Basketball in Africa

By Renatha Msungu

This year`s regional inter-cities basketball championship will be staged on May 22-27 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The tournament attracts teams from big cities in East and Central Africa.
Inter-cities president Simon Msofe said 10 cities had so far confirmed until yesterday afternoon.
They are Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Kampala, Jinja, Mombasa, Kigali, Bujumbura, Lusaka, Addis Ababa and hosts Nairobi.
`We are still waiting for Khartoum and Lubumbashi to confirm,` Msofe said.
Msofe said the last date for teams to confirm would be April 30.
Nairobi men and women`s won the titles last year in Kampala, Kampala.

This weekend matches will prove whether new emtrant into the Nigeria basketball scene, Kennys' Bullets has what it takes to compete among the big boys or not when it engage two former Nigerian league champions, Islanders and Ebun Comets basketball clubs on Friday and Sunday at the Sports Hall of the Lagos National Stradium.

Bullets coached by former Nigeria national team captain and Comets play maker, Lateef Folami had before this weekend pairing seated in the second spot behind Comets with eight points from four matches.
The team owned by telecommunications guru, Oladamoye Oyesiku boast of some tested and quality players with a sprinkle of rookies who are very daring when situation afford them.
Players such as Nigeria captain to the 2006 Melbourne, Australia Commonwealth Games, Abdulrahman Mohammed, experience two-guard Baba Kadri Jibril and potent point guard Michael Ohiero at the back court while up front the team has Dare Borokini otherwise known as 'Gedu', Andrew Awarrin and Godspower Igben.


Bombers set to bomb Islanders, Comets out of final-4

Comeback Police Bombers basketball club will on Sunday stake its luck against Toyin Sonoiki Islanders in continuation of the City league to announce its comeback into the game.
Bombers who pulled out of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF organised premier league in 2003 has not been able to find its footing ever since but the determination of it coach, Mark Balogun an Assistant Suprintendent of Police has seen the team making itself available to compete for honours whether in the small league or the big league.
Basking with a 2-2 record so far the Bombers will count on the experience of Rasaki Alowonle, Malik Tella and Razaq Odebode the one they call 'The Bull' while Segun Dawodu and Aranike Ebikoro will provide assistance from the back-court.
Before the tough nutch against Islanders on Sunday the Bombers will bank on mother luck to out play Ebun Comets on Friday in one of the top of the billing match of the day.
The match against the two teams that ruled the Nigeria basketball scene for over fifteen years is seen by many as the real test the Balogun boys need to announce their to the whole world whether they are a team to reckon with or not.

Other Pairings:

Wednesday - March 28
Warriors Academy Vs Sea Rovers
Whales Vs Warriors Kadets
Chariots Vs Dodan Warriors

Friday - March 30
Sea Rovers Vs Chariots
Warriors Kadets Vs Raptors
Dodan Warriors Vs Warriors Academy
Union Bank Vs Whales
Islanders Vs Bullets
Comets Vs Bombers

Sunday - April 1
Bombers Vs Islanders
Raptors Vs Union Bank
Bullets Vs Comets

Results:
Islanders 65-42 Warriors Academy
Sear Rovers 67-65 Warriors Kadets (OT)
Kennys' Bullets 63-50 Whales
Ebun Comets 68-42 Sea Rovers
Dodan Warriors 64-31 Raptors
Union Bank 71-49 Warriors Academy
Islanders 49-33 Whales
Kennys' Bullets 57-18 Warriors Kadets
Police Bombers 59-43 Chariots
Ebun Comets 59-54 Chariots
Police Bombers 46-30 Raptors
Union Bank 91-87 Dodan Warriors

The trio of Ebun Comets, Kennys' Bullets and Union Bank basketball clubs are the only clubs who yet to taste defeat after playing four games each in the 3rd Lagos City League with Comets leading the pack with superior points difference.

All four teams have continue to show great potentials that they are prepared for the league which is providing them opportunities to test some of their new signings and young players and a place in the final-4.

Comets have recorded win over Warriors Kadets (52-24); Raptors (72-39); Sea Rovers (68-42) and Chariots (59-54) which is the only match that one would say really test the might of the Ayo Bakare tutored side.

Bullets coached by former Nigeria international and senior national team D'Tigers captain, Lateef Folami had proved that it winning the league last season is not a fluke by shunning out victory upon victory week-in week-out with wins over Sea Rovers (56-29); Warriors Academy (73-63); Whales (63-50) and Warriors Kadets (57-18) to place second behind Comets on the table.

Union Bank on the other hand has had its hand full as it has played against more tougher opposition with its biggest win coming last Sunday when it defeated Dodan Warriors in a thrilling match watched by capacity crowd with 91-87 points, the Stallion boys as the Bode Thomas Surulere-based team is also known defeated big teams like the Islanders (63-54); Police Bombers (57-43) and Warriors Academy (71-49) to place third.

Bullets test might against Islanders, Comets

This weekend matches will prove whether new emtrant into the Nigeria basketball scene, Kenny' Bullets has what it takes to compete among the big boys or not when it engage two former Nigerian league champions, Islanders and Ebun Comets basketball clubs on Friday and Sunday at the Sports Hall of the Lagos National Stradium.

Bullets coached by former Nigeria national team captain and Comets play maker, Lateef Folami had before this weekend pairing seated in the second spot behind Comets with eight points from four matches.

The team owned by telecommunications guru, Oladamoye Oyesiku boast of some tested and quality players with a sprinkle of rookies who are very daring when situation afford them.

Players such as Nigeria captain to the 2006 Melbourne, Australia Commonwealth Games, Abdulrahman Mohammed, experience two-guard Baba Kadri Jibril and potent point guard Michael Ohiero at the back court while up front the team has Dare Borokini otherwise known as 'Gedu', Andrew Awarrin and Godspower Igben.

Bombers set to bomb Islanders, Comets out of final-4

Comeback Police Bombers basketball club will on Sunday stake its luck against Toyin Sonoiki Islanders in continuation of the City league to announce its comeback into the game.

Bombers who pulled out of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF organised premier league in 2003 has not been able to find its footing ever since but the determination of it coach, Mark Balogun an Assistant Suprintendent of Police has seen the team making itself available to compete for honours whether in the small league or the big league.

Basking with a 2-2 record so far the Bombers will count on the experience of Rasaki Alowonle, Malik Tella and Razaq Odebode the one they call 'The Bull' while Segun Dawodu and Aranike Ebikoro will provide assistance from the back-court.

Before the tough nutch against Islanders on Sunday the Bombers will bank on mother luck to out play Ebun Comets on Friday in one of the top of the billing match of the day.

The match against the two teams that ruled the Nigeria basketball scene for over fifteen years is seen by many as the real test the Balogun boys need to announce their to the whole world whether they are a team to reckon with or not.

Other Pairings:
Wednesday - March 28
Warriors Academy Vs Sea Rovers
Whales Vs Warriors Kadets
Chariots Vs Dodan Warriors

Friday - March 30
Sea Rovers Vs Chariots
Warriors Kadets Vs Raptors
Dodan Warriors Vs Warriors Academy
Union Bank Vs Whales
Islanders Vs Bullets
Comets Vs Bombers

Sunday - April 1
Bombers Vs Islanders
Raptors Vs Union Bank
Bullets Vs Comets

Results:
Islanders 65-42 Warriors Academy
Sear Rovers 67-65 Warriors Kadets (OT)
Kennys' Bullets 63-50 Whales
Ebun Comets 68-42 Sea Rovers
Dodan Warriors 64-31 Raptors
Union Bank 71-49 Warriors Academy
Islanders 49-33 Whales
Kennys' Bullets 57-18 Warriors Kadets
Police Bombers 59-43 Chariots
Ebun Comets 59-54 Chariots
Police Bombers 46-30 Raptors
Union Bank 91-87 Dodan Warriors

By Olusegun IKUESAN

APR basketball club opened their 2007 campaign on a high note, lifting the inaugural Kigali Challenge Cup in a tournament that ended at Petit Stade at the weekend.After taking Huye through a 123-57 lessons at the semi-finals, the 2006 national basketball league champions (APR) continued with its winning ways in the final to post a well-deserved 100-74 victory over Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK) who had earlier stunned the crowd with a 72-56 win over Espoir in the semi-finals.In all their games, they scored in excess of 100 points which is a sign that the side is in flawless form.
“The team played extremely well. The boys played like they were desperately in need of huge scores. I think if we keep playing like this, we have a good chance of hitting our targets this year,” APR’s coach Cliff Owuor told Times Sports.
The event attracted 14 clubs in both categories (men and women), two of which were making their maiden appearance in local basketball competitions. These included the event sponsors (CSK) and Huye.
Despite their loss in the final, CSK showed their potential and could be a threat in future basketball competitions.
Rwanda National University (UNR) claimed the ladies’ silverware after a 76-50 victory over APR.

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

PLS Hawks registered a long awaited victory over their closest rival Premium Cobras whilst Anse Etoile Stars retained their title during the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) charity match which was played Sunday March 25 at the Palais des Sports.

This year’s profit from the charity matches will be donated to Léon Bonnelame. Mr. Bonnelame, who is now an amputee due to illness, has contributed a lot towards the development of basketball in Seychelles.
The PLS Hawks’ fans have waited for over a year to see their team claim a rare victory over Premium Cobras.
With the return of quick and agile shooting guard Jefferson Nganga in their offense and
coach Clifford Joubert providing intelligent instrutions on their bench, PLS Hawks started the match more offensively and they went on to wrap up the first quarter 16-12.

An excellent defense and good organization in their offense helped Hawks to increase their lead in the second quarter.

