Hosts playing for double gold at ISSA Basketball Tournament
After three days of intense u19 competition at the International School of South Africa (ISSA) in Mahikeng, the final day of the boys’ and girls’ ISSA Basketball Tournament beckons on Sunday.
On Saturday, ISSA was impressive and qualified for the finals of both the boys’ and girls’ competitions. They will, though, face formidable opponents in the title games.
Boys’ Tournament
In the boys’ competition, the ISSA A Team, the winners of Pool D, will tackle the resolute Michael Mount Waldorf School A team, which topped the standings in Pool A.
In the first of the boys’ quarterfinals, ESCA defeated the ISSA B Team 30-25. The ISSA A Team advanced after a 39-30 win over The King’s School Linbro Park.
The quarterfinal clash between Michael Mount Waldorf School and Sol Plaatje Secondary School was fiercely contested and high-scoring, ultimately resulting in a narrow 74-71 win for Michael Mount. In the remaining quarterfinal, the Mustangs Basketball Club edged out the Michael Mount Waldorf School B Team 42-40 in another keenly contested clash.
In the semi-finals, the ISSA A Team kept their challenge for the title on their home court on track with a determined 51-39 win over ESCA. Michael Mount advanced to the title decider with a comfortable 52-28 defeat of the Mustangs Basketball Club.
Girls Tournament
In the girls’ final, the ISSA A team will take on Sacred Heart College for the championship title and the associated bragging rights.
ISSA cruised to a 46-5 win over Sol Plaatje Secondary School in the quarterfinals, while eSwatini’s Waterford Kamhlaba scored a narrow 16-15 victory over Trinityhouse Glenvista. Sacred Heart College showcased their strength against Lebone II College by powering their way to a 52-5 win, while Michael Mount was extended by Kitsong School before posting a 34-25 victory.
In the semi-finals, ISSA and Sacred Heart scored decisive victories. The hosts accounted for Waterford Kamhlaba, winning 42-17, while Sacred Heart College secured their berth in the final with a 54-22 romp against Michael Mount.
Boys’ Quarterfinals
ESCA 30-25 ISSA B Team
ISSA A Team 39-30 Kings Linbro
Michael Mount 74-71 Sol Plaatje Secondary School
Mustangs Basketball Club 42-40 Michael Mount B Team
Girls’ Quarterfinals
ISSA 46-5 Sol Plaatje Secondary School
Waterford 16-15 Trinity House Glenvista High
Sacred Heart 52-5 Lebone II College
Michael Mount 34-25 Kitsong School
Boys’ Consolation Games
Rainbow 31-26 Kitsong School
Sacred Heart 57-11 Trinity House
Lebone 45-41 Legae Academy
Waterford College 43-40 Alma Mater International School
Girls’ Consolation Games
Trinity House Glenvista High 21-19 Sol Plaatje Secondary School
Lebone II 28-Kitsong School
Boys’ Semifinals
ISSA 51-39 ESCA
Michael Mount 52-28 Mustangs Basketball Club
Girls’ Semifinals
ISSA 42-17 Waterford Kamhlaba
Sacred Heart 54-22 Michael Mount Waldorf School
Sunday Fixtures
Boys’ Bronze Playoff
ESCA vs Mustangs Basketball Club
Boys’ Final
ISSA A Team vs Michael Mount Waldorf School
Girls’ Bronze Playoff
Waterford vs Michael Mount Waldorf School
Girls’ Final
ISSA vs Sacred Heart College
