Monrovia – L.J. Barnes, based in New Kru Town, shocked favorites J.J. Ross High School with a 25-18 victory in the opening game of the 2024/2025 Inter-School Sports Association (ISSA) basketball league on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Open Air Sports Commissioner on Board Street.
By A. Macaulay Sombai, [email protected]
L.J. Barnes, who entered the match as underdogs, surprised J.J. Ross with a seven-point margin to announce their arrival in the ISSA basketball league.
Head Coach Thomas Derea, reflecting on the victory, said the win was not a surprise but rather the result of his team’s hard work and dedication during training. “We could have won by a wider margin, but my players didn’t take full advantage of the chances they had,” Derea noted.
This was Coach Derea’s first game in charge of the L.J. Barnes basketball team. He assured the school’s sports department that he would work on improving the team’s performance, especially in the area of shooting, ahead of their next match.
“I just took over this school basketball team, and today’s game was my first as head coach. I thank God we won, and I’m proud of the skillful ball control my players displayed against J.J. Ross. It’s a statement to our opponents that we are ready for the title race,” Coach Derea said.
L.J. Barnes’ Vice Principal for Instructions, Mr. Bobby Gray, praised Coach Derea and his team for their impressive performance and first win in the ISSA league.
He also assured the school’s sports department of full support, including better sports equipment and medical care.
In other upcoming games, A.G. Caldwell will face William V.S. Tubman High on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in the early kickoff, while C.W.A. will take on SOS in the day’s final match.