HOUGHTON – St John's College hosted the 12th St John's College Basketball Tournament from 21 to 24 of February, an event that has become a highlight on the boys' school basketball calendar.
The quarterfinal St John's College Basketball Tournament U19 participants, Chris Serra, Trent le Roux and Kallum Bloem of St Charles College. Photo: Naidine Sibanda
An event that has become a highlight on the boys’ school basketball calendar was attended by teams from across southern Africa.
The St John’s College Basketball Tournament saw 36 schools (480 players) participating in the U19 category and 16 schools (120 boys) in the U13 category. There were teams from Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe playing alongside some of the best local teams.
St Stithians Boys’ College owns the match as they beat St Alban’s College 41–33 in the final of the St John’s College Basketball Tournament. Photo: Supplied
More than 190 games were played over the four days culminating in Cup and Plate finals. In both age group, the teams were split into four groups in the pool stages of the tournament, where the top sides in the round robin games moved onto to the playoffs and quarterfinals.
Andiswa Mafamadi of St Alban’s College defends the ball from players of St Charles College during the quarterfinals. Photo: Naidine Sibanda
Sacred Heart Primary School claimed the U13 title, beating Highbury Preparatory School from Durban 36–8 in the final. The U19 title was clinched by St Stithians Boys’ College who showed grit and determination against St Alban’s College in the final, emerging the tournament victors with a 41–33 win.
Refilwe Mamabolo of St Alban’s College takes aim at the basket. Photo: Naidine Sibanda
The most valued players were announced after the final games with both coming from the winning teams. Zuko Mtshikila of Sacred Heart Primary School was awarded the accolade in the U13 competition for his exceptional skill and contribution over the course of the tournament. St Stithians Boys’ star man Nyasha Gumbo took the award in the U19 category after showing great strength in the air using his height to his advantage.
“The St John’s tournament has given me the platform to trust my teammates,” said Nyasha.
“We found ourselves in very difficult situations at times but together we fought hard, from the group stages and right up until the finals. I have to give them credit, I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Reinhard Venter of St Alban’s College has the ball in hand against St Charles College in the quarterfinals. Photo: Naidine Sibanda
A senior All-Star team was announced which consisted of star players that stood out throughout the championship.
“The St John’s College Basketball Tournament was a great success,” said tournament director and master-in-charge of basketball at St John’s College, Ngoza Phiri-Mazarura.
The quarterfinal playoff sees St Alban’s College beat St Charles College 25–14. Photo: Naidine Sibanda
“It was wonderful to watch such a diverse style of basketball from across the country and the large turnout of support for the teams is a testament to the growing popularity of this sport.”
St Alban’s College U19 basketball player Somila Sigenu aims for the basket. Photo: Naidine Sibanda
For more details on the tournament visit www.stjohnscollege.co.za
Email details of your sporting events to naidines@caxton.co.za
