Title contenders emerge at Soweto Uprising Tournament
Action at the Soweto Uprising Basketball Tournament heated up on Saturday as a number of teams made moves that identified them as potential title contenders.
Boys Competition
Pool A
In Pool A of the boys’ competition, the host team, Soweto Basketball Academy, continues to lead with four points after securing victories in their first two games of the tournament.
They’ve demonstrated exceptional basketball skills on the court and are undoubtedly a strong contender, although day two of the tournament has revealed several other teams, including the Montana Vikings from Cape Town, who captured the spotlight in Pool B.
On Saturday, the Soweto Basketball Academy claimed another victory, defeating Wolves, 40-31.
In second place in Pool A is the Young Warriors, who won one and lost one on Saturday. They went down to Wolves, losing 36-41, but rebounded in their second game with a 38-15 win over Norkem Park.
The Soweto Basketball Academy tops Pool A, with the maximum four points from two wins, while Young Warriors are a point adrift. Wolves, in third place, also have three points. Norkem Park has been eliminated from title contention after losing their first two matches.
On Sunday, Norkem Park takes on Wolves in their final group match, hoping to grab a consolation win. Wolves, meanwhile, will be focused on securing a place in knockout stage of the tournament.
Pool B
The Montana Vikings, from the Mother City, are showcasing their cool demeanour, positive energy, and competitive spirit in Pool B, and are an intriguing team. On Saturday, they bagged two wins.
The Orlando Basketball team was the first to fall to the Montana Vikings, with the Capetonians cruising to a 41-11 victory. They followed up that 30-point win with a 46-28 victory over Phoenix.
In other Pool B matches, Orlando rebounded with a win against The Glen High School, coming through with a narrow 36-31 victory in a closely contested game.
It was a challenging day for The Glen. They were also beaten by Phoenix, going down 25-35.
Those back-to-back losses mean The Glen is out of the running for the championship.
The Montana Viking, though, will be out to complete their Pool B assignments with a flawless record on Sunday.
Pool C
Only three games were contested in Pool C on Saturday.
After going two for two, the Elite Basketball Academy (EBA) leads the group with four points. They opened their challenge on Friday with a tight 50-47 win over the Eagles. It was tight again on Saturday, but they defeated the Sandton Bulls 46-42.
After suffering a defeat in their opening match on Friday, the Eagles returned revitalised on Saturday to take down the Hotshots Basketball Club, from Cape Town, by a 41-31 margin.
Hotshots were also beaten by the Sandton Bulls, who recorded a 31-21 win.
Pool D
The Jozi Stars continue to demonstrate their championship ambitions and illustrate why they pose a significant threat to their competitors in the Soweto Basketball Uprising Tournament with a strong showing in Pool D.
On Friday, they held off Jenny Wu Sports Academy (JWSA), coming out 58-53 winners after an intense clash.
On Saturday, they further asserted their dominance by defeating the Equestria Giants 42-20.
In the aftermath of their loss on Friday, JWSA rebounded with a 29-23 victory against Rand Tutorial on Saturday.
Rand Tutorial, after that setback, posted a victory over the Equestria Giants in their second outing, winning 53-42.
Girls’ Competition
Pool A
In the same vein as the boys’ team of the hosts, the Soweto Basketball Academy A girls’ team has been soaring high. They bear the weight of championship aspirations.
After securing a second consecutive victory on Saturday, 31-21 over Rand Tutorial, they’re atop Pool A.
Beaten by the Soweto Basketball Academy, Rand Tutorial rebounded with a 26-18 victory against Wolves. Wolves, in turn, returned with a win, taking down Norkem Park 44-23.
Pool B
In Pool B of the girls’ competition, the Soweto Basketball Academy B team has lost both of their matches.
Their first defeat was against the Young Warriors, who powered their way to a comfortable 34-7 win. It didn’t get any better for the home side in their second game, which the Alexandra Basketball Club (Alex) won 40-4.
Alex added another victory in their second match, outplaying The Glen 32-9.
It’ll come down to a Sunday showdown between Alex and the Young Warriors for the top spot in the group.
RESULTS
Boys
Pool A
Wolves 41-36 Young Warriors
Young Warriors 38-15 Norkem Park
Soweto Basketball Academy 40-31 Wolves
Pool B
Montana Vikings 49-11 Orlando Basketball
Phoenix 35-25 The Glen High School
Orlando Basketball 36-31 The Glen High School
Montana Vikings 46-28 Phoenix
Pool C
Sandton Bulls 31-21 Hotshots
Eagles 43-31 Hotshots
Elite Basketball Academy 46-42 Sandton Bulls
Pool D
Jozi Stars 42-20 Equestria Giants
JWSA 29-23 Rand Tutorial
Rand Tutorial 53-42 Equestria Giants
Girls
Pool A
Soweto Basketball Academy A 31-21 Rand Tutorial
Rand Tutorial 26-18 Wolves
Wolves 44-23 Norkem
Pool B
Alex 32-9 The Glen High School
Young Warriors 34-7 Soweto Basketball Academy B
Young Warriors 62-6 The Glen High School
Alex 40-4 Soweto Basketball Academy B
Sunday 15 June
Boys Competition
Jabavu 1
Pool B
10:40 – Orlando Basketball vs Phoenix
Pool C
09:20 – Sandton Bulls vs Eagles
Jabavu 2
Pool B
10:40 – The Glen High School vs Montana Vikings
Pool C
09:20 – Hotshots vs Elite Basketball Academy
Morris 1
Pool A
09:20 – Soweto Basketball Academy vs Young Warriors
Pool D
10:40 – Jozi Stars vs Rand Tutorial
Morris 2
09:20 – Norkem Park vs Wolves
Pool D
10:40 – JWSA vs Equestria Giants
Girls Competition
Jabavu 1
Pool A
08:00 – Rand Tutorial vs Norkem Park
Jabavu 2
Pool A
08:00 – Wolves vs Soweto Basketball Academy A
Morris 1
Pool B
08:00 – The Glen High School vs Soweto Basketball Academy B
Morris 2
Pool B
08:00 – Young Warriors vs Alex
Girls Quarterfinals
Jabavu 1
QF1 – 12:00 – A1 vs D4
Jabavu 2
QF2 – 12:00 – B2 vs A3
Morris 1
QF3 – 12:00 – B1 vs A4
Morris 2
QF4 – 12:00 – A2 vs B3
Boys Consolation
Jabavu 1
13:20 – A3 vs C3
Jabavu 2
13:20 – B3 vs D3
Morris 1
13:20 – A4 vs C4
Morris 2
13:20 – B4 vs D4
Boys Quarterfinals
Jabavu 1
QF1 – 14:40 – A1 vs C2
Jabavu 2
QF3 – 14:40 – C1 vs A2
Jabavu 1
QF2 – 16:00 – B1 vs D2
Jabavu 2
QF4 – 16:00 – D1 vs B2