Matters worsen for Cobras when they lost centre Lenny”Bad”Aglaé who was sent off after his retaliation on Thomas Collie following a foul committed by the latter. At the end of the second quarter Hawks were comfortably leading 42-21.

In the third quarter Cobras lost their Tanzanian player Abdallah “Dulla” Ramadhan following his second technical foul which made the situation more difficult for the boys of Coach Guy Hall as they lost the quarter 63-37.

In the fourth and final quarter, Cobras increased their pace in a bid to reduce the margin by scoring some points but the damages were already done as Hawks won the match 82-70 to win its first title for the year.

According to PLS Hawks’ captain Jim Domingue, Sunday’s victory means a lot to them as it has been a while since they last overpowered Cobras.

”Today we have shown that there are several elements that are back in our team and the final score speaks for itself” explained Domingue.

For his part Premium Cobras’ President Roy Collie admitted that almost nothing worked on their side.

”Hawks were very determined and their shooting was good especially Nganga,” explained Collie.
“The prime aim of today’s match was for charity and I am very happy that we participated for a good cause and contributed towards the welfare of someone who has done a lot for Seychelles’ basketball,” added Collie.

In the ladies’ matches, Anse Etoile Stars were defending their title against Hotshots. It was an evenly contested match and at the end of the first half, Hotshots was leading by a single point 14-13. Hotshots put on an extra gear and at the end of the first half, they were leading 28-22.

It was during the two last quarters that Stars improved on their game thus putting pressure on Hotshots to win the match 62-52 and retain their title.According to Stars’ captain Simone Asba injury problems have been their main constraint.
“Now our players are slowly recovering. With more training and perseverance we will reach the required level,” added Asba.

Next on the SBF calendar is the curtain raiser tournament which will start tomorrow.
Meanwhile the SBF held its annual general meeting last Saturday at the Sports Training Centre, Roche Caïman. There has been no major change to the executive committee. Paul Denis was re-elected as Chairman whilst Alix Alissop remains as Secretary. Jean-Guy Alphonsse will continue with the treasury tasks. The committee’s ordinary members are Tracy Moustache, Pascal Fostel, Steve Hoareau, Thyra Boniface, Nichol Gabriel and Hervé Anthony.


R. D.

Defending champion of the Lagos City League, Kennys' Bullets basketball club has showed that its victory in 2006 was not a fluke as it records it third straight win Wednesday after seeing off Whales basketball club by 63-50 points in an exciting macth.

The Lateef Folami tutored side who last weekend posting a wonderful performance against Sea Rovers (56-29) and Warriors Academy (73-63) was a delight to watch any day.
The Bullets parades some tested hands in the Nigeria basketball, such as senior national team captain to the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games
Abdulrahman Mohammed who is a great inspiration to the team, his Melbourne Commonwealth Games teammate, Baba Jibril, Junior National team invitee, Michael Ohiero who is happy to be back playing among other top players.
With mixture of experience and crop of daring young players the Bullets team have vowed to make it to the playoff stage inspite of the presence of four premier league teams (Union Bank, Dodan warriors, Islanders and Comets) in the league.
The Bullets will take on Warriors Kadetts on Saturday and have resolved to also add the Obalende based junior Dodan team to their prey.

By Olusegun Ikuesan

It will back to business as usual as the 2007 Kenya national premier league throws off next month in three venues.
For the first time in its 20 year history a team from Kisumu will take part in the top league and they are two teams in both the men and women category.
Kisumu Lakeside (men) and Kisumu Lakers (women) are all set as are the rest of the team when the games start in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu. Nakuru will be
sadly missed.
Rift Valley were dealt a severe blow when it became official that Nakuru Club will not take part in the year's league slated to throw off on April 14.
The only club from the Province has not been drawn in this seasons first leg fixtures released this week by KBF chairman Agina Wesonga. This effectively rules the
team out of action.
There were hopes that some well wishers would come on board to bail the club out of their current financial predicament, but it seems nothing positive hascome out just as yet.
Nakuru Club was kicked out of the league mid stream during last year's games for failure to clear their participation dues dating back to 2005.
KBF have promoted three teams namely Kisumu Lakeside, Java Warriors and Strathmore University to the top league making the number to ten.

The women's league last week suffered a blow when Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture Technology (Jkuat) announced their withdrawal from the top echeleon.
The students announced their pull out and said they still want to be active and would now join the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) Provincial league starting April 21.
The league starts off with a total of nine matches in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu with national champions Ulinzi Warriors and Telkom being in action.
The soldiers will meet University of Nairobi Terroroists while Telkom play Sprite Storms at Nyayo National Stadium on April 15.
Opening the season will be a lower division match between Mennonites and Don Bosco at 10 am.
Later in the day, last year's Play Off finalists Co-operative Bank of Kenya entertain regional champions KCB Lions.
In Mombasa, former women champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) host UoN "Dynamites" while the first ever Premier League match to be played in Kisumu pits
home side against Java Warriors, a team they beat for the Division One title.
Debutants Catholic Dream Team (CDT) have a date with Yana Milele, who finished fourth while KPA men make a return after a year's break with a match against
Langata Crusaders in Division One.

FIXTURES:
April 14- Mennonites v NPC, Don Bosco v Blazers, Yana v CDT, Telkom v Jkuat, Co-op v KCB Lions, Lakeside v Java (Kisumu), KPA v Uon Dynamites, KPA
v Langata Cruasaders.
April 15: Lomboritz v Blazers, Mennonites v Don Bosco, Telkom v Sprite Storms, Ulinzi v UoN Terrorists.
April 21- Telkom v NPC, Yana v UON Dynamites, Java v Strathmore, KCB v ICC.
April 22- Telkom v Lomboritz, Sprite Storms v UoN Dynamites, Jkuat v Langata Crusaders, Co-op v UoN Terrortists.
April 28- NPC v KPA, CDT v Kisumu Lakers, Terrorists v ICC, Telkom v KPA, Ulinzi v Lakeside.
April 29- Don Bosco v Langata Cruasaders, Blazers v KPA, Yana v Kisumu Lakers, Strathmore v Kisumu Lakeside.
May 5- Jkuat v Lomboritz, Telkom v Mennonites, CDT v Sptire Storms, UoN Dynamites v Telkom, KCB v Java, Kisumu Lakerside v Co-op (Kisumu).
May- 6 Blazers v Langata Crusaders, ANU v NPC, Java v ICC, Strathmore v Ulinzi.
May-12 Jkuat v Don Bosco, Lomboritz v Mennonites, CDT v UoN Dynamites, ICC v Co-op.KPA v Sprite Storms (Mombasa), KPA v ANU.
May 13- Blazers v Telkom, NPC v Lomboritz, USIU v Telkom, Java v Ulinzi, UoN Terrorists v Usiu.
May 19- ANU v Crusaders, Jkuat v Mennonites, Storms v Yana, Strathmore v Co-op.
May 20- Lomboritz v Don Bosco, CDT v KPA, Telkom v Kisumu Lakers, KU Piraites v UoN Terrorists, KCB v Kisumu Lakerside.
May 26- Telkom v KPA, Storms v Kisumu Lakers, USIU v KPA, ICC v Kisumu, Lakeside, Ulinzi v USIU.
May 27- Telkom v KPA, Storms v Kisumu Lakers, USIU v KPA, ICC v Kisumu Lakeside, Ulinzi v USIU.

Dann O'Were

Former Nairobi Province and National Schools Champions, St Austin's Academy edged out rivals Nairobi Jaffrey's Academy 67-57 in thrilling Nairobi Secondary Schools Sports Association-NSSSA boys' basketball finals game played at Lenana School on Saturday. David Ogola put St Austin's up 2-0 after 30 seconds of play. However, the lead was short lived as David Sinda sunk back-to-back 3-pointers to give Jaffery's an 11-4 lead. As the game settled down, Austins recovered through Stephen Kivoto and Charles Okoth to tie the game at 11-11 with three minutes remaining in the first quarter. Sinda teamed up with Joseph Odhiambo and Austin Mbega to give Jaffery's a 16-13 advantage as the first quarter came to an end. The second quarter was full of action as St Austin's came all fired up as Jaffery's fought back to stay afloat. Jaffery's, under Coach Gabriel Ingotsi, had its trio of Evans Omondi, David Sinda and Collins Maiteri combine well to give their team a 26-20 lead midway through the quarter, prompting Austin's Coach David Maina to call for a time out. On resumption, Austin's trio of Kevin Samora, Chidi Antoine, and David Ogola showed cased their prowess as they turned the tables around, taking a narrow 30-29 lead with 2:30 to the half, before Charles Okoth made it 34-29 at the break. Austin 's outscored Jaffery's 21-13 in this quarter. St Austin's maintained their form inside 15-seconds of play in the third quarter after a Chidi-Dunk. Jaffery's recovered through Evans Omondi and Lenous Mbega to come within a point (37-38) with 6:30 to go. Both teams then traded baskets at both ends, with Evans Omondi dunking to tie the game at 39-39, and again at 41-41 with 4-minutes remaining in the quarter. Once again, Austin 's trio of Samora, Ogola, and Chidi combined well to take a 51-42 lead, before Samora made it 54-42 after hitting a 3-pointer on the buzzer. The final quarter was dominated by St Austins through Ogola, Kyale Mwenda and Chidi, despite Jaffery's outscoring them 15-13 through Sinda, Collins Maiteri and Samuel Odunga, putting the scores at 67-57 as the final whistle was blown. Kevin Samora bagged 23 points and a second consecutive NSSSA MVP award, as team-mates David Ogola added 19, Charles Okoth 15 and Antoine Chidi 10 points for St Austin's, while David Sinda managed 17 points, Evans Omondi 16 and Collins Maiteri 10 for Nairobi Jaffery's Academy.

