History was written at the Woodbrook Youth Facility in Port-of-Spain on Saturday night as an unstoppable Spartans TT team capped off a flawless, unbeaten season to sweep the Men's First Division best-of-three "Big Four" final of the Lincoln "Cripple" Griffith North Zone Basketball League.
Powered by an unrelenting offensive display, Spartans defeated Royalty Basketball Academy 123-114 in game two to capture their first-ever North Zone First Division Championship.
The victory capped off a dominant campaign built on unity, belief, and relentless consistency. In a post shared on Facebook shortly after the triumph, the team reflected on their journey: "Tonight (Saturday), our Spartans TT First Division team completed the mission, defeating Royalty Basketball Academy 123-114 in game two to capture our first-ever North Zone First Division Championship. From the beginning of this season, we believed. We trusted the process, trusted each other and continued to play Spartans basketball. Tonight, that work was rewarded with a championship."
Coming off a strong victory in the series opener, Spartans TT stepped onto the court determined to preserve their perfect record and close out the finals. Royalty, however, made them earn every point.
The first half was a tight, high-scoring battle. Spartans edged the first quarter 32-31 and held a narrow 63-60 advantage at halftime. Spartans blew the game open in the third quarter with a devastating offensive surge, outscoring Royalty to take a commanding 104-85 lead into the final period. Despite a late rally from Royalty, Spartans had built enough cushion to secure the 123-114 win and finish their championship run undefeated.
William Francis spearheaded the Spartans' attack in Game Two with a match-high 33 points, while Zachary Julien provided massive support with 26 points. Michael McCarthy (16), Amaree Toney (12), and Tristan Benjamin (9) all made key contributions to seal the title. Royalty put up a valiant effort, led by Khushaiah King (31) and Jason Best (26), alongside 20 points from Esan Babb, but it wasn't enough to force a decisive game three.
Spartans laid the groundwork for their title run on Thursday night with a strong 109-97 win in game one.
They set the tone early, storming out to a 33-22 lead in the opening quarter and extending it to 57-43 by halftime. Maintaining control throughout, Spartans took an 88-71 cushion into the fourth quarter and held off Royalty's attempts to bridge the gap.
Christian Gillineau led a balanced Spartans offence in game one with 22 points, closely followed by Francis (19) and Idriis Martin (16). McCarthy (11), Benjamin (10), and Toney (10) all hit double digits. Royalty's game one charge was paced by Babb with 21 and Best with 20 points.
Results
Saturday
Men’s 1st Division Finals (Game 2)
Spartans TT 123 (William Francis 33, Zachary Julien 26, Michael McCarthy 16, Amaree Toney 12, Tristan Benjamin 9) vs Royalty 114 (Khushaiah King 31, Jason Best 26, Esan Babb 20, Reuel Martin 11). Quarters: 1st 32-31, 2nd 63-60, 3rd 104-85 (All in favour of Spartans).
Men's Second Division (Game 1)
Caledonia Clippers 49 (Akil Paynter 14, Kender Gutierrez 8) vs Coach KG Elite 80 (Josiah John-Andrew 20, JJ Edwards-Caracciolo 16, Cristian Farnum 15, Rangaan Howard 11). Quarters: 1st 35-30, 2nd 53-38, 3rd 53-38 (All in favour of Elite).
game one Friday
Boys' U-17 Division
BBA 80 (Aidan Balgobin 22, Aiden Noel 16, Tario Romany 16, Jatrem Mc Leon 12, Amir Balgobin 11) vs Coach KG Elite 73 (Jurell Charles 21, Lance Crouch 19, Iseyah Jobe 15). Quarters: 1st 11-10 (Elite), 2nd 32-27 (Basic), 3rd 58-53 (Basic).
Thursday
Men’s First Division (Game 1)
Spartans TT 109 (Christian Gillineau 22, William Francis 19, Idriis Martin 16, Michael McCarthy 11, Tristan Benjamin 10, Amaree Toney 10) vs Royalty 97 (Esan Babb 21, Jason Best 20, Isaiah Mitchell 17, Reuel Martin 12, Jairzhino Springer 11, Khushaiah King 10). Quarters: 1st 33-22, 2nd 57-43, 3rd 88-71 (All in favour of Spartans).
Boys' U-17 Division
Spartans TT 89 (Zachary Julien 38, Idriis Martin 29, Shamara Collis 10) vs Maloney Pacers 85 (N'Kobie Ince 20, Tyrese Singh 17, Jovani Baker 15, Jeverson Augustine 10). Quarters: 1st 24-14 (Pacers), 2nd 42-37 (Spartans). 3rd 66-58 (Spartans)
