corozal Cerros Suns-Toucan

The Corozal Cirrus Suns made their season debut against the Sharks in front of a capacity crowd and held their own for about two and a half quarters. However, they were up against a relentless and experienced assassin in Rico Black, which showed in the final score. The Suns are a work in progress and are harder on themselves than we could ever be on them. They have several bright spots in their young core, and their fan base seems patient and appreciative. This team is a mixture of veterans like journeymen Ray Cruz and Greg Rudon, who now can prove themselves in prominent roles after being in the shadows for all these years. Former NEBL Rookie of the Year Raul Vanegas had a tough night shooting and handling the ball. He needs to create an identity as a scorer, dimes specialist, or sharpshooter. The patience to develop this identity will be crucial to assessing his future with the Suns. Brandon Rogers was one of their lone bright spots as he continued to be the most consistent player on the floor. Coming from a prominent role as a starter in Griga, his leadership and experience will be crucial to the Suns’ development and relevance in the Toucan Conference. If they continue to work and support each other, the community will be patient and rally behind this developing program.

6. Punta Gorda Panthers-Toucan

The Punta Gorda Panthers are the only team yet to take the floor at the time of this writing. The team has been a slow-developing roster. However, like most slow-developing films, the image is getting clearer, brighter, and better as time moves on. The roster now boasts 2024 BEBL MVP candidate and forward sensation Jonathan Guzman. Guzman was one of the most exciting and prolific scorers in the league and can go for 30+ on any given night. He is expected to be accompanied by rising star Daniel Estes, who had an outstanding performance in the 2024 BEBL finals. Estes has an unorthodox style of play, combined with probably the most gifted athleticism in the league, making for a thunder-and-lightning combination alongside Guzman. At the top of the key is a man who, when last seen in Belize, was dropping 10 three-pointers on the Hurricanes in their building with a history-making display of shooting and guard play. This trio will be trained and developed by none other than Alex Carcamo himself. That’s right; Father Prime is returning as an executive to impart his knowledge to the PG Panthers and promises to make them the number one team by the middle of the season. His unique coaching style is expected to do wonders for the career of young center Matt Gordon and promises to break Linsey Lopez out of the shadow of his superstar brother, Coope. There is no denying the potential of this PG team if they can get their pieces to come together, but their late start forces me to take on a “wait and see” posture before putting them up against the big boys. Let’s see how they shape up after a month under Alex Carcamo’s teachings.

5. Belmopan Capital City Kings - Mayan

The disappointment of week one was the performance of the Belmopan Capital City Kings. This roster was filled with young stars and big international players. Last year’s Most Improved Player, Jayden Lopez, led the big-name parade, but anchoring the roster is local superstar and newly minted BEBL champion Brandon “Puddy” Flowers. On this same roster is BEBL Rookie of the Year Shane Pratt, who had big moments against the vaunted Hurricanes in the 2024 finals and is expected to take that next step with more minutes and opportunities in the capital city. Also on the roster was a youth sensation fresh from a US prep high school program in Arizona, in the person of Nissani Mendez. Another international sensation and one of the most successful young entrepreneurs, Jarell “Bird” Valasquez, has made a career out of dunking over three men and hitting three-pointers from all locations on the arc. Their social media was filled with eye-popping highlight reels of Larry Johnson, who played strictly above the rim. With new management and the most sought-after head coach in the offseason, Stephen Williams, the Kings were already crowned as the top of the Mayan Conference. Yet, alas, their performance in Cayo was a forgettable one, as the high-flying Western Ballers had them down 24 points by the middle of the second quarter. Was it rookie jitters or just plain being exposed by the completeness and intensity of the Western Ballers’ assault? Their second-half performance and the drive of Brandon Flowers suggest otherwise. In any case, they are off this week, and we are hearing changes are coming. As is, they are still a top-three team as far as potential and roster are concerned. However, there may be a bit of growth and seasoning necessary before the true potential of this roster is realized. Still, they play in the Mayan Conference, where there are no games off and no time to figure things out.