St Austin's Winning Team:
Kevin Samora, Julius Mbewe, Kevin Kamau, Kyale Mwenda, David Ogola, Stephen Kivoto, Charles Okoth, Bosco Nkunzimana, Gilbert Muhoro, Junior Inoncensio, Chidi Antoine, Curtis Matu. Coach David Maina
Boys Awards:

1. St Austin's Academy
2. Nairobi Jaffery's Academy
3. Starehe Boys vs. St Austins Academy
4. Upper Hill School vs. Nairobi Jaffery's Academy

Most Valuable Player: Kevin Samora:- St Austin's Academy

Girls Awards:

1. St Georges Secondary School-Nairobi
2. Buru Buru Girls High School
3. Moi Girls School Nairobi
4. Pangani Girls High School

Most Valuable Player: Janet Okoth:- St Georges Secondary School

From http://alsabasketball.com

St Georges Secondary School defeated Buru Buru Girls 38-24 to lift the Nairobi Province Girls basketball title for the first time. St Georges were off to a superb start, going up 4-0 inside a minute of play after good runs from Grace Kendi and Linda Mfuchi. Kendi proceeded to bag four more points as St Georges outscored Buru Buru 13-06 in the first quarter. The second quarter saw Buru Bur Girls, under Head coach George Mayienga, come out more fired up through Natalie Sakina, Carolyne Osongo, and Mildred Wanjeri, dominating the entire quarter to score 9 points against St George's 2-points to tie the game at 15-15 at the break. On resumption from the break, St Georges regrouped through its magnificent trio of Grace Kendi, Janet Okoth and Linda Mfuchi, as they dominated the paint to reclaim a 25-19 lead at the end of the third quarter. With the championship within rage, Coach Juma Kent 's St Georges, continued with their offensive plays over Buru Buru who seemed to have given up. Valerie Okoth sealed the sweet victory for St Georges with a jumper from the key with five seconds remaining. Grace Kendi Shot 13 points, Janet Okoth 12, and Linda Mfuchi 9 for St Georges, while Natalie Sakina shot 10 points, and Macine Milimu 6 points for Buru Buru.

St Georges Winning Team:
Beryl Aloo, Mitchell Marley, Jean Oduor, Julie Oketch, Valerie Okoth, Linda Mfuchi, Garnet Iyadi, Grace Kendi, Tanya Ogwel, Vanessa Lwila, Mary Alaim, Janet Okoth. Coach: Juma Kent

By Philip Onyango
Nairobi

The government has confirmed it will fly in American based women basketball stars for the All Africa Games to be held in Algeria in July.
Commissioner of Sports Gordon Oluoch yesterday said the Games steering committee was in the process of going through the budget and was looking at the possibility of ensuring all the overseas based players for the All Africa Games are given a chance to play for Kenya."We have already received a request from the basketball federation. What is remaining is for us to sit down with them and look for the best way possible to go about it", he said.Kenya basketball federation chairman Agina Wasonga yesterday said they were in contact with the U.S. based players most of whom had confirmed they would be willing to play in Algeria.
"We have spoken to them and the response is quite good because all of them have given us an assurance they will be available for the games," Wasonga said.

The national team coaches Ronny Owino and Smarts Olumbo he said had selected Josephine Achieng Owino and Beatrice Awino Oyenje both at Union University in Tennessee, Rose Ouma who is at Lewis and Clerk in Illinois, Jackline Wasuda and Maurine Obudho who are at Cisco University and Miriam Wandanda who is at Bethel University to do duty for the National team in Algeria.

After a 2 hour wait for our game to begin we finally got under way against the Spartans (#3 ranked team coming in). We had played the Spartans once in the regular season and were outmatched by their experience. This time we knew we could win and came out strong. We usually start games flat so it was nice to see the club up for the game. Shortly into the first quarter we lost Matt when he tore something in his right knee. His presence was missed in the post as the Spartans’ big men out rebounded us throughout the game. In the 2nd and 3rd quarters we allowed the Spartans to dictate a slower tempo of play and we fell behind by 15 points. Chino carried our team during this time and didn’t allow the deficit to become too large. In the 4th we began to run again with Mmoloki in charge of bringing up the ball. We closed the margin to 6 points but that would be as close as we would come.

The loss was hard to take but we made the point that Ghetto will be competitive in this Gaborone dominated league. Props to the BBA for pulling things together and organizing the Top 8 Tournament.


from http://flamesbasketball.wordpress.com/

American`s Young Life Trust basketball team has been invited to play against Tanzania in the special sports festival, set to start in Dar es Salaam on June 5.

The US team comprising players from colleges, is expected to jet in to the country on June 2. They have been invited by the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF).

The TBF President, Richard Kasesera told reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday that apart from competing in several matches, the US team will also participate in the basketball coaches clinic to be staged in the city.
He said the US troop tour aims at boosting the game in the country, scouting for young talents and exchanging ideas with local teenagers about the war against HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Kasesera said the matches will be played at the Ubungo national housing grounds.Young Life Trust is a Non-Profit charitable organization, Non-Governmental; it is committed to witnessing adolescents making an impact on the lives of youths who are preparing for the future.
The organization reaches out to secondary school students, youths in the streets and ghettos and goes out to where kids are meeting, building positive friendship through sports activities, skits, songs and cultural activities.

By Nanama Keita

Wallidan male basketball team will lock horn with Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) on Saturday in the national basketball knock-out final.
Organised by the Gambia Basketball Federation, the final is slated for Saturday, March 24 at the Manneh Sillah Memorial Lawn with the kick-off scheduled at 9.00pm.Wallidan are eyeing their third title in the basketball league season having earlier won the super cup title and of recent, the national league title.
However, basketball fans are of the belief that YMCA side, who beat Brikama to proceed to the knockout final, cannot be underrated as evident in their stellar performance in the league season.
The same day will witness the knockout final in the female category. Just like the male team, Wallidan female team are also dominating the female category. As current league title holders, Wallidan female team will play in the final on Saturday, the winner in the Dingareh-Old Hand semi-final match.

By Pius Ayinor
Lagos

The organisers of the Lagos City League, the Lagos State Basketball Association (LSSBA) on Tuesday paid out cash prizes to the victorious teams of the 2005 season. The teams got their trophies at the competition venue but could take home their prizes as the association pleaded lack of sponsorship but promised to get the cash value as soon as funds were available. The redemption was carried out at the Rowe Park Sports Centre in Yaba by the LSSBA team led by their Chairman Babs Ogunade.
"As we conduct this brief ceremony we still do not have sponsors for the league but we must not fail to say thank you to corporate bodies and individuals who have identified with us in one way or the other. We doing our best to market the league and do believe that soon sponsorship will become a reality," Ogunade said.
"With five of the national Premier League teams based in Lagos, we cannot fold our arms until we find sponsors. We have a good product and we have very good teams and we can only add value to the game of basketball in Nigeria by keeping this league going." Comets, Lagos Islanders, Customs, Dodan Warriors and Union Bank are all based in Lagos with Delta Force of Asaba being the only Atlantic Conference team based outside of Lagos.
Some of the teams that collected their cash were First Bank who won the female category and Kenny's Bullets.
The Lagos City League which is playing in the third season began last Saturday for the current season. The matches which hold by weekends at the National Stadium, Lagos also feature three games on Wednesdays starting at 2.00pm. Union Bank, Dodan Warriors and Comets have won all their games so far. The high point of this weekend game will be the match between Dodan Warriors and Union Bank on Sunday.

Jaffery Academy's basketball team entered the final of the Nairobi Province ball games when they beat Upper Hill 66-33 in the semi-final at Lenana High School.
Jafferys, last year's finalists, will meet St Austin Academy, who had an easy ride over Starehe Boys.
Jafferys almost earned a walkover after Upper Hill delayed to arrive for the championship. They took advantage of the many Upper Hill technical errors.
Guard Brian Waligu was the main catalyst for Jaffery, hitting three three-pointers.
Austin Mbega carried the Jafferys' offence after half-time, scoring 10 points in the first five minutes. He finished the quarter with 17 points, helping his team to a 54-24 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
"We played with the same energy and intensity on both ends of the floor and we are looking at capturing the national title," said Jaffery's coach Gabriel Ingotsi.
St Austin were too good for Starehe in the other semi-final, winning 77-28.

In the girls' semi-finals, St Georges dethroned Pangani girls 57-30 to book a final spot with Buruburu Girls, who outclassed Moi Nairobi Girls by beating them 39-27.
In the Coast provincial championship, Shimba Hills Secondary School girls' basketball team and Kilifi Township boys hockey teams caused major upsets at the Coast secondary schools First Term games when they defied all odds to qualify for the national secondary school games in Eldoret next month.
Shimba Hills booked the ticket alongside Mombasa High School, who will defend their national title.
US-bound international Salma Akinyi Garang scored game high 61 points and Sophia Simon had 10 points for Shimba while Mwasere's Catherine Mwangi scoring 21 points while Agnes Mwadime had eight.arlier, Shimba Hills topped pool "B" after beating Changamwe 34-20 and Matuga Girls 41-12.

They, however, lost 51-15 in the final to Mombasa High School.
An elated Shimba Hills principal Robert Aran, the team's coach, predicted the team would make it to the finals to qualify for the East Africa Secondary school games.

