Sports journalist, Berisford Codd Jr, gave his take on the power ranking in the Belize Elite Basketball League (BEBL) as of Week 2 into the season. Controversial, some might say, but no doubt, Codd knows his stuff being in the trenches of Belizean sports development.
He takes a look and shares his take on this season’s rankings, projections, predictions, and more. Here goes:
BEBL Power Rankings – Week 2, 2024 Season
1) Benny’s Belize Hurricanes (1-0):
– The defending champions showed no signs of slowing down in Week 1, dominating the San Pedro Tiger Sharks with a 101-73 victory.
– A well-rounded offensive performance, with five players scoring in double figures.
– Shooting an impressive 48.8% from the field.
– Faces a tough challenge in Week 2 against the OW Rebels, aiming to maintain their 100+ point performance.
2) Belize City Defenders (1-0):
– Nigel Jones, the 2018 MVP, led the Defenders to an overtime victory against the Tiger Sharks, showcasing a strong comeback from the disappointing 2023 season.
– Needs increased offensive production from the core to establish themselves as serious contenders.
– Devin Daly looks like he is still a few months away from finding back his form, but his jumper and basketball IQ will still allow him to contribute at a high level.
3) Belikin Orange Walk Running Rebels (1-0):
– The Running Rebels, last year’s top seed, started the season with a shooting clinic against the Griga Dream Ballers.
– James Stanback and TJ Hall had standout performances, setting the stage for a crucial matchup against the Hurricanes.
– Fans await the debut of guard reinforcements, including the Reneau Brothers, Leon Jacobs, and Leroy Louriano.
4) San Pedro Tiger Sharks (0-2):
– Showed championship mettle by taking the Defenders to overtime in Week 2 after a challenging Week 1.
– Improved performance, but questionable late-game decisions and calls impacted the outcome vs Defenders.
5) Belmopan Trojans (1-0):
– The newest team in the league stunned the Cayo Western Ballaz with a disciplined, unselfish, and feisty approach to the game.
– Led by second-year import Jeremiah Toney and the dynamic Lisani Lambey.
– Impressive team effort with 11 players contributing in their victory.
6) Cayo Western Ballaz (0-1):
– A disappointing start for Cayo, playing one of their worst games despite the addition of JD Weatherspoon.
– Struggled with shooting, turnovers, and defensive issues.
– Mark Gordon, their key scorer from last year, faced difficulties on both ends of the court.
7) EZ Investments Griga Dream Ballers (0-1):
– Facing a talent depletion after losing key players.
– Foreign players blending in with locals, making it challenging to compete.
– Urgent need to attract new talent for a competitive season.
We note that many other reputable sport enthusiastic have published their owe power ranking. Codd, at least, provides valid justifications for his scores.