Northwood and Maritzburg College headline weekend’s showdowns
Last weekend, Westville Boys’ High School triumphed in the Jenny Orchard Invitational Tournament, while Northwood School successfully retained the St John’s College Basketball Tournament title.
Regular derby fixtures resume this weekend, with a doozy in Pietermaritzburg set to capture the spotlight.
Maritzburg College, who were edged out by Westville in the final of the Jenny Orchard Invitational, host Northwood in the Alan Paton Memorial Hall. It is going to be loud and intense.
The Red, Black, and White versus The Knights is not just one of the premier fixtures in KwaZulu-Natal, it is one of the premier fixtures in South Africa.
Both sides have enjoyed strong seasons and while Northwood, after going back-to-back in the St John’s Basketball Tournament, might be a slight favourite, they’re playing away from home and that could make a difference for College.
Northwood enters the contest full of confidence, after beating St John’s College 53-42 to lift the title in Johannesburg, yet they will be acutely aware of the threats posed by Maritzburg College. They’ll also be focused on avoiding a let-down after that stirring triumph.
Following their success at St John’s College, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of the largest schoolboy basketball tournament in Southern Africa, Northwood School a special visit from Basketball South Africa (BSA) President Sanele Mthiyane on Wednesday.
He arrived at Northwood with a generous donation of 60 basketballs from NBA Africa. The donation was warmly received by Northwood’s players and coach Kent VanderYacht.
After being pipped right at the end of the final of the Jenny Orchard Invitational, Maritzburg College will view Saturday’s showdown with Northwood as an ideal opportunity to record a statement victory. Expect fireworks!
The Jenny Orchard Invitational champions, Westville Boys’ High, face Glenwood on the weekend. It has been a tough season for Glenwood and an excellent one for Westville, so the chances of an upset of the Griffin are slim to none.
Kearsney College hosts St Charles College at The SportZone. Saints, as happens with teams in transition, has been somewhat unpredictable. They’ve played some good ‘ball, but were not at their best at the St John’s Basketball Tournament. Kearsney, on the other hand, has been running into better form, which has included a convincing win over Maritzburg College. An interesting battle awaits.
There’s plenty to play for when Hilton hosts Michaelhouse. The last time they met at Hilton, in late 2024, Hilton scored a narrow three-point win, 72-29.
In the other KZN clash of the weekend, Durban High School hosts Clifton College and will fancy their chances after beating Clifton 73-45 in the playoff for ninth at the Jenny Orchard Invitational.
In Johannesburg, St Stithians College faces St Benedict’s College on Friday evening, while St Alban’s College travels to Boksburg to face Christian Brothers’ College on Saturday, and St David’s Marist Inanda takes on St John’s College.
FIXTURES
Friday
18:30: St Stithians College vs St Benedict’s College
Saturday
Northwood vs Maritzburg College
Michaelhouse vs Hilton College
Westville Boys’ High vs Glenwood High School
St Charles College vs Kearsney College
Durban High School vs Clifton College
Christian Brothers College Boksburg vs St Alban’s College
St David’s Marist Inanda vs St John’s College