By Pius Ayinor
Lagos

Comets, Dodan Warriors and Union Bank won two straight games by the weekend as the 2007 season of the Lagos State Basketball League took the jump ball at the National Stadium, Lagos. All three teams have the maximum six points and are only separated by goals differences. But while the three big teams have gone up two games each it is a different story for Lagos Islanders who lost both matches played to drop down the table. The league which is playing in its second season began on Saturday with 12 male clubs competing.
On opening day the Comets defeated Kadetts 52-24 and then followed up with a win over Raptors with scores at 72-39. Dodan Warriors, which defeated Police Bombers 71-58 and Lagos Islanders 53-41 in the last match of Sunday, played tougher opponents. And like Warriors Union Bank defeated Police Bombers and Islanders 57-43 and 63-54 respectively to amass six points.
In some other games Bullets defeated Sea Rovers 59-29 while Chariots beat Raptors 79-36 on Saturday. The Warriors Academy team cut the Whales 67-55 in the opening match of the season.
The Lagos league is producing quite some sparks as many of the players and teams are actually part of the national Premier League. The Comets, Islanders and Union Bank are in the national league while the Police Bombers featured in that top league some years back. There are also some former Premier League players scattered amongst the teams.
Tomorrow Lagos Islanders will battle Warriors Academy in the first midweek game. Two other games would follow. The matches hold on Wednesdays and by the weekend. The Lagos league is billed to end in the month of May with a play off.

By Dann O’were

Former national basketball champions, Posta, are returning to competitive matches after an eight-year absence.
The "Athletic Mailmen", as the team was fondly known, will play their first game in the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) league on April 21.
NBA fixtures secretary, Joseph Amoko, said yesterday that Posta have joined the league, becoming the first high profile side to feature at the provincial level.
"It’s true that Posta have joined NBA and I am drawing up fixtures that will see them play their first game on the opening day," he said.
Approached for comment, team coach Ronny Owino, said the former four-time national kings were back.
"Yes, we are back in the league and with the support of the management, we will do well," said Owino.
Posta, the Kenya Communications Sports Organisation champions, won their first league title in 1989.
In 1990, they represented the country in the Africa Club Championships where they were drawn against National SC of Egypt.
Posta won the first leg at Kasarani 87-86, but lost the away tie in Cairo two weeks later 67-94 to bow out of contention.
Posta made history by becoming the first club to win three national titles in a row — 1992, 93 and 94. Owino is also the head coach of the men and women’s national teams. Posta has produced many top international players and some left for college basketball in the US.
Sebastian Onyango, Ben Wanjara, Ronny Swaka, Elvis Ochieng, Geoffrey Ohaga and Sylvester Kainga went to the US and Agrey Ofula and Ilunga Kipundu to South Africa.

Other key players are national coach George Ogolla and Mike Kimani.

By Oscar Pilipili

St Austin’s Academy and Nairobi Jafferey’s Academy have qualified for the boys’ basketball final of the Nairobi secondary schools Term One Games.

St Austin’s overwhelmed Starehe Boys Centre 73-28 while Jaffrey’s defeated Upper Hill 66-39 in the semi-finals at Lenana School on Saturday.
St Austin’s went on the offensive from the start to take a 12-0 lead after four minutes. Kevin Samora recorded the game’s high 26 points while team-mate, David Ogola, sank 14 points.
Paul Karanja was Starehe’s top scorer with nine points while Josiah Omwenga managed eight. In the second match, Lopez Reegan converted 18 points for Jaffrey’s while Ryan Misigo top-scored for Upper Hill with 14 points.

In the girls’ category, Buru Buru defeated Moi Girls 39-27 while St George’s trounced Pangani 57-30 in the semi-finals. Mercine Miumu contributed 17 points for Buru Buru with Marsha Owiti and Kimberly Aduma scoring 12 apiece for Moi Girls.
Janet Okoth (17 points) and Grace Kendi (16) were outstanding in St George’s attack while Arabella Litole starred for Pangani with 10 points.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology- JKUAT men's basketball team-Straycats, hit Kenya College of Accountancy-KCA 50-41 in an entertaining UCBL game played at their backyard on Sunday. KCA squandered a first quarter advantage, allowing Straycats to outscore them 15-08 in the second quarter after aggressive plays from Allan Ouma, Ojay Barnet, and Roy Kahure to lead 23-17 at the break. The third quarter was more explosive, with the home team, backed by a sizeable cheering squad maintained their offensive plays, as KCA struggled to keep up. JKUAT's Mikah Okinya led the Straycats attack, sinking baskets at will, backed by Fred Magana as they stretched their lead to 37-25 lead at the end of the quarter. KCA bounced back in the final quarter, managing to outscore the home team 16-13 after much effort from Daniel Imba, and Victor Okello. However, that was not enough to secure them a win, as time ran-out for a 50-41 JKUAT win. Mikah Okinya led Straycats with 12 points, while Daniel Imba shot a game high 20 points for KCA.

In the Ladies game, United States International University-USIU Flames defeated Strathmore University- Swords 29-18. Strathmore went up 4-0 after quick baskets by Faith Owitch inside a minute of play. Flames recovered midway through the quarter to lead 6-5 after good runs by national team players Angela Okoth and Samba Mjomba. USIU stepped up their game in the second quarter, taking Strathmore on full court press. Strathmore succumbed to the Flames-Pressure, turning over the ball numerous times and were punished for that as Flames went up 11-06 after conceding only a free-throw. Both teams traded baskets at both ends on resumption into the second half, with Okoth, Sally Bosire and Evelyn Sande leading the Flames onslaught, while Linet Mukiri, Beryl Amayo and Faith Owitch kept Strathmore afloat, for a 17-10 score-line at the end of the quarter. Strathmore fought back early in the final quarter through Amayo and Mukiri, who combined well to bring Strathmore within three-points (14-17) with eight minutes to go, prompting Flames Coach Harrison Omondi to call for a time out. On resumption, the Flames were at it again, this time going for the wrap, through Bosire, Okoth and Sande who sunk her second 3-pointer of the game for a 28-18 score-line with 30 seconds remaining. Sally Bosire had 10 points, Angela Okoth 9 and Evelyn Sande 8 for Flames, while Faith Owitch bagged 8 points for Strathmore University-Swords.

The UCBL Leagues continues next weekend at USIU basketball courts with more than 16 games lined scheduled.

By SANDE BASHAIJA
KAMPALA

THE FUBA classic league tips off on April 14 at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium, Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations president Ambrose Tashobya has confirmed.
This will be a week after the annual Makerere University Open tournament, which acts as a curtain raiser.

Tashobya explained the league has been delayed due to unavoidable circumstances. "All we want is a very exciting and competitive league, so that's why we are taking it slow but sure. We therefore call on all teams to hand in their registration forms by Friday (today) to ease the process," the former Kyambogo Warriors star revealed.
The newly elected president further disclosed that they are in the process of putting in place guidelines for transfers.

Acknowledging the fact that most clubs were vanishing because of losing their star players to bigger teams, Tashobya said; "University sides in particular benefit a lot from the transfer market because they have incentives. But in the near future we may dictate that a club doesn't lose more than two players, as a way of ensuring continuity."

Meanwhile the transfer window that promises some surprise transactions will be open till the first day of the league, and no business thereafter.

Nigeria will feature at the forthcoming World School Basketball Championship slated for April 8-15 in Paris, France.
Disclosing this to Sports Champion in Lagos, President, Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Dr. Thomas Adeleke hinted that winners of the 2006 edition of Nestle Milo Secondary School Championship in the boys and girls categories, Sheikh Abubarkar Gumi College, Kaduna and Queen of Rosary College, Gboko, Benue respectively have been registered to participate at the World Championship.According to The NSSF boss, the championship will afford the Nigerian kids opportunity to further develop their skills and gain necessary exposure.
"We have registered the winners of the last edition of the Milo school championship for the World School Championship in Paris," he informed."By this gesture, we believe the World Championship will expose the players and sharpen their skills towards the development of the game in the country," he added.
Adeleke, however urged the state governors of the representatives teams to give support to the federations towards making the dream of the players a reality.
"We can only appealed to states governors of these schools to come to the aid of the federation in making the trip a reality, equally our doors is open to sponsors that are willing to ensure the growth of basketball," he said.

THE 2007 season hasn’t dribbled off but the expectation is high among the Premium Cobras’ and PLS Hawks’ fans after seeing their teams in action in Sunday’s (March 11) friendly match at the Palais des Sports.Despite trailing for long spells, Premium Cobras won 70-64 against the Hawks whose fans applauded as Jefferson Nganga made his comeback after a year-long self-imposed retirement and Bernard Bristol, who is serving a two-year ban, played his first game in over a year.
They were both introduced into the match by Clifford Joubert, who is back as PLS Hawks’ coach, midway through the first quarter. After Bristol’s long 3-point shot attempt skimmed off the rim and out, Nganga completed a three-point play after being fouled by Tony ‘Siro’ Moustache when attempting a lay-up which sank in to bring the score to 15-11 in his team’s favour
Nganga then lined up beyond the 3-point arc to drill a long trey, helping PLS Hawks to a one-point lead at the end of the first 10-minute spell (18-17).
Without a playmaker on the court, Premium Cobras had problems setting their offence and were therefore outscored 19-14 by PLS Hawks who went for the breather with a six-point advantage (36-31).
The Hawks needed a little over three minutes to build a double digit lead at 44-34 on a Nigel Annette lay-up, but the Cobras used a 16-6 run inside four minutes to get back on level terms at 50-50 on a Lenny ‘Bad’ Aglaé lay-up with 1 minute 18 seconds (1:18) left in the third quarter which ended all square at 52-52.
Under the guidance of coach Guy Hall, Premium Cobras took the game to PLS Hawks in the fourth and final quarter, stepping up their play to lead 66-56 on a Tanzanian Abdallah ‘Dulla’ Ramadhan 3-pointer after an inbounds pass from new recruit Francis ‘Toy’ Herminie with 4:22 left on the clock.
With coach Joubert calling for a time-out with 1:43 left to play to rethink tactics, PLS Hawks bridged the gap to four points – 68-64 – on a Thomas Collie lay-up and a Barry Baron jumper, although ‘Bad’ got a top-of-the key jumper in between.
Presented with an opportunity to try and save the match with 25 seconds before the final whistle when Premium Cobras’ Christopher ‘Toto’ Camille turned the ball over, PLS Hawks fluffed it.
‘Toto’ stole Collie’s inbounds pass to score the game’s final basket for the 70-64 win.
Cobras’ ‘Bad’ finished as the game’s top scorer with 19 points and he was helped on the offensive end by ‘Dulla’ with 17 points and ‘Toto’ with 14.
Veteran power forward and captain Jim Domingue, who netted the game’s first basket, led the Hawks in scoring with 13 points, while Nganga added 12.
The game was an opportunity for players of the two teams to break the rust after not being in action since late November 2006.
Both coaches know that they have a lot of work to do to get their players to the right fitness level and to playing the game in a coordinated manner.
Speaking to Sports Nation at the end match, Premium Cobras’ president Roy Collie said he was satisfied with the turnout for the match the two teams had organised to raise funds for different purposes this season.
He added that he would like to organise a one-day three-team tournament involving Premium Cobras, PLS Hawks and Baya some time this year, but will have to wait and see if he is granted permission.
PLS Hawks’ assistant coach Tony Juliette noted that the match wasn’t of a very good level, but was happy his players did get to play after a long break.
“We look forward to more of such friendly matches organised for a worthy cause,” he added.

