Northwood bounces back, Grey High claims Championship glory

After another successful weekend of basketball, some of South Africa’s top teams are primed for the St John’s College Basketball Tournament and the Jenny Orchard Invitational Basketball Tournament, at Maritzburg College, which await this coming weekend.

Northwood, Michaelhouse, and Grey High all celebrated hard-fought victories.

In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Michaelhouse continues its successful streak. Following a win over St Charles College last weekend, they were met by a lively and enthusiastic crowd at the Skewiya SportZone on Saturday, where they took on Kearsney College.

In a highly competitive match, which went to overtime, ‘House snatched a 66-65 victory.

The visitors established early dominance, putting Kearsney under pressure with robust defence and effective ball movement, which left the home side struggling to find its rhythm.

Michaelhouse forced six turnovers in the opening stanza and opened up a seven-point lead by the end of the quarter, leading 12-5 as Kearsney shot only 20 percent.

Momentum shifted in the second quarter as Kearsney responded with determination and vigour. They upped their shooting percentage to 62.5, and that showed on the score sheet, with the home team outpacing Michaelhouse 25-14 in the quarter. At halftime, Kearsney led 30-26.

Michaelhouse took charge once more in the third quarter, outscoring Kearsney 23-15, which left them with a 49-45 lead and one quarter to play.

It was intense and played at a high intensity, with Kearsney fighting back to win it 18-14, which sent the contest to overtime.

Much like they had started the game, though, Kearsney finished it with their shooting going cold, and Michaelhouse did just enough to eke out a one-point victory.

Northwood, who suffered a shock defeat at home against Durban High School (DHS) last week – their first on their own court in six years – bounced back with a home victory, holding off a determined Westville Boys’ High to win 59-53.

Westville provided stiff opposition, so a win over a good team was a welcome morale boost for the Knights before they head off to Johannesburg to defend the St John’s College Basketball Tournament, which they have won for the past two years.

Maritzburg College, which hosts the annual Jenny Orchard Invitational Basketball Tournament this coming weekend, scored an important 81-70 victory over an impressive DHS team, fresh off a big win at Northwood.

Empangeni High School was also back on the court and held on for a narrow 37-35 victory over Richards Bay Christian School.

In Gauteng, rainfall in the late afternoon impacted most fixtures. However, there was still some action, including King Edward VII (KES) defeating St Benedict’s College 48-38.

St John’s College warmed up for their home tournament with a tight 41-36 win over Parktown Boys’ High. 

St David’s Marist Inanda continued their winning streak after defeating Bennies last weekend, scoring a comfortable 55-40 win over St Alban’s College.

In the Eastern Cape, Grey High lifted the 13th annual Bay Comets Basketball Tournament title.

They were the class of the field, winning all of their group stage matches. They then marched through the playoffs to the title after a poised performance in the championship game.

In the final, Grey High defeated Zwide Eagles Basketball 31-21.

Luko Mgobo, JJ Chipunza, and Logan Galloway were prominent in their challenge and were named in the tournament’s All-Star Team, where they joined their teammate and tournament MVP, Liwa Mgijima.

RESULTS

Gauteng 

KES 48-38 St Benedict’s College
St John’s College 41-36 Parktown Boys’ High
St David’s 55-40 St Alban’s College

KwaZulu-Natal

Northwood 59-53 Westville Boys’ High
St Charles College 60-47 Hilton College
Michaelhouse 65-64 Kearsney College
Maritzburg College 81-70 Durban High School
Empangeni High School 37-35 Richards Bay Christian School
Glenwood 42-38 Clifton College

Eastern Cape 

Grey High 31-21 Zwide Eagles Basketball Club

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Siya Pongco

A passionate reader and dedicated writer, Siya possesses three degrees from Rhodes University including a Postgraduate Diploma at Rhodes University. He also played amateur cricket and soccer, both during his university years. While honing his journalism skills at Grocott’s Mail in Makhanda, he developed a profound interest in the community’s response to crime. Additionally, he covered topics such as art/culture and student politics at Rhodes University in 2022. In his spare time, Siya can be found exploring galleries, dining at restaurants, indulging in literature, taking photographs or savouring his favourite dish, spaghetti.

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