Basketball in Africa

NATIONAL boys basketball defending champions Upper Hill yesterday cruised to the semi-finals of the Kenya Secondary Schools Term One Games after beating Northern representatives Kang'aru 88-25 during a match played at Shanzu Teachers Training College yesterday.
Upper Hill will meet Mombasa's St George's, who eliminated Mandera 154-20 in the first semi. Match-wise, Upper Hill were in a class of their own dominating all the four quarters, which they wrapped 24-01, 17-8, 29-6 and 12-10 respectively.
Upper Hill's Fred Malati bagged a game high of 20 points with Emmanuel Kajula posting 15 points. Robin Mutuma was the losers' best scorer with 15 points. Other players who played a key role in the Upper Hill win were Martin Mugambi, Isaiah Ater, Garang Deng, Lee Samba, Tilen Buluma, Desmond Otach, Ernest Onjula Augustine Sekiete, Joshua Omolo and Simon Sekut.
Upper Hill coach Ronny Owino exuded confidence that they are going all the way in as far as the week-long event is concerned.
"I can't underrate St George's because they have good players but I have a bank of equally good players who can beat any team. I have no injuries so fo far and I am confident of victory," said Owino.
The second semi-final will pit Nzoia region's Friends Kamusinga against Mang'u. Kamusinga sailed to the final after running over Lake region's Ambira 88-52 in the match dubbed 'Mashemeji Derby' at Shimo la Tewa School. The Moses Khaoya coached Kamusinga had the likes of Martin Nandi, Keith Masinde, William Omondi, Patrick Oduor, Geoffrey Obuya, Billy James, Teddy Omondi, James Mbugua, Paul Ekiru and Sidney Wekesa also playing a key role.
Khaoya said: "We are aware of the task ahead in the semis because Mangu have very focused player, but we promise to give them a run for their money," he added.
To reach semis, Mang'u shot down Kirobon 48-37. The Aberdares region team were dominant throughout the match-- sweeping all the quarters 29-19, 15-04, 27-18 and 17-11. Joseph Obiero posted game high of 12 points while Raymond Kimathi scored 11 points.
In the girls category, defending champions Shimba Hills booked a ticket to the semis after punishing Moi Girls, Eldoret 88-32 in a match played at Shanzu. Shimba recorded 11-19, 20-27, 07-24, 04-18 in all the quarters. They will be up against Metropolitan's Loreto Girls who thrashed Northern's Ogle 82-14 at Shimo La Tewa.
Shimba's Elsie Anyango was the top scorer with 18 as Maria Komba posted 15 points. Parklands also from Nairobi sailed through to the semis after sending packing Mabera 71-37 in a one-sided match at the same venue.