G. G.

By Pius Ayinor
Lagos

- Algeria 2007/African Cup

The Nigerian build up to the 2007 All Africa Games for the game of basketball begins with the Women Top 20 Camp which will hold from this Friday until next Wednesday at the Abuja National Stadium. The Houston Comets coach, Kevin Cook who took charge of the Nigerian Lady Tigers in last year's FIBA World Championship in Brazil will the run the camp specially designed for the best players in the Nigerian domestic league.
By the details made available to THISDAYSports by the Technical Committee Chairman of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Dr. Adamu Ahmed the camp will also serve as a starting point for the 2007 African Women's Championship billed for December in Dakar, Senegal.
"We were able to monitor the players through the stages of the Zenith Bank League for the last season. The best were selected to form the basis for the first phase of our camping towards the All Africa Games and the African Nations Cup," Adamu said.
The Abuja camp is an all home-based players' event that will enable the American based coach work first hand with the home based players who could travel out last year for the trials in Houston enroute to the World Championship in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
The next phase of camping is billed to hold in May for the USA-based players. The May 1st to 10th camp will also produce those who will combine with the home-based players for the final team list to the two championships.
Kevin Cook first dealing with the team was on the way to the World Championship last year. By the current arrangement, the American is expected to lead the team to Senegal where the Lady Tigers would defend their title. The Nigerian girls won the African Cup in Mozambique 2003 and defended it successfully in Abuja in December 2005.

Philip Onyango
Nairobi

Mwasere reclaimed the Taita Taveta District secondary schools girls basketball title they lost last year when they registered a narrow but deserved 44-43 victory over Bura Girls as the games concluded in Wundanyi yesterday.

Mwasere who together with Murray Girls have dominated the district title for a while now until last year when Bura Girls turned the tables, won on the buzzer after Bura led for a better part of the game.

In the semi finals, Mwasere girls beat Murray girls 43-27 while Bura Girls defeated Mwangeka 31- 22 in the other semi finals.

Kenyatta High School retained the boys basketball title after beating Voi Secondary School 35-22 in the finals.

Murray girls retained the girls hockey title after beating Bura Girls 1-0 in the finals while Kenyatta High School Mwatate needed penalty flicks to beat St Mary's Lushangoni 4-3 after the teams drew 1-1 in regulation time.

Batholemew Secondary retained the rugby Sevens title after beating Dr Aggrey Secondary 5-0.

The winners will proceed to Malindi for the provincial championships to be held next week from Friday through to Sunday.

In Kilifi, defending champions St Georges Secondary beat Kilifi Township 2-1 to retain the boys hockey title. Both teams will however proceed to the provincials as St Georges are also the provincial defending champions.
Ribe Boys dethroned St Georges of the boys basketball title for the first time after beating them 56-47 while St Johns Girls Kaloleni retained their girls basketball and hockey titles.
Mariakani Secondary proceed to the provincial as Rugby Sevens representative after failing to get an opponent at the district level.
Meanwhile Shimba Hills Secondary School girls basketball team who had their final district match stopped due to a technical error will take part in the Coast Secondary Schools term one games in Malindi from Thursday.
Coast Secondary School Sports Association chairman Athman Mwinyi Yeya said it was unfortunate that the team had their final match stopped when they were leading 17-3 in the first quarter and asked them to put the district saga behind them ahead of the provincial championships which will be used to select the Coast team for the national games in Eldoret.Shimba Hills, he said, has been drawn in pool "B" which also has Mombasa representatives Changamwe Secondary and St Johns Girls Kaloleni from Kilifi.
Pool "A" has defending champions Mombasa High School, Mwasere and Matuga from Kwale district.
"I have been briefed by the Kwale District Secondary Schools Sports Association vice chairman Rodgers Siasa Mwafungo of the anomalies at the district games and would want to assure everyone that all has been sorted out because we want the best teams at the provincial level which will allow us an opportunity to send a strong team to the national games," Yeya said.

TANZANIA Basketball Federation (TBF) Union League fixtures will take place from April 23-29 at the National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

TBF Secretary-General Lawrence Cheyo said yesterday that the games would involve basketball teams that excelled in Mainland and Isles leagues.
Cheyo called on all teams that will take place in the event to confirm participation before April 19. They should pay a 100,000/- fee.
“Zanzibar teams have so far not submitted details of their representatives. They should do so now. They should also submit names of the men’s and women’s teams,” he said. Cheyo listed the Mainland teams as those excelled at the National Basketball League (NBL)’s recent games in Dodoma.
He named them as Savio, JKT, Oilers and Bees of Tabora from the men’s teams. He listed the women’s teams as JKT, Lady Lioness (from Don Bosco), Jeshi Stars and Mapinduzi of Dodoma.
Last year, the TBF competitions were held in Zanzibar, where JKT men’s team emerged winners while Cargo Ladies won on the women’s side.

Upper Hill School shocked Nairobi Province defending champions Aquinas High School 32-30 to sail through to the semi finals of the Nairobi province Secondary Schools Basketball Championships. Aquinas was off to a shaky start, leading 09-08 after the first quarter. Upper Hill sprung back through man-of-the-match Ruan Misino to outscore the champions 13-02 in the second quarter, to lead 21-11 at the break. Aquinas struggled to keep up with Upper Hill's momentum in the second half, as they recovered to score 9-points against Upper Hill's 5-points putting the scores at 20-26 at the end of the third quarter. Aquinas maintained their offensive attack on Upper Hill, who seemed troubled by their opponent's onslaught, but managed to cling on to a narrow but sweet 32-30 win. Misino bagged 19 points for Upper Hill, while Evans Ochieng had 11 for Aquinas.
In the other quarter finals games, Nairobi Jaffery's Academy whipped Strathmore School 98-31 in a one-side encounter. Joseph Odhiambo shot 24 points with David Sinda adding 14 for Jaffery's. Kevin Ndeti replied for Strathmore with 12 points.
St Austins Academy got an easy way into the semis after they were awarded a 20-00 walkover win after Hillcrest failed to show up.

Starehe Boys edged out Kenya Muslims School out of the competition with a 57-37 win. Josiah Omwenga shot 18 points for Satrehe, as Adan Abdulahi managed 10 for Kenya Muslims.

In the girl's quarters, Pangani Girls hit Kenya High School 66-39 to book a semi finals spot. Pangani's Gertrude Atieno shot a game high 20 points with team-mate Maria Awori adding 09, while Roselyn Makena led Kenya High with 16 points.
Buru Buru Girls and St Georges Secondary Schools were awarded walkovers after their opponents Kamukunji Girls High School and Kianda School failed to show up.
The last game saw Moi Girls School Nairobi book a semis spot after a 23 -07 win over St Austins Academy.

Boys Semis:
Starehe Boys vs. St Austins Academy
Upper Hill School vs. Nairobi Jaffery's Academy

Girls Semis:
Will feature: - Pangani Girls, Moi Girls Nairobi, St Georges, and Buru Buru Girls

Rift Valley Academy-RVA Buffaloes hit International School of Kenya-ISK Lions hard on Friday to lift the ISSSL Boys Basketball Championship for the second consecutive year. Buffaloes charged in the last three quarters to outscore Lions 59-39 for the Championship at Rosslyn Academy .

The final tipped off on a slow start, with ISK Lions dominating the first quarter, taking it 11-09 after effort from DJ Ilebani, Abdi Mubarak and Daniel Carlos. RVA came all fired up in the second quarter, bagging three quick baskets from Richard Ndembe to lead 15-11 inside two minutes of play. RVA never looked back after that, as Ndembe backed by Aaron Mead, Luke Nelson and Ethan Coots attacked ISK's basket at will, to lead 22-15 with 46 seconds to go. ISK's Ahmed Awale sunk both his free throws as time ran out for a 22-17 score-line in favour of RVA who outscored ISK 13-06 in this quarter.