             4. EZ investments Dangriga Dream Ballers – Toucan

The Griga Dream Ballers were one of the most stable teams in the offseason, thanks to the steady hand of the only female GM in the league. However, that mystique was shattered when they faced the Thunder Bolts in their home opener. Exposed for not having their usual foreign big man to anchor the middle in Delvin Henderson, the Dream Ballers suffered a significant lack of size and an inability to rebound or protect the paint. Their lone bright spots were the play of Deshawn Brackett and the absolutely fabulous aerial display of deep shooting put on by newly acquired and returning National Team guard Daniel Conorquie. Raheem Thurton showed why he is one of the best young players in the league when he took the floor and cut a 17-point Bolts lead to under ten points. Raheem Thurton and Kevon Lourie are both young players who are expected to take big steps this season to that next level, which, if achieved, could land the Dream Ballers in the Maya Cup Championship. Alexander Areola displayed great skills and polish, but the league’s physical play stifled those skills and rendered him ineffective against the Bolts. If he can make that adjustment to the physical play of the league, he will be a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses. If Griga keeps the same roster, they should find themselves in the Cup championship, but the next level might be tough. However, the rumors abound that Griga has a nuclear button—a button that, if pressed, would vault them to number one in the power rankings. Tick tock……

3. San Pedro tiger sharks - Toucan

The revamped Sharks stormed into Corozal and demonstrated that Rick Black’s system and culture are alive and well. Playing without their usual superstar foreign powerhouses, the Sharks cruised to a blowout victory over Corozal behind their franchise face and perennial MVP candidate, Francis Arana. Francis had his usual complete game and demonstrated that he is ready to take a more prominent role in this new-look BPBL. The Sharks then unveiled their two new prodigies, Keon Rowland and Tyrell Griffith, who both boasted double figures in their debut. Keon is widely considered the next big thing in Belize basketball, with his MVP performance in the firm’s league and his ability to score 40-plus points from everywhere on the floor. Griffith is a high-flyer who is confident and ready to show the country what he has. The inclusion of two-time NEBL champion and national team forward Brian White dominating the boards inside means the Sharks can hurt you both inside and out. Yet, the fear factor of the Sharks lies in what awaits in the depths. Lurking in those waters is Jehad Wright. This former league MVP, NEBL champion, and national team forward is arguably the best two-way player in the league. With Keith Pollard coming off the bench and sharpshooter Douglas Valley coming back home to the Sharks after a three-season hiatus, the Sharks boast the highest experience and IQ levels in all of the Toucan Conference. With three-time champion and 2024 BEBL Coach of the Year Rico Black at the helm, this team will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in any conference.

2. Belize city thunderbolts - mayan

I went back and forth between the Thunder Bolts and the Cayo Western Ballers. I could very easily have made them the number one team in the league. They have everything as well. The chemistry between their big stars was apparent in their home opener against the Dangriga Dream Ballers. Glency “Coope” Lopez was as advertised. The community-named “Prince of the City” was every bit himself as he slashed and diced his way to scoring in the paint, pushing the pace, and assisting his team to a 20-point lead by the early fourth quarter. He was accompanied by the two-time MVP Victor Evans who, having made his name by his explosive scoring ability, pulled down a whopping 14 rebounds in the first half of the game. His defensive prowess is well advertised, and his ability to hit big shots that are timely run-stoppers was the discouraging factor that Dangriga encountered during several of their runs. The Bolts have now acquired former Belize National Team big man Matthew Young, who is arguably the most unstoppable inside force in the league. The team now has as its starting shooting guard the number one defensive guard in the league, Eyan Rene, who showed himself to be a two-way threat with 14 points in game one from just about everywhere on the floor. With the help of American center Donovan Baird in the middle, you would think this is an unstoppable force. Now, suppose I tell you that their leading scorer and former national guard, Tyrone Hall, comes off the bench. Hall is one of the most dangerous three-point threats in the league, but he also has one of the highest basketball IQs with a nose for the rim. Alongside defensive specialist Alejandro Baptist, Evral Tablada, and U17 Bronze Medalist Michael Caseras, the bench demonstrates the depth of the Thunder Bolts, who are by far the most experienced team in the league with their core now going on their third year together. Boasting one of the winningest coaches in the league, the Thunder Bolts are poised to sit atop the league, with only the Western Ballers currently standing in their way.

