Basketball in Africa

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