St John’s plays host to basketball players from across the continent
HOUGHTON – South African and international teams competed in the 13th annual St John's Basketball Tournament.
Basketball players from across the country and the continent converged at St John’s College and Wits University for the 13th annual St John’s College Basketball Tournament from 28 February to 1 March.
Head of basketball at St John’s College Ngoza Phiri-Mazarura said that the tournament played host to 56 teams from across South Africa and the Sadac region, with 24 international teams participating this year.
Speaking to Phiri-Mazarura in the morning on 29 February, she said it was difficult to know who the winners will be, with impressive performances from a number of teams. She explained, “Basketball is the fastest-growing sport in South Africa. The game is growing really well and is well-supported at a school level. We have seen the tournament grow from 12 teams and one-age category to 56 teams and three age groups this year.
“It’s been a phenomenal weekend of basketball. It is great to see such diversity at this tournament, with schools from various countries, private schools, public schools and development teams participating.”
Michaelhouse took first place in the U19 category, with locals St John’s College in second and St Stithians College taking third place.
In the U15 category, Usutu Forest School from Swaziland took first place, Heideveld Secondary School from the Western Cape took second and the Soweto Academy took third.
St Peter’s Preparatory School took the honours in the U13 category, with Sacred Heard College in second and Highbury Prep from Durban in third place.
All-star teams were also named at the end of the tournament along with a most valuable player, recognising players who had performed consistently throughout the tournament.
“The performance by all the boys and the level of basketball being played was outstanding. The finalists in various age groups came from Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland and Cape Town, showing the depth and growth of basketball in South Africa and the southern African region. St John’s College is proud to host a tournament that showcases this talent,” concluded Phiri-Mazarura.
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