Cayo Western Ballers-Mayan

The Cayo Western Ballers announced themselves as a favorite to win the Mayan Cup with a dominant win over the highly touted Belmopan Capital City Kings. The Western Ballers demonstrated a balance in skillsets in key positions that will make them very difficult to contain during the season. They have the expected high-flying twin towers in Arik Nicholas and Ciego, both Belizean players fresh off college seasons in the United States. Both players are known for their highlight reels on the dunking scene, but it was their interior defense that was the star of the game. With the inclusion of national team volleyball star and defensive specialist Kerwin Palacio, it will be tough sledding to score in the paint against the Western Ballers. This is unusual for the Ballers, who have always been known for their short but energetic players who would rain threes outside all night to compensate for their lack of size. Well, those assassins are still there with the likes of Kyron Molina and Aaron Allison, who are arguably two of the most dangerous three-point duo in the league. The steady guard play of veteran point guard Jamie Carvahal is expected to bring poise and timely plays and shooting to the team. The infusion of American big man Anthoney Howell gives them a fundamental presence in the post and some size to offset the slender frames of Ciego and Arik. This alone would have made for an excellent Cayo team, however……….there is the introduction of Belizean-American point guard sensation Dennis Flowers III. Flowers is a dynamic point guard in the vein of Jalen Brunson. This kid is the full package for which everyone has to give an account. He has a three-point shot, is difficult to stay in front of, and can pass out of the drive to two of the most dangerous shooters in the league. With the unstoppable interior presence of Darnell Oden, this Cayo team may very well be the most complete in the league at this early stage. To top it off, they have one of the most prolific systems basketball teachers as their head coach to steer this formidable force from the Mayan Conference.

By The GM

Corozal Home Opener

The Jungle Rewind

History spoiled in Corozal Cerros Suns Debut with a Tiger Sharks Mauling at Andres campus civic center

COROZAL TOWN – The San Pedro Tiger Sharks didn’t just swim into the BPBL season—they splashed onto the scene with a statement win in the first-ever showdown between two teams in the newly formed Toucan Conference, played at the Andres Campus Civic Center.

After a rocky, low-scoring first half that had fans wondering if either squad would crack 50, the Tiger Sharks sank their teeth into the second half, steamrolling the Corozal Cerros Suns 74–47 on Saturday night at Victor Galvez Stadium in front of a buzzing opening weekend crowd.

The opening quarter was a grinder. Both squads struggled to find rhythm offensively, with turnovers and forced shots defining much of the frame. Corozal struck first with Jason Vasquez finishing at the rim and Brandon Rogers knocking down a tough jumper in transition. Their energy on defense caused early issues for San Pedro’s guards, forcing multiple travels and errant passes.

Despite shooting just 30% from the field in the first, the Suns capitalized on early free throws and defensive rebounding to secure a narrow 14–11 lead after one. Douglas Valley and Tyrell Griffith had tough opening minutes, combining for four turnovers, but Francis Arana showed signs of life with a pair of assists and a putback to keep the Sharks within reach.

The opening quarter was a grinder. Both squads struggled to find rhythm offensively, with turnovers and forced shots defining much of the frame. Corozal struck first with Jason Vasquez finishing at the rim and Brandon Rogers knocking down a tough jumper in transition. Their energy on defense caused early issues for San Pedro’s guards, forcing multiple travels and errant passes.

Despite shooting just 30% from the field in the first, the Suns capitalized on early free throws and defensive rebounding to secure a narrow 14–11 lead after one. Douglas Valley and Tyrell Griffith had tough opening minutes, combining for four turnovers, but Francis Arana showed signs of life with a pair of assists and a putback to keep the Sharks within reach.

Suns Shine, But Sharks Lurk

Corozal showed flashes midway through the second, with Greg Rudon sinking a pair of threes and Ray Cruz organizing a few clean possessions. Rogers was active defensively and found Kenroy Roches for a baseline jumper, but those moments were quickly countered by the Sharks’ sharper execution.

San Pedro began to seize control late in the half. Francis Arana scored or assisted on four straight possessions and helped push the tempo, while Malik Hunt dominated the glass, already collecting 8 rebounds by halftime. Arana’s poise and transition play tilted the momentum just before the break.

The Tiger Sharks carried a 31–22 halftime lead, but the sense in the gym was that the Sharks were circling.

“We knew if we could clean up the ball-handling and start pushing pace, we’d turn the tide,” said Coach Armando Ramirez.

Shark Frenzy Erupts

What followed was a masterclass in momentum. The Tiger Sharks came out of the locker room breathing fire, ripping off a 22–1 run that turned a 9-point deficit into a double-digit lead. Keon Rowland led the charge, attacking downhill, earning trips to the line, and bullying smaller defenders.

Tyrell Griffith was surgical in the midrange, scoring 8 of his 14 in the quarter, while Arana dropped dimes and drew fouls on both ends. The Suns, meanwhile, fell into disarray—Andre Herrera and Jason Vasquez committed key turnovers, and no one could buy a bucket from deep.

San Pedro won the third 31–6, turning the game on its head and entering the fourth up 53–37.

