Mfantsipim reclaimed their title in the Sprite Ball Championship after rolling to a 30-14 win over Keta Senior High to make a historic fourth in Accra on Saturday.
Daniel Owusu and his team eased their way to a record fourth title success at the event, with the outcome never in doubt once the record holders got off to a flying start against St Johns in their group D opener.
They were able to showcase their outstanding depth and talent from the outset, with Daniel Owusu dominating the early exchanges. The former Community Dunks star showed his quality with eight quick fire-points, as Mfantsipim wasted little time in carving out a double-digit lead at 14-5.
That had Ketasco coach calling a quick timeout, but he couldn't stop the bleeding and with Mfantsipim getting the looks they wanted from most areas of the floor, he found his team down by 11 points heading into the second quarter.
Matters deteriorated further for the defending champions as Owusu, who has played for Cape Coast-based Kawanopado Community, kept his foot on the gas to score 10 points by the time the first-half had elapsed.
Ketasco headed to the locker rooms trailing 20-9 and their problems compounded by marquee centre Srigbor Setor having picked up five fouls, while Salifu Jaman had showed some sublime passing skills for Mfantsipim with several assists.
Setor was well-shackled and frustrated, leading to his exit after picking up five fouls in the process.
The level of depth in terms of scoring, combined with some terrific defense, allowed Mfantsipim to take an unassailable lead on course for a record-breaking Final victory.
However Ketaso produced a late rally and played with great pride to avoid an unwanted role in another glorious Mfantsipim’s basketball chapter.
But it was too little too late as Mfantsipim rolled to another big win over their rivals to clinch a record fourth title at the national final in the boys division.
Opoku Ware School took third place after beating debutant Bompeh in the third and fourth place match.
Mfantsipim guard Jaman Salifu was adjudged the MVP in the boys division.
TI Amass retain title in girls division
In the girls division, TI Amass defeated Aggrey Memorial 28-22 in the final to retain the title at the E-Wak stadium.
The Kumasi-based side got off to a flier after they had a walkover over Awudome before beating Mfantseman Girls and St Mary’s
They accounted for Nkawkaw Girls in their semi-final clash before seeing off a resolute Aggrey Memorial side for the second successive time.
It was pure class and genius for Real Amass who had majority of their players intact and never looked back after turning on the heat on their opponent.
They again dominated with sheer power play and determination to take the trophy back to the Garden City.
Mfantseman took bronze for the second successive time after beating Nkawkaw in the third placed match.
For the second time in a row, Joana Danso was adjudged the MVP in the girls division.
Presec’s Kontoh was adjudged the fans favourite player in the boys division while Mfantseman’s Rebecca took the honours in the girls division.
The MVP’s fans favourite players, winning coaches and captains as well as a member of the victorious teams will travel to South Africa for an educational tour in March this year.
The 2015 edition of the famous Sprite Ball competition will down in history as the most competitive and exciting with record numbers at the El-Wak stadium.
Source: Chris Joe Quaicoe/ Email: [email protected]
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