St. Joseph’s College, Maradana walked away with the under 15 ‘A’ division Basketball Championship Trophy when they tamed the Colombo International College (CIS), Kandy team in an exiting final match at the Asian International College courts yesterday (50-43).
CIS played well in the first half as they were six points ahead in the end of first quarter (15-9). Even though Joes equaled the scores at 21, Eshan de Zilva struck with three consecutive baskets for CIS to give them a 25-23 lead at half time.
Joes took the lead by scoring 29-27 in the third quarter but counter attacked with back to back four baskets from CIS player V. Karunarathna to finish the quarter three points ahead. Joes made inroads in the final quarter with strong attack where CIS players were not able to resist.
CIS only managed to score eight points against the 18 points from Josephians in the last quarter. St. Joseph’s ball handler Prasanga Wettasinghe and Nayantha Aneslley contributed with most number of points (16 and 12 points respectively) to steal the victory in the end (50-43). Nayantha was adjudged the most valuable player of the tournament while Prasanga was awarded as the best offensive player.
CIS cager V. Karunarathna who contributed with 16 points for the losing team was the best defensive player. Asian International School (AIS) won the consolation final when they beat St. Benedict’s College at the same venue (83-75). AIS maintained a commendable lead through out the match posted a 19 point lead at the half time stage (69-50). Bevan Samuel who scored 36 points for AIS was picked as the most valuable player of the consolation final.
Results:
Champion: St. Joseph’s College, Maradana.
Runner up: Colombo International College - Kandy.
Second runner up: Asian International School, Colombo
Special awards: Most valuable player: Nayantha Aneslley (St. Joseph’s College)
Best offensive player: Prasanga Wettasinghe (St. Joseph’s College)