“That’s a playoff-caliber quarter,” BPBL scout Nigel Timmons said. “They looked like a different team out of halftime.”

All Gas, No Brakes

With momentum fully theirs, the Tiger Sharks pressed the gas pedal in the fourth. Earl Johnson came alive, scoring 8 of his 10 in the final frame, including a powerful and-one that brought the San Ignacio crowd to its feet.

Brian White, steady throughout, continued cleaning up second-chance looks and converted an and-one putback. Rowland closed the night with a slick drive-and-dish to Kenroy Roches who buried a corner three.

Corozal tried to rally through Cruz and Rudon, but their outside shooting woes continued. 4-for-26 from deep doomed their spacing, and fatigue showed late as they struggled to defend transition.

The Sharks cruised to a 74–47 final, outscoring the Suns 52–16 in the second half.

Stat Sheet Leaders

🔵 Tiger Sharks🔴 Corozal Suns
Francis Arana – 16 pts, 7 reb, 4 astBrandon Rogers – 11 pts, 5 reb, 5 stl
Tyrell Griffith – 14 pts, 5 reb, 2 astRay Cruz – 6 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast
Keon Rowland – 15 pts, 5 reb, 5 TOJason Vasquez – 9 pts, 3 reb, 2 stl
Malik Hunt – 6 pts, 15 reb, 2 blkGreg Rudon – 6 pts, 3 reb

Team Statistics Wrap-Up

Statistically, this game was a tale of two halves—and two approaches. The Tiger Sharks were methodical and efficient, recording 15 assists to just 2 blocks and forcing an impressive 29 turnovers from Corozal. Their offensive rating topped 80.9, with a 45.5% field goal mark, and they generated 19 second-chance points thanks to 18 offensive rebounds.

Meanwhile, Corozal’s numbers painted the picture of a team that started well but couldn’t sustain their rhythm. They committed 28 turnovers, shot just 25.4% from the field, and finished with a dismal 15.4% from three (4-of-26). Despite winning the rebound battle in the first half, they were outworked 37–16 on the glass in the second, and their 11 total assists failed to spark consistent scoring opportunities.

San Pedro’s transition offense—powered by fast break points (28) and points in the paint (54)—highlighted their athleticism and guard play, while Corozal’s defensive rating ballooned to 86.0 as the game slipped away.

The Verdict: Sharks Bite, Suns Burn Out

San Pedro’s second-half clinic proved that this squad has the depth, toughness, and guard play to make serious noise in the BPBL 2025 season. And with former BPBL MVP and national team shooting guard Jehad Wright expected to join the Sharks shortly, this team could become downright frightening as the season progresses. Arana looked every bit the team leader, and Hunt’s control of the boards was dominant.

Meanwhile, Corozal showed early poise but unraveled under pressure, with ball security and three-point shooting becoming urgent priorities before their next outing.

“We have to clean up our turnovers and execute better in the halfcourt,” said Coach Guillermo after the game. “This league punishes mistakes. San Pedro just reminded us of that.”

By Paul Flowers Jr.

BPBL Season Opener

Opening Night Eruption: Thunderbolts Surge Past Griga in Firefight at the Civic

BELIZE CITY – The new era of the Belize Premier Basketball League tipped off in dramatic fashion Friday night, and the Belize City Thunderbolts wasted no time establishing themselves as early title contenders. In front of a packed house at the Civic Center, the Thunderbolts overwhelmed the EZ Investments Dangriga Dream Ballers 101–81 with a ferocious blend of speed, size, and skill to cap off opening night.

Powered by a stunning performance off the bench from Tyrone “TJ” Hall, the Thunderbolts roared past a Griga squad that simply couldn’t keep up in the second half.

“We just fed off the energy of the crowd tonight,” Hall said postgame, flashing a humble grin. “This is our home, and we wanted to make a statement.”

But while the final score hints at dominance, it was anything but a cruise. At one point in the third quarter, Griga’s Daniel Conorque had the home crowd holding its breath and dreaming of an upset.

Griga’s Opening Jab Stuns the Crowd

The first 10 minutes belonged to the Dream Ballers. With Deshawn Brackett slashing, Kevon Laurie attacking the rim, and Edgar Mitchell stroking it from long range, Griga raced out to a 20–12 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Thunderbolts looked flat-footed, unsettled, and frankly outplayed. Brackett, who finished with 19 points and 10 boards, was bullying his way to the line while Laurie facilitated smartly in the halfcourt. Belize City missed free throws, looked disjointed, and were repeatedly beat in transition.