The Buffaloes kept pushing on in the second half, with Lions struggling to keep up. RVA's trio of Aaron Mead, Richard Ndembe and Luke Nelson combined well to extend their team's lead to 30-21 with 4 minutes to go. ISK then took RVA on full court press, which worked as the Buffaloes turned over the ball twice with Lions capitalising to sink baskets for a 26-33 score-line with 2:40 remaining. RVA stayed afloat through Aaron Veenstra and Luke Nelson who sunk 3-pointers with seconds to go for a 40-28 score-line at the end of the third quarter. The final quarter saw both teams come out more determined, backed by their fans and bands, trading baskets early in the quarter for a 43-31 score-line with 5 minutes to go. ISK's big-man Cedric Noel got a big offensive rebound and basket as Lions cut the deficit to ten points (33-43). However, Buffaloes weren't troubled by the sudden Lions attack, as they regrouped themselves and went on the final offensive attack through Aaron mead, Luke Nelson, and Veenstra to push the scores up; 49-33 with three minutes remaining. RVA's point guard came off the bench with four-fouls, hit a 3-pointer for a 52-35 score-line, got his fifth foul five-seconds later, and went back to the bench, leaving the team in the good hands of guard Nur Mamo. The Lions pack regrouped for one final assault through Daniel Carlos, Benji Jones and Cedric Noel, but time wasn't on their side as RVA under Coach Wally Coots successfully defended their ISSSL Boys basketball title with a 59-39 win after a final basket by Aaron Veenstra with 10 seconds to go.

Game Statistics:
Quarters Scores: 11-09 | 06-13 | 11-18 | 11-19 | 39-59

Scorers RVA
Luke Nelson 14 points, Richard Ndembe 13 points, Aaron Mead 8 points
Scorers ISK
DJ Ilebani 8 points, Daniel Carlos 8 points, Benji Jones 6 points.

RVA also won the Boys B-Basketball Title, A-Girls Soccer Title, and B-Girls Soccer Title, and also A-Boys basketball Sportsmanship Award in the International Secondary Schools Sports League-ISSSL that attracted 13 schools.

By Hassan Abdul

Nigeria junior national team assistant coach and Denver Nuggets director of scouting, Massai Ujuri, has lent an additional voice to the clamor for a better preparation for the junior national basketball team.
The team will be featuring at the All African Games and the Under-19 club championships in Serbia, both in July.He harped on the need for the members of the NBBF to put their heads together to solve the problems being encountered in getting the players ready for both events.

"I have not been too pleased with our attitude towards the preparation of the junior team especially with how good our team did in South Africa and the potential to make good strides at the world level. We have the youngsters.
"The camps we have put together the last 4 yrs have really developed a lot of kids. Now we must stay consistent and prepare the right way for such major tournaments," he added.
The former Nigeria international African players says, if only the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF and other stakehol-ders in the game in Nigeria could get its act together the sky will be the limit for the nation national teams.
Speaking on the need for a strong league, Masai said:
"I think the one thing that provides for strong national teams is a strong local league. I am really disappointed with the inconsistency and lack of a league. There is no excuse for not having one and I don't think sponsorship should even be close to being an issue," he said.
He however believed they had good chances in Serbia."We have an exciting team like you saw in South Africa. They play so hard and give it their all. The key is having a good point guards and solid inside presence. With Orseer Ikyator, Daniel Daudu and Michael Ohiero Coach Adeka and I are very confident with the point guard position.
"With Solomon Alabi in the middle and Emmanuel Negedu we will definitely have good inside play. I also think Nosa Omeregbe and Ibrahim Yusuf are developing into strong wing players. Then we have superb role players like Abel Baraya, Omori Mbaram and George Ehiagwina who compliment very well.
"If we prepare well, the kids have a great attitude and winning mentality. I am really confident that we will do well. But everyone has to play their part," he concluded.

The Botswana Basketball Association (BBA) says it is now ready to stage the delayed top-eight tournament. The association intends to hold the event in two weeks. BBA vice president Mothusi Phokoje told Mmegi Sport that they will stage the tournament at the University of Botswana (UB) courts in Gaborone.
The tournament has been delayed because of problems in the BBA management. This saw the association calling a special meeting to elect new officials recently.Phokoje said BBA has had trouble staging the top-eight because there was no link between the executive committee and the tournament organisers. He lamented that there was no monitoring but now they are committed to clean their house and take basketball to higher levels. "As the vice president, I have assigned myself to take care of every activity of the association and you would see things running smoothly," Phokoje promised. He said the league would start immediately after the top-eight tournament.
Meanwhile, league champions Troopers will be up against eighth -laced Falcons next week. Runners-up Police V would take on Cadets in a clash that has all the ingredients of a thriller given the rivalry between the two Gaborone giants. Flames hope to burn Spartans while Drillers would want to prove their mettle over BDF. Women clubs taking part in the tournament are Vixens, BDF Clevels, Relix and Selebi-Phikwe Falcons.
Phokoje acknowledged the gap between BBA and the northern teams but promised to rectify the situation soon.He said he has received complaints from northern teams crying that they are not consulted and the BBA does not communicate with them. "BBA is planning to solve that.
Now we have the contacts of everybody in basketball and everything would be fine this year," he promised. Flames' chairman-cum-coach Matt Leowen was happy that there would be action at long last.
He said that his boys would have a reason to train now other than to play friendlies. He vowed to give his opponents a run for their money in the top eight tournament.

Ahead of what is expected to be a hectic year for the APR basketball club, the club is desperately looking for a three-man position player. According to the club coach Cliff Owuor, APR has had a loop-hole in this position for the past two seasons that he has been in charge of the club. “Rwanda lacks a complete three-man. I have used Karim Nkusi in this position but even then, he needs back up which we don’t have yet. I ‘m looking around for a player I can groom to effectively fill up this loop-hole,” Owuor said.
He further hinted that if he failed to land a player in the country, he would go beyond the country’s borders.
According to the army-side’s season’s schedule, they need a team with great depth. “We expect to compete in many tournaments this year and to perform effectively and consistently at this level, you need a team with great depth,” the Kenyan tactician who turned 34 on Saturday told Times Sport.
In addition to the league title quest, Owuor has insisted that APR is also focused on regional success. He said that in addition to the league title, APR was eyeing more recognized competitions like the East and Central Club Championships set for April, Zone V Club Championship scheduled for June as well as the Falcons regional tournament slated for July in Kampala.
APR who have developed into a formidable basketball power since Owuor ’s arrival at the club start this year’s trophy chase next Saturday during the inaugural Kigali Challenge Cup.

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

WHAT a turnaround! Just like he used to eliminate his opponents under the offensive with his swift spin-like movement to score, Jefferson Nganga has made a complete turnaround off the court.

Just over a year after he put an end to his career as a basketballer “to serve God” as he termed it at the time, Nganga, one of the premier players here before he retired, is coming out of self-imposed retirement to serve PLS Hawks.
Mr Clutch Nganga is expected to make his comeback Saturday March 10 when PLS Hawks play a friendly match against his former team Premium Cobras.
When he left the sport last year, Nganga told Sports Nation that “I’m not going to regret leaving basketball after having done my utmost to help upgrade the level of the game here and entertain basketball fans. There were good and bad times. I have to thank all the coaches who moulded me into the player everyone knows and I’ve made the most of the opportunities given to me. I’ve won everything a local basketballer could dream of winning. The only medal I haven’t won is the Indian Ocean Islands Games. Maybe it wasn’t in God’s plan.”
Has he missed the game so much that he has decided to come back?
Sports Nation cannot bring you the exact answer as Nganga was not available for comments, but what is clear is that the game will be welcoming back one of its finest players.
Speaking of comeback, Sports Nation has also learned that Bernard Bristol, who has served one year of his two-year suspension, is longing to return to the game. He is hoping that the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) will show clemency and lift the ban imposed on him in late 2005 for fighting on the court.

G. G.

SANDE BASHAIJA
KAMPALA

THOUGH no foreign team has jetted in for the third edition of the Hoops of Hopes charity basketball tournament that gets underway today at YMCA Wandegeya, thrilling action is expected from local giants.

According to organiser Moses Ochan over 15 local teams had by yesterday confirmed participation and are raring to go.
"This event is aimed at raising aid for the internally displaced people in Pader district. Apart from that, fans should expect the best action, with some games going till late in the night," Ochan told Daily Monitor yesterday.
Sadolin Power and Makerere Sparks lead the way in the men and women's categories respectively. Nkumba Marines, Knight Riders, Livingstone, Blue Jackets, A-1 Challenge, Lady Bucks are the other registered teams.
Organisers are targeting to raise materials including clothes, soap, sugar and soap to be given out to the needy in Pader and over 200 orphans living in Kakira-Jinja.
Meanwhile this year's school’s all star basketball showpiece also gets underway at Seeta High School, Mukono.
Defending champions (boys and girls) Kabojja SS, Lubiri High School, Crane High, Nabisunsa, Makerere College and East High School have all entered teams to tussle it out with the hosts.

By Aloysius Byamukama
Kampala

TOP schools are set to clash as the National Schools Basketball Association All-Stars schools tournament that gets underway at Seeta High over the weekend.
The two-day action is the first on the schools' calendar and will feature the top ten girls and boys sides as selected by the association's technical committee.Committee chairperson Edmund Lumu said the schools that have been invited were chosen according to their performance at the national championships last year."Many new schools have come up and have put up a strong challenge to the traditional giants. We expect the best ever and a competitive tournament this time," Lumu said.

Kabojja Secondary School and Kibuli SS go to the tournament as boys and girls champions respectively.
Others include girls' record winners Nabisunsa and Kampala regional kings Crane High School.

THE inaugural Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa Zone Six Under-17 Games, which were scheduled to be held in Maseru, Lesotho, last October, will now be held at the beginning of next month in the same country.

