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Manchester sweep ISSA rural basketball titles
March 20, 2026
Manchester High School stamped their authority on schoolboy basketball once again, retaining both the Under-16 and Under-19 titles yesterday in a commanding showing at the ISSA rural championships finals at G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport in St Catherine.
'Chester' delivered an emphatic performance in the deciding game, overpowering Herbert Morrison Technical High School (HMTHS) 62-44 to seal the best-of-three series 2-1.
Manchester's MVP Jahquan Palmer had a double-double of 16 points and rebounds. HMTHS Tyler Linton had 13 points and nine rebounds.
Damon Sullivan, coach of Manchester, told STAR SPORTS both wins were dedicated toward a player who passed before the season started.
"The Under-16 game was a tough game. I have about three or four players nursing injuries, so we had to manage the game properly," Sullivan said.
"I think what gave us the edge in the Under-16 game today was free throws. We got an opportunity to step away from them and maintain that lead throughout."
Levar Rose, coach of HMTHS, acknowledged the negative feelings associated with losing and emphasised the need for preparation during the off-season, to improve for the next season.
"Any loss is a bitter feeling. It's always good to find adversaries and conquer them throughout the season, and this was the only adversary we found that we couldn't conquer.
"Our boys did good today and I am proud of them. The past couple seasons we have been losing to the same team. It is just unfortunate that we couldn't get over the hump," added Rose.
SERIES SWEEP
In the Under-19 contest, Manchester overwhelmed first-time finalists Holmwood Technical 96-52 to complete a 2-0 series sweep.
Leading the charge was MVP, Oral Daley, who scored 28 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. His teammate Samuel Smith added 22 points and 17 rebounds. Holmwood's Romeo Smith and Melvin Ragoo scored 14 points each.
"I am just happy, a lot of work was put in," said Sullivan. "Sadly, we had a young man who passed just before the start of the season who was on the Under-19 team, so we have been dedicated toward getting these two trophies this season."
Andrew Brown, coach of Holmwood Technical, said despite being disappointed he is confident the team will be better next season.
"I am a bit disappointed, and it is a part of the game. But I am very proud of my team. This is our first year in the finals, and the great thing about it is that I will be having back the same team next year," said Brown.