“Griga set the tone early,” said one analyst. “Bolts were on their heels. If they had kept that pressure for 40 minutes, it’s a different headline today.”

Two Teams, One Wild Opening Act

The Thunderbolts coaching staff made the adjustments fast, leaning on their bruising frontcourt and transition rhythm. Victor Evans, the league’s Swiss army knife, opened the game with a flurry of assists and boards, while Matthew Young bulldozed his way to early paint points.

By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, the Thunderbolts had clawed their way to a narrow lead, fueled by Victor Evans’ monstrous 14 first-half rebounds and timely buckets from Tyrone Hall, erasing Griga’s early dominance and taking a 38–25 edge into the locker room.

The third quarter opened with a nightmare stretch for Griga—a five-minute scoring drought that saw them miss shots, commit turnovers, and get outmuscled on the boards. As the Dream Ballers stumbled, the Thunderbolts pounced, ripping off a 17–2 run behind back-to-back buckets from Matthew Young, a corner three from Glency Lopez, and the relentless interior work of Victor Evans. What had been a manageable halftime gap ballooned into a 20-point deficit, leaving Griga shell-shocked and desperately searching for answers.

But just when Belize City looked like they might run away, Deshawn Brackett and Conorque caught fire. Brackett—a relentless slasher—scored in bunches despite constant pressure, and just before halftime, Griga was still in striking distance. Then came the Daniel Conorque Show.

Conorque’s Barrage Shakes the City

With the Dream Ballers trailing by double digits, Conorque flipped the script. The former Belize National Team sharpshooter hit five 3-pointers in a near three-minute span, single-handedly cutting the deficit and forcing Belize City into a timeout.

“That stretch… we’ve never seen a Civic crowd cheer for both teams like that,” said one fan courtside. “He caught absolute fire.”

Conorque finished with 24 points, 6-of-16 from deep, and 4 assists—an eye-popping display that reminded everyone why he’s one of the league’s most feared streak scorers.

Hall Sets the Tone

Hall lit up the scoreboard with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 triples, giving the Thunderbolts bench a turbo boost that separated the game after a tight first quarter. His efficiency was jaw-dropping—11-for-19 from the floor, including 5-of-6 from beyond the arc.

Victor Evans Orchestrates a Masterclass

While Hall stole the headlines, veteran floor general Victor Evans was the quiet architect of Belize City’s dominant win. Evans nearly posted a triple-double with 18 points, 17 rebounds, and 9 assists, and showcased leadership that anchored the Thunderbolts through every swing of momentum.

“Victor was Victor,” commented his teammate . “He’s our brain, our backbone, and tonight he showed why.”

Balanced Attack Leaves No Doubt

Three other Thunderbolts hit double figures, including Glency Lopez (14 pts, 5 ast, 2 stl) and Matthew Young (14 pts, 8 reb), who muscled his way through Griga’s frontcourt with power and finesse. Eyan Rene added 15 points on a crisp 7-of-12 shooting, playing a quiet but crucial role in Belize City’s 49.4% shooting performance.

The Thunderbolts also dominated the glass (68 rebounds to Griga’s 38) and controlled pace and tempo after halftime, using a suffocating second-quarter surge to build a double-digit cushion that ballooned as high as 22 late in the fourth. This was due to the lack of interior presence caused by the absence of Griga big man who is expected to arrive in time for their home opener next Saturday night. If he is the right fit, this would make Griga a much more dangerous contender for the cup.

Brackett and Conorque Fight, But Griga Stumbles

For the Dream Ballers, Deshawn Brackett fought valiantly with 19 points and 10 rebounds, but his 6-of-20 shooting told the story of the night—too many forced looks and too little rhythm. Daniel Conorque contributed 24 points, including six 3-pointers, but the rest of the supporting cast struggled to generate offense or contain Belize City’s firepower.

Up Next

The Thunderbolts (1–0) are back in action on Thursday night, May 22 when they host the PG Panthers at the Belize Civic Center at 8:00 pm, while Griga (0–1) will look to regroup ahead of next week’s Home Opener against Cayo Western Ballers.

The jungle is alive—and the Thunderbolts just sent the first thunderclap across the league.

Key Performers – Both Sides of the Jungle

Thunderbolts

Dream Ballers

TJ Hall – 28 pts, 11 reb, 5 3PM

Conorque – 24 pts, 6 3PM

Victor Evans – 18 pts, 17 reb, 9 ast

Brackett – 19 pts, 10 reb, 4 ast

Glency Lopez – 14 pts, 5 ast, 2 stl

Thurton – 15 pts, 5 reb

Matthew Young – 14 pts, 8 reb, 63% FG

 

Final Thoughts: Thunderbolts Make Noise, But Griga Has Bite

The Belize City Thunderbolts sent a message on opening night—they’re deep, disciplined, and dangerous. But despite the 20-point final margin, this game was far from a blowout.

