Jenny Orchard Invitational: Maritzburg College, Soweto Basketball Academy shine
The fourth edition of the Jenny Orchard Invitation Tournament kicked off on Thursday at Maritzburg College, with some standout performances from, among others, the hosts and defending champions, Maritzburg College, the Soweto Basketball Academy, and Pinelands High School.
Maritzburg College made a flying start against Michaelhouse, but, credit to ‘House, they fought back strongly in the second half of the contest to make it close, with the Red, Black, and White eventually winning 45-39.
In Pool A’s other game, it was a Cape Town clash between Westerford and Wynberg Boys’ High, with Westerford holding on for a 47-45 win.
Last year’s runners-up, Northwood School, were resoundingly beaten by the Soweto Basketball Academy, who rolled to a 92-38 win in Pool B. The Knights, though, have their 1st team in action at the St John’s College Basketball Tournament, where they are the defending champions. Nonetheless, it was an impressive performance from the Soweto Basketball Academy, who finished fifth in last year’s Jenny Orchard Invitation Tournament.
Rondebosch Boys’ High scored a narrow 54-52 victory over Saheti School in Pool B’s other game.
The current frontrunner in Pool D, ESCA, delivered a commanding performance against South African College High School (SACS) in the opening match, scoring a decisive victory of 70-40. It was a strong showing, but more will be revealed about ESCA when they face Westville Boys’ High in their second outing.
Westville shone against Durban High School (DHS), powering their way to a 61-36 win over a more than useful outfit. Earlier in the season, Westville won against Maritzburg College at College, and that suggests they’ll be in the mix for the title at the end of the tournament.
In Pool C, Kearsney College held off a strong challenge from Clifton College, winning by only six points, while Pinelands cruised to a 36-point win over Kingswood College.
RESULTS
A Division
Pool A
Maritzburg College 45-39 Michaelhouse
Westerford 47-45 Wynberg Boys’ High
Pool B
Soweto Basketball Academy 92-38 Northwood School
Rondebosch Boys’ High 54-52 Saheti School
Pool C
Kearsney College 56-50 Clifton College
Pinelands High School 78-42 Kingswood College
Pool D
Westville Boys’ High School 61-36 Durban High School
ESCA 70-40 South African College High School (SACS)
