In a stunning reversal of fortunes during Friday’s rescheduled ISSA Rural Area boys’ basketball quarterfinals, Holmwood Technical engineered a remarkable comeback to defeat previously undefeated Herbert Morrison Technical 64-46 in Montego Bay. The Under-19 matchup saw Holmwood overcome a significant deficit with an explosive final-quarter performance that completely shifted the game’s momentum.
The contest began favorably for Herbert Morrison, the former national Under-19 champions, who established an early 14-11 lead after the opening quarter. Though Holmwood narrowed the gap to just two points (29-27) by halftime, Herbert Morrison maintained their advantage heading into the final period with a 42-39 lead.
The game’s dramatic turning point arrived in the fourth quarter when Holmwood unleashed a devastating 25-4 scoring run that left their opponents reeling. Melvin Ragoo emerged as the standout performer, delivering a game-high 26 points that propelled his team to victory. Denrick Jenkins provided crucial support with 17 points, creating an formidable offensive combination that Herbert Morrison ultimately couldn’t contain.
Despite the Under-19 team’s disappointing loss, Herbert Morrison found redemption in the Under-16 division where they secured a hard-fought 67-60 victory against Knox College. This game resumed after being previously interrupted with Herbert Morrison holding a narrow 43-40 lead in the final minute. Shamar Russell dominated the court with an impressive 23-point performance complemented by nine rebounds and three blocked shots, while Michael Johnson contributed 10 points and six rebounds.
The results highlight the competitive intensity of Jamaica’s school basketball championships, demonstrating how quickly momentum can shift in high-stakes playoff basketball.