Griga showed fight, firepower, and flashes of brilliance. If Conorque and Brackett can get help from their supporting cast and shore up the glass, the Dream Ballers could be a nightmare by midseason.

By Paul Flowers Jr.| May 17, 2025

BPBL holds Historic First Meeting

BPBL holds Historic First Meeting

The BPBL held its first historic meeting on Sunday 29th June at 10:00 at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex Conference room. The meeting was historic in many ways, including the fact that it is the first meeting of a new league. Representations were owners and managers from all five districts that represented the seven (7) teams in the league being newcomers Corozal Cerros Suns, Belmopan Capital City Kings, San Pedro Tiger Sharks, Dangriga Dream Ballaz, Punta Gorda Panthers, Belize City Thunder Bolts, and Cayo Western Ballaz.

At the meeting the owners got the opportunity to meet the BPBL Commissioner, Mr. Claudio Leal, who address the Team owners and BPBL management team. The commissioner set the tone for the season by unveiling his color policy for engaging with players. The commissioner stated that The BPBL will operate a new Color System to guide and protect our players.

The commissioner stated quote, “Lady and gentlemen, players, coaches, and fans,

As we continue building the BPBL into the premier league in Belize, we’re introducing a simple but powerful system to guide the growth of our players and protect the image of the league.

We call it the Color System — and it’s built on three levels: Green, Yellow, and Red.

Green is where we want everyone to be. These are the faces of the league — the players setting the standard on the court and off it. They’re positive examples, community leaders, and role models. When you’re Green, the Commissioner will call you personally — not to correct you, but to congratulate you and encourage you to keep leading. We’ll also be looking for ways to spotlight and reward you.

Yellow means you’re in a transitional phase. Maybe you’re a rising young star on the verge of greatness, or maybe you’re a respected vet starting to slip a little — in attitude, in discipline, in image. If you’re Yellow, it’s a sign that you have the talent to be a face of the league, but you need guidance, mentorship, and a wake-up call before things drift in the wrong way. We’ll work with you privately to get you back on track — because the goal is to move you up, not push you out.

Red is when action must be taken. This is when a player is damaging the league’s reputation — when behavior, on or off the court, becomes a black eye for all of us. Red-level players will be summoned directly by the Commissioner. There will be clear conversations, corrective action plans, and, if necessary, sanctions. Our standards are not just a slogan — they are our shield and our brand.

Let me be clear: this system is not about punishing players. It’s about building stars, building men, and building a league we can all be proud of.

In the BPBL, greatness will always be recognized. Accountability will always be expected. And every player will always know exactly where they stand.

Let’s move forward together — and let’s build something legendary.”

The CEO, Dr. Gilbert Gordon spoke about development and raising local young home-grown stars. He commented that the fans want to see the players they grew up with or work besides raise up and become household names. He stressed that the opportunity is not there for young players to work hard and dream not to go abroad but to be right home where they can become big stars and honor the name of their families. The CEO also stressed the importance of financials sustainability in the growth and development of the league.

Dr. Gordon went on to highlight the fact that the league will cover all the major costs of the teams including Venue, security, referee, desk, transportation and hotel accommodation. The team will be responsible for their players and marketing their games. This is all made possible because the league can now market its games as a block and thus can garner more from sponsors than a single team would as they can offer the entire league a marketing and product placement footprint from north to south and east to west. The major corporate sponsors that have bought into the development program are Benny’s who hold eclusive rights for the Jaguar Championship series, Dolphins Productions who will supply all the league apparels; The National Channel (TNC) who has the exclusive rights to broadcast all the games across all streaming platforms; MU Imports; RUDE BOY; and VEGA IMPORTS.

The broadcast agreement with TNC was especially highlighted as it will see the use of League Pass being introduced for the first time to the Belizean audience. This will allow fans to purchase a single game, a weekend pass or a season package which can be independently viewed across multiple platforms including telephone, tablets and television.

The meeting ended with teams submitting contracts for their players on their roster which was officially submitted on Thursday 24th May at 6pm. The season tips off on Friday 16th May 2025, opening night match-ups to be announced soon!

by PAUL FLOWERS JR., BPBL WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR