By: Sylvester Tamba Jr.
PAYNESVILLE – What was expected to be a tightly contested match between newly promoted first-division rivals turned into a dominant display by Spartacus, who crushed the Highway Kings 74–41 in a game that sent a strong message to future opponents.
It all took place at the SKD Gymnasium in Paynesville City as part of the 2025 LBA League.
Early predictions had painted the matchup as a 50-50 battle, and the first quarter lived up to that expectation. However, a technical misstep by the Highway Kings during a substitution midway through the second quarter disrupted their rhythm and gave Spartacus the momentum they needed.
From the third quarter onward, it became clear that the once-formidable Highway Kings—champions of the second division—were struggling to keep up. Spartacus, fueled by their young squad and a hunger for revenge, widened the gap and controlled the rest of the game.
Spartacus head coach Wallay Barr, popularly known as “Well Drogba,” expressed surprise at the one-sided result. “I couldn’t believe it was the same team we lost to in the Division 2 finals during the best-of-five series,” she told reporters after the game.
Coach Barr
“I told my boys, ‘Look, this is the team that denied us the championship.’ They played well tonight, and I congratulate them, but we know tougher matches are coming. We’re ready for the challenge.”
Coach Barr is notably the only female coach in the top division but downplays the significance of gender in the sport. “I don’t look at sex in sports—coaching is about determination,” she said. “I’ve been doing this for a while now, even coaching AME Zion University, where we won several trophies.”
In addition to her coaching role, Barr also plays for the Commission Women’s Team, currently the most successful women’s basketball club in the country.
She credited her coaching journey to former Montserrado County District #7 Representative Solomon George. “Mr. George taught me a lot, and I must give him credit for the education and mentorship he provided over the years.”
