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Fiery atmosphere in Batroun, Rockland in big-game mode: the two heavyweights reminded everyone who’s steering the championship. Riyadi, the overwhelming favorite, wrapped things up on the court of the newly promoted Batroun team (105–73), with a radiant Ismaïl Ahmad at 49 years old, while La Sagesse, disciplined and structured, tamed Hoops (97–74) to secure a second consecutive win.
Round 2 of the Lebanese Basketball Championship delivered what you expect from a high-level start to the season: packed arenas, strong storylines, and early glimpses of hierarchy. In the heat of Batroun, defending champion Riyadi accelerated without flinching, while La Sagesse, under coach Joe Gattas, handled business at Rockland with the authority of a contender. Two clear victories, two already very readable performances.
Ismaïl Ahmad, the Brilliance That Changes Everything
In Batroun, the stage was set: first-ever home game in the first division for the northern club, packed stands, tense nerves. Ten minutes of observation (19–16 Riyadi), then the Beirut giant went into gear: +11 at halftime (47–36), +23 after the third quarter, +32 at the buzzer (105–73). The numbers tell the story of domination: 54% from two-point range, 61% from three (11/18), 42 rebounds to 25, and 28 assists to 15.
At the heart of the show, one man: Ismaïl Ahmad. At 49 years old, the forward stole the spotlight with an unreal 7/7 from three-point range (including 6 in the final five minutes), finishing with 23 points in 19 minutes. Around him, Maurice Kemp (17 pts, 7 rebs), Hayk Gyokchyan (17 pts, 10 rebs, 4 asts), Perrin Buford (15 pts, 11 rebs, 5 asts), Ali Mansour (12 pts, 5 rebs, 4 asts), and Amir Saoud (11 pts, 5 asts) delivered collective and vertical basketball — all without center Ivan Buva, who was rested.
Batroun, however, did not disappoint. Their new connections are only just forming — Ihab Al-Zuhairi had just joined the squad, with only one full team practice before the game — and the schedule was merciless: La Sagesse then Riyadi to start the season. Anthony Fairley (17 pts) and Ramon Galloway (17 pts) tried to keep pace, Andrew Kubali added 15 points, Bechara Saba scored 7, and Al-Zuhairi contributed 6 points and 9 rebounds. It wasn’t enough, of course, to stop the steamroller.
La Sagesse in Control at Rockland
At Rockland Arena, La Sagesse under Joe Gattas led from start to finish against Hoops: 27–15 after ten minutes, 47–35 at halftime, 74–57 after the third quarter, 97–74 at the end. The scoring looks “clean,” and the advanced stats confirm it: 62% near the rim (vs. 41% for Hoops), rebounding battle won 56–40, and ball movement that breathes (21 assists).
Without Ali Haidar — still out but expected to return next game — the starting five stepped up: Youssef Khayat was the standout (22 pts, 14 rebs, 7 asts), Gerard Hadidian was sharp (21 pts, 8 rebs), Eric Greenefficient (18 pts, 4 rebs), Tony Carr all-around (18 pts, 7 rebs, 8 asts), and Makur Maker solid in the dirty work (12 pts, 13 rebs).
Hoops had its moments, led by Kedrian Johnson (14 pts, 6 rebs, 8 asts) and Ahmad Akkawi (14 pts, 8 rebs). Georges-Yves Daaboul filled the stat sheet (10 pts, 7 asts, 3 stls), Trazarian White made his presence felt under the basket (9 pts, 6 rebs), and young Johnny Sawma — only 16 years old — scored a promising 9 points, while Omar Jammal added 8 points and 7 rebounds. But the difference in impact and density logically told over time.
Hierarchy Taking Shape
Two rounds in, and markers are already appearing: Riyadi, even while rotating its roster, displays an athletic volume and shooting precision that quickly creates separation; La Sagesse shows a clear structure, dominant rebounding, and established leaders despite Haidar’s absence. For Batroun and Hoops, learning comes through these kinds of clashes: setting foundations, solidifying chemistry, and targeting the “games that really matter” for them.
Packed arenas, veterans rekindling the joy of the game, young players emerging — the league’s formula remains intact. The sensation of the weekend was Ismaïl Ahmad’s incredible shooting display, symbol of a Riyadi that refuses to just rest on its status. On the other side, La Sagesse is patiently checking every box. The road is long, but one message stands out: to dethrone the champion, you’ll have to reach very high — and very fast.
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