St. Joseph’s College, Colombo clinched the National Schools Basketball title by edging out the All Island Under 19 Champions and Western Province Champions, Asian International School by 55 points to 51 after a thrilling final played at Darley Road recently.
In the beginning AIS attempted to dominate the game, but the Josephians took the game away from the visitors. At Half time the Joes managed to snatch the lead (25 – 24).
From the third quarter, both teams strived to take the lead, with rebounds and counter attacks. However, the Darley Road School made their intentions clear to clinch the title with their giant killing performance.
It also turned out to be a game played with immense speed by both teams. The visitors also gave the homesters some anxious moments and infact made them to defend their own territory.
The Captain of the St. Joseph’s College Kisal Cooray had a grand game as he netted 21 points and was also adjudged the best player of the tournament. He was ably supported by Bhanuka Gamage who collected 12 points .
For Asian International School, Tahir Akberally scored 16 points while skipper Bevan Samuel collected 9 points.
Meanwhile, De La Salle College emerged victorious in the third place decider against Kingswood College Kandy by 76 points to 61 after leading by 20 – 14 at the breather. Anushka Dilan (33 points) and Ishara Piyumal (7 points) were the most outstanding for the Lasallians while A.Thilina (16 points) and K.Hansaka excelled for the Kingswoodians.
