2025 NSSSA Champions Maud Williams High School – Photo Credit: William George Ysaguirre
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 
The Central Zone’s grip on the National Secondary Schools Sports Association basketball championship grew even stronger this past weekend, as Maud Williams High School captured the 2025 title — marking the fourth consecutive year that a Central Zone school has lifted the trophy.
Tournament MVP Russel Bailey scored 19 points in Saturday’s final, guiding Maud Williams past Sacred Heart College Hawks, 59–41, at the Orange Walk Multipurpose Complex. Teammates Marlon McClaren and Tristenn Brown added 11 points each, while Jason Orosco chipped in 8 from beyond the arc.
2024 NSSSA Champions Gwen Lizarraga High School – Photo Credit: William George Ysaguirre
The semifinal round had already showcased the team’s depth. On Friday night, Maud Williams defeated Northern champions Muffles College Bobcats, 69–61, with Orosco exploding for 28 points and Bailey adding 15. Sacred Heart advanced to the final by edging Independence High Invaders, 58–54, behind standout performances from Jaden Morris and Jeremy Carbajal.
The Bobcats later claimed third place in a thriller, 63–62, over Independence. That result also highlighted Sacred Heart’s improvement — after finishing fourth last year, they rose to second place this season.
2023 NSSSA Champions Gwen Lizarraga High School – Photo Credit: Keith Madrill
The Central Zone’s streak began in 2022 with Sadie Vernon Technical High School, followed by back‑to‑back titles for Gwen Lizarraga High School in 2023 and 2024. Last year, Gwen Liz defeated Independence 67–37 in the final, with Jason Orosco — then playing as a reinforcement — earning MVP honours. Under NSSSA rules, schools may field up to three reinforcements from other schools in their zone, a policy that has helped Central teams build depth and sustain their dominance.
NSSSA president Francis Pascual presented Bailey with the MVP award, recognizing his decisive role in Maud Williams’ championship run — a victory that also extended the Central Zone’s reign to four straight years.
2022 CSSSA Champions Sadie Vernon High School went on to win the NSSSA Basketball Championship that year – Photo Credit: William George Ysaguirre
The post Central Zone dominance continues in NSSSA boys basketball, as Maud Williams claims 4th title for the region appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
2025 NSSSA Champions Maud Williams High School – Photo Credit: William George Ysaguirre By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 🏀The Central Zone’s grip on the National Secondary Schools Sports Association basketball championship grew even stronger this past weekend, as Maud Williams High School captured the 2025 title — marking the fourth consecutive year that a Central Zone
The post Central Zone dominance continues in NSSSA boys basketball, as Maud Williams claims 4th title for the region appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
