The stage is set for an electrifying finale in the Under-19 boys’ schools’ basketball tournament, as defending champions Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) prepare to face St Mary’s College (SMC) on Thursday, November 6. The championship clash, organized by the Ministry of Youth Development & Sports, will take place at the Beausejour Gymnasium, capping off an intense competition. SALCC secured their spot in the final with a commanding 66-44 victory over Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) in the semifinals. Despite CCSS leading by five points at halftime, SALCC’s experience and defensive prowess turned the tide in their favor. Key performances from Malik Denis, who scored 21 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and made eight steals, and Joel Desrivieres, with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, were instrumental in the win. Meshach Du Boulay stood out for CCSS with 25 points and 15 rebounds. Meanwhile, SMC avenged last year’s semifinal loss by defeating Soufrière Comprehensive Secondary School (SCSS) 50-39. Rollins Estwick led SMC with 23 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, while Jabarie Archibald contributed 10 points and 14 rebounds. SCSS, missing key player Alex Longville due to injury, saw strong performances from Curdin Jones, who recorded 16 points and 22 rebounds, and Chaz Alexander with 13 points. Earlier in the day, CCSS and SCSS will compete in the third-place playoff at 1 p.m., followed by the championship game at 2 p.m.