The first Anoca Zone Six Under-17 Games were initially set to run from October 2-6 last year in Maseru but were postponed at the last minute following some misunderstanding between the organisers of the Games and the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa (Zone Six).
Africa 2007
Robert Mutsauki, the secretary-general of the Confederation of Southern African National Olympic Committees, who were tasked by Anoca to run the Games, revealed yesterday that new dates have now been set for the staging of the same event.
Mutsauki said the inaugural Anoca Zone Six Under-17 Games will now be held in Maseru from April 5-8.
He also said they have now changed the age group of the Games from Under-17 to Under-18.
"The Cosanoc executive committee met with the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa (Zone Six) secretariat in November last year in Maputo, Mozambique, to iron out our differences.
"In a nutshell, the outcome of the meeting was that we agreed to work together to develop sport in our region. We even agreed to formulate a memorandum of understanding as a way of formalising our resolution to co-operate.
"The Sucsa (Zone Six) secretariat then sent a recommendation to the troika of ministers in the region (whose chairman is the Namibian Minister of Sport) indicating that the Games should be held in Maseru between January and April this year.
"So, the ministers have since agreed that the Games should go ahead and recommended that they should be held during the April school holidays to avoid inconveniencing the schoolchildren. The dates of the Games have now been confirmed by the Lesotho National Olympic Committee and they will run from April 5-8," Mutsauki said.
Teams from the participating member countries of Cosanoc are expected to arrive in Maseru on April 4 for the Games.
They will depart on April 9.
Mutsauki said the Games were still designed for five disciplines -- soccer, athletics, tennis, taekwondo and boxing.
All the 10-member countries of Cosanoc --Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the hosts Lesotho -- are expected to send teams to these Games.
"All the 10 members of Cosanoc have been notified of the new dates for the Games and preparations are already underway . . . We are expecting a 100 percent turnout.
"The rules of the Games will still remain the same except that the age-group has now been changed from Under-17 to Under-18 in order to accommodate some athletes who had initially been selected for last year's Games and were now over age.
"We realised that if we had not changed the age-group from Under-17 to 18, this could have disadvantaged some athletes who could now be over-aged and yet investment had been made in preparing them for last year's Games," Mutsauki said.
He said Anoca were still going to bankroll the Games "as they are aware that Cosanoc were not responsible for the postponement of last year's event."

The Universities and Colleges Basketball League-UCBL enters its last weekend of the first leg, with games scheduled for African Nazarene University-ANU on Saturday, and Strathmore University basketball courts on Sunday.

Basketball Association of Malawi (Basmal) has said after over a decade in the wilds, the national team’s participation at the recent Zove VI All Africa Games Basketball qualifiers in Zimbabwe was a big eye opener.
Despite finishing last at the regional showcase and losing all their four games to hosts Zimbabwe (101-35), South Africa (108-44), Mozambique (123-45) and Zambia (104-81), Malawi got consolation after being named the most exciting team.
Basmal general secretary Roy Kachale who was also the team manager said the results did not reflect the performance on the court.
"We were not necessarily a hopeless case as it was being portrayed. In terms of individual skill, we were outstanding and our off-guard Victor Jere was one of the most outstanding players at the tournament, he played out of his skin throughout," said Kachale.
The Basmal spokesman said Jere was particulary outstanding in the game against South Africa in which he was the highest scorer with 20 points.
"Although we lost 108 to 44 baskets, Vic was the most outstanding player in that game and everyone sang praises of him. We were also given a standing ovation after our game against Zambia because of our never-say-die spirit" he said.
Kachale said the other oustanding players for Malawi were point guard Dan Khomba and Wellingtone Mwafulirwa.

"Khomba’s dribbling skills were a delight to watch and he mesmerised the crowds," said Kachale.

However, the Basmal official took it on the chin and admitted it was tough going for his team due to lack of exposure.

"The game has evolved so much over the years in terms of both defensive and offensive tactics. There are new tactics in the game and we are far behind due to our failure to take part in such big competitions but in terms of individual skill, we are very good," he said.
He added: "We are also still in an era where basketball players are skinny and tall, that is no longer the case in other countries where the players are strongly built and tall. They do a lot of gym-work which is in line with the game since it is now becoming too physical and those are some of the areas +that we seriously need to look into."
Kachale also said Malawi has been invited to take part in the club championship to be held in Mozambique later this year.
"We have been asked to send two clubs which will be identified through national championship play-offs," said Kachale.
ess reports from Zimbabwe indicate that Malawi’s star player Daudi Sulemani was a big disappointment.

Her name is Charity Mucucuti and nobody ever call her "Chorky" again cause on Saturday March 3, 2007 she choked the life out of South Africa in a All Africa Games qualifier played at the City Sports Centre.

Chorky as she is affectionately known by her friends went 17 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals and a block to help Zimbabwe win 82-64 against their fancier opponents South Africa. South Africa had come into the game with the fastbreak their primary weapon but they learnt the meaning of fastbreak on Saturday. Zimbabwe played the "run 'en gun" style that left the "Inzula" clutching their waists and gasping for breath as they totally dismantled the South Africans.

Coming in as a sub Mucucuti combined well with captain Fadzai Mabasa who dropped 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. Mabasa finished top scorer for Zimbabwe and her hassle was a joy to watch. Mabasa normally a number 3 had to drop to the 4 when Isobel Tengende was dropped from the squad. With Mucucuti at the 5 the two ran rings of the South Africans.

3 South Africans excelled namely Takalani Mfamadi (13 pts, 3 rebs, 3 asts), Jermaine Kermis (13 pts, 3 steals) and Philadelphia Khoabane (12 pts, 10 rebs, 5 asts, 3 stls, 3 blks). Khoabane did have 8 turnovers as she succumbed to the incessant Zimbabwe pressure. Zimbabwe forced 33 turnovers compared to their 22. Both teams made around 22 field goals and the main difference came in the free throws where Zimbabwe went 27 of 45 and South Africa was 17 of 29. The rebounding was also a major difference maker as Zimbabwe had 22 offensive + 31 defensive rebounds compared to South Africa's 8 offensive + 30 defensive rebounds.

Clearly as much as resources are essential in producing good teams, the heart of a player will always prevail. This is probably one of the best games Zimbabwean women have ever played against decent opposition.
By Roderick Takawira

LOCAL basketball giants Premium Cobras and PLS Hawks will be involved in a fund-raising exhibition match on Sunday March 11, starting at 4 p.m. at the Palais des Sports, Roche Caïman.
According to a spokesperson for the Premium Cobras management team, the two clubs have decided to organise the match to raise funds for the 2007 season.
While PLS Hawks aren’t involved in any international competition this year, Premium Cobras are to travel to Reunion later this year to participate in the Indian Ocean Club Championship (IOCC).
The team, who have acquired the services of Francis ‘Toy’ Herminie from Beau Vallon Heat in the off-season, will be hoping to reclaim the IOCC title after losing last year’s title decider to Sebam de Mahajanga of Madagascar.
Premium Cobras have won the annual competition twice in 1999 and 2005.
In Sunday’s exhibition match, PLS Hawks as well as neutral basketball fans will have the chance to see retired shooting guard Jefferson NGanga and playmaker/guard Bernard Bristol, who is currently serving a two-year suspension, in action.
Both teams aren’t expected to take Sunday’s exhibition match lightly as there is always fine plays and tough basketball in every match-up between PLS Hawks and Premium Cobras.

Tickets for the match cost R20 for adults and R10 for children under 12 years old.

R. D.

The Union Basketball League will be staged from April 23 to 29 at the Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) Secretary General, Laurence Cheyo, said yesterday that the championships would attract 16 teams from Mainland and Zanzibar.
He said Tanzania Mainland got their representatives in the National Basketball League (NBL) which ended in Dodoma last weekend.
Cheyo named men`s teams as Savio, JKT, Oilers and Bees.
The women`s teams are JKT, Lady Lion, Jeshi Stars and Mapinduzi Star.
He said that Zanzibar was yet to give the names of their teams.

St Austin's Academy-Nairobi powered back from a 6-point deficit to overcome St Mary's School- Nairobi 48-32 in the boy's final of the 2007 ISK Invitational Tournament. Austin 's had gone up 4-0 early in the half after quick baskets by David Ogolla and Samora Ken. St Mary's, overcame their slow start, putting up a spirited fight led by A. Kimeu, M. Githungu and M. Mogeni to take control of the game. Kimeu sunk the games first 3-pointer to give his team a 10-6 advantage with 4 minutes to go in the first half. Austin 's bounced back through Ogolla, Samora and Steve Kivoto to close in within a point; 12-13 with 1:40 to go, but their opponents led by Githungu and Kimeu recovered quick enough to give their team a 18-14 advantage at the break.On resumption into the second half, St Mary's picked up from where they had left, With Kimeu bringin' down the house after sinking another big 3-pointer inside 10 seconds of play for a 20-14 lead. Both teams then traded baskets at both ends before St Mary's succumbed to St Austin 's pressure, after Austin 's guards Ken Samora and David Ogolla backed by power forward Antoine Chidi put up a combined effort to reclaim their team's lead at 29-28 with 8 minutes. The trio teamed up with Steve Kivoto in the final 4 minutes to seal the sweet victory after superb offensive plays, with things completely falling apart for St Mary's after an Antoine Chidi-dunk over several of their players. Samora and Ogolla each shot 13 points for Austin 's with Chidi adding 9, while Kimeu replied for St Mary's with 12 points. Austin's Head Coach David "Maich" Maina was satisfied with the results, pointing out that the boy's hard work was paying off, and he has his eyes set on even bigger titles this year.

In the other games, hosts International School of Kenya-ISK hit Rusinga School 35-31 to take the third position, while Rosslyn Academy came from 5 points down to upset Imani School 45-41 in over-time after a 36-36 tie to finish 5 th .

