Manchester High School has cemented its status as the powerhouse of rural high school basketball, securing both the Under-16 and Under-19 ISSA Rural Area championships in dominant fashion.
Facing off against Herbert Morrison Technical in a best-of-three series, Manchester High showcased their depth, skill, and sheer determination, sweeping the finals 2-0 in both age categories. The decisive victories on Herbert Morrison’s home court in Montego Bay on Thursday capped off a stellar season for the Manchester squad.
Under-16 Triumph: Ricketts Leads the Charge
The Under-16 team left no doubt about their superiority, overpowering Herbert Morrison 48-27 in the second game after a commanding 67-22 win in the series opener. Jelani Ricketts delivered a stunning performance, recording a triple-double with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 steals.
The game remained tight early on, with Herbert Morrison trailing by just one point (10-9) at the end of the first quarter. However, Manchester High surged ahead in the second quarter, leading 23-15 at halftime and extending their dominance to 39-21 entering the final period.
Jayquan Palmer was another standout performer, registering a double-double with 12 points and 20 rebounds, while Michael Johnson was Herbert Morrison’s leading scorer with 12 points.
Under-19 Title Sealed with Defensive Brilliance
In the Under-19 division, Manchester High controlled the tempo from start to finish, sealing a 43-28 victory in the second game after an emphatic 74-42 win in the first matchup.
Player of the Final, Oral Daley, was a defensive force with 14 points, 11 rebounds, eight blocked shots, and four steals. Manchester led 13-8 at the end of the first quarter, extended their lead to 27-13 at halftime, and never looked back. Shane Nembhard added 11 points, seven rebounds, and four steals to secure the title.
Herbert Morrison’s Daniel Clarke fought hard, recording a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, but Manchester’s well-structured defense proved too strong.
Individual Standouts Shine Across the League
The championship wasn’t just about Manchester High’s dominance—several players from different schools left their mark on the competition:
- Under-16 MVP: Christopher Henderson (Manchester High) – Most Assists, Most Free Throws, Most Steals
- Under-19 MVP: Rahim Hayles (Belair High) – Most Blocks, Most Free Throws, Most Rebounds
- Top Scorers: Chad-Romel Smith (Belair High) & D’Aire Patterson (Herbert Morrison)
- Best Rebounder: Revonne Hinds (STETHS)
- Most Three-Pointers: Matthew Nagasa (Denbigh High) & Joshua Ferguson (Herbert Morrison)
With another clean sweep, Manchester High continues to set the standard in rural high school basketball, proving that their winning culture is built to last.