In the girls category, hosts ISK wet home with the silverware over Pangani Girls High School and St Austin's Academy.

Full Results:

Girls

Pangani Girls 23- St Austin's Academy 07
ISK 26- St Austin's Academy 00
ISK- 17 Pangani Girls 15


Boys

St Austin's 36- ISK Lions 10
ISK Lions 47- Imani School 12
St Mary's School 42- Rusinga School 19
Rusinga School 27-Rosslyn Academy 19
St Austin's Academy 43- Imani School 10
St Mary's School 49- Rosslyn Academy 36
Rosslyn Academy 45- Imani School 41 OT
ISK Lions 35- Rusinga School 31

Nairobi 's St Austin's Academy maintained their winning form this year with a convincing 59-50 win over hosts Rift Valley Academy-RVA Buffaloes to clinch the 2007 RVA Invitational tournament title. RVA point guard Richard Ndembe rallied his team to an early 14-06 lead inside 4 minutes of play, after sinking back-to-back baskets. St Austin's recovered through Kevin Samora, Gilbert Muhoro and Antoine Chidi to close in within a point: 17-18 with 5:25 to the break, before finally tying the game at 20-20 after Antoine Chidi sunk his free-throws as time ran out.

The second half started on a high note with Samora hitting a jumper inside 12 seconds of play to give Austin 's their first lead of the game 22-20. However, their lead was short-lived as Richard Ndembe replied at the other end, to give RVA a 23-22 advantage. The game then turned into a see-saw as both teams trading baskets at both ends with Samora, Chidi and David Ogola leading the Austin 's attack, while Ndembe, Ethan and Aaron.W kept the hosts afloat. Samora then combined with Chidi to give Austin's a narrow 31-30 lead with 12 minutes to go, as RVA Coach Wally Coots called for a timeout. Both teams came all fired after the timeout, traded shots at will, RVA hitting three 3-pointers for a 46-45 score line with 2:16 remaining. St Austin's stepped up their game through Ogola, Samora, Chidi and Kivoto, taking a 10-point lead (58-48) with 40 seconds remaining. David Ogola shot 13 points, Kevin Samora 12 and Antoine Chidi 10 for St Austin's, while Richard Ndembe had a game high 20 points for RVA with Aaron .M adding 10.

St Austin's hit Nairobi Jaffery's Academy 37-26 in the semi finals after leading 11-08 at halftime in the explosive tie that saw David Sinda bag 11 points for Jaffery's, while RVA defeated St Mary's School Nairobi 38-15 in the other semi. Nairobi Jaffery's Academy had upset Aquinas High 29-18 in a tension packed quarters game, with St Mary's sailing into the semis after eding out Nyeri Baptist in an entertaining tie. RVA and St Austin's won their respective pools earning automatic entery into the semis.

Selected Results:

Rosslyn Academy 14- RVA B 06
St Mary's 25 – RVA B 03
Aquinas High 16 – RVA B 09
Rosslyn Academy 10 – German School 11
St Austin's 25 – German School 13
Imani School 16 – St Andrews Turi 02
Nrb Jaffrey's 35 – Nyeri Baptist 11
Nyeri Baptist 24 – St Andrews Turi 02
RVA 20 – Nrb Jaffrey's 14
Nyeri Baptist 24 – Peponi School 19
Nrb Jaffery's 42 – Imani School 09
RVA 27 – Nyeri Baptist 13

The event attracted 12 teams: RVA A and B, Rosslyn Academy , Peponi School , Imani School , Nairobi Jaffery's, Nyeri Baptist, St Andrews Turi, German School , St Austin 's, St Mary's and Aquinas High School .

By Gloria Kyomugisha
Kampala

INTERNATIONAL School of Uganda girls' team won bronze in the International Schools of Southern and Eastern Africa Basketball championships.
The International School of Kenya hosted the three-day championship that ended over the weekend and attracted 12 teams.Ethiopia's International Community School won the girl's event while South Africa's American International School of Johannesburg triumphed in the boys' category. They were both the defending champions.
In the third place play-off, Iddy Farmer shot a game-high 15 points and teammate Louise Oyee added 10 points for Robert Ndamagye's ISU that raced to a 32-25 victory over International school of Tanganyika and a third-place finish.The girl's final saw ICS beat the hosts 37-30 to retain the title they won in 2006 in Zimbabwe.
AISJ won their second successive title after a 57-41 defeat of IST in the boys final.
Farmer, Oyee and Daniel Tchinguengue were named on the 2007 ISSEA All-star team.

The Angolan Basketball Federation (FAB) met Wednesday, here, with the Provincial Association of Luanda (APBL), to analyse, among other issues, aspects relating to Afrobasket2007, to be played next August in the country.

Speaking to ANGOP, the secretary general of FAB, Tony Sofrimento said that the capital city, in the capacity of host of one of the series of the biggest basketball competition in Africa, most of the responsibility has been entrusted to Luanda, similar to the other provinces that will host the competition (Benguela, Cabinda, Huambo and Huíla).Other matters concerning national competitions, regulations and its interpretation, enrolment process, infrastructures' investments, communication between APBL and FAAB, and the training of cadres was also some of the issues debated by basketball experts.

Gustavo da Conceição, chairman of the federation represented FAB and and his staff at the event, whilst Manuel Júnior (chairman) led the delegation of the Provincial Basketball Association of Luanda.

Look at the harm this article has done to Zimbabwe. This article is being widely distributed in the region and the facts are contrary to what was reported, that the venue was and is excellent.
The windows were of little consequence as they are very high up and do not disturb shooters.
That venue hosted the 1995 All Africa Games and if you read the article that the BUZ president circulated, the South Africans were very surprised by the high standard of the venue.
Our own reporters enjoy negatively reporting on Zimbabwe and do not realise the damage this does in the region.

Besides the aborted Official Opening which up till now there is no good enough excuse from FIBA. As I understood it the officials did not like their accommodation and the issue of the boards which were not compatible. I believe the media should have questioned the unpatriotic behaviour of the University of Zimbabwe in refusing with the glass board which I know most countries in the region or in Africa do not have. Instead they let petty politics get in the way. The stories the media is reporting that the UZ eventually released the boards is not true because it was a school, Prince Edward that came to the rescue of BUZ. And the media keeps reporting that these boards at the UZ were donated to the UZ by SRC is not true because those boards were handed over to BUZ by SRC just as SRC handed over all the sports equipment that came with the All Africa Games to national associations. That is why the second set of boards we had at the City Sports Centre were removed and sent to Bulawayo by another ill-fated decision of a BUZ committee some 5 years or more again. The same BUZ that sent the current board to Chitungwiza where the glass backboard was broken in transit.

There was no reason why the official opening should not have gone on and an announcement to postpone the games as what eventually happened. The windows never became an issue with any country as they are too high to interfere with players sight. The lines being mentioned were the ones that were eventually used and no country had any problems with them.

I am a little disappointed that our media took such a negative attitude. Instead of defending the great work that was done by the young guys in BUZ for the excellent work they have condemned us and we will probably never get to host another tournament because of their not-so accurate comments.

I am disappointed.


By Roderick Takawira

By Pius Ayinor
Lagos

The Ivy Basketball League for private secondary schools in Lagos rounded off by the weekend with the organizers already looking forward to amore rewarding 2007 season. The Chief Executive Officer of AKOFA Sports Mr. John Bimbo Faniran told THISDAY that there already things on ground to explain why the next season looks more exciting.
"The response from our sponsors has been quite encouraging. New companies are joining the corporate sponsors on ground but with scholarship scheme coming into the league, we can hardly get better offer for a championship devoted to students and schools in general," Faniran said.In the championship proper played at the Avi-Cenna International School, Ikeja, Ronik Comprehensive College, Ejigbo won the boys trophy after beating their Whitesand opponents 35-32. The game which was the last of the day was quite entertaining as the game was played all through at a clutch.

In the girls match Vivian Fowler, like Ronik became a first time champions. They cut Atlantic Hall 19-10 in the first final match of the day.In the losers' game, International School Lagos (Unilag) stopped the double medal haul for Ronik Schools as they defeated the Ronik girls 25-21 to pick up the bronze medal. The boys' event recorded a walkover as the Corona boys were not in Ikeja for their match against Dowen College.
Benita Mordi of Vivian Fowler was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the female category while Adebowale Osipitan got the male category after inspiring Ronik over taller Whitesand boys.
Afrab Chem and Mouka Foam are two of the major sponsors of the championship that played in its 8th season.

Chairman of the Lagos State Basketball Association, Babs Ogunade has commended the effort of the organizers of the annual Ivy League competition, Akofa for doing a wonderful job.

Ogunade who was the Special Guest at the grand finale of the league enjoined the organizer especially its coordinator, John Abimbola Faniran to remain steadfast in the development and promotion of the game for the betterment of the society.
He promised that his association will not fail to offer any assistance to the organizers in any area it deem fit so that the league can continue to get better by the year.
The former Nigeria International forward called on the private sector to join government in taking sports to an enviable height in the state in particular and the country in general.
Dolphins basketball club proprietor, wale Aboderin said the organizers should as a matter of urgency put together a clinic to be conducted by one of the national team coaches in Nigeria so that such knowledge will be further impacted to the kids for the benefit of the game.
Ronik Comprehensive High School, Ejigbo emerged winner in the boy’s category while Vivian Fowler won the girls version.
Ronik defeated Whitesand International School by 35-32 points while Vivian Fowler was 19-10 points better than Atlantic Hall International School, Epe. Benita Mordi of Vivian Fowler and Adebowale Osipitan of Ronik Comprehensive High School were adjudged the Most Valuable Players (MVPs) in the girls and boys cadre.

By: Olusegun Ikuesan