Double success for Kwakwani Secondary School

KWAKWANI Secondary School emerged victorious in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions of the ExxonMobil National School Basketball Festival (NSBF) U18 Championships, following intense battles last Sunday evening at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

In the boys’ division final, Kwakwani overcame President’s College with a close score of 71-68 to claim their seventh championship title. Kelon Phillips stood out with an impressive performance, contributing 32 points and five rebounds. Kasim English; the MVP of the division, also played a crucial role, accumulating 27 points, six rebounds, and an equal number of steals.
President’s College, appearing in their third consecutive finals, had Ezekiel Saul making history by recording the first triple-double in the final’s history. Saul delivered an exceptional performance with 16 points, 14 rebounds, and an outstanding 10 steals. Additionally, Judah Ferreira netted 19 points, while Alvin DeFreitas achieved a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.

In the Girls’ division final, President’s College were again the bridesmaid after being down 37-31 by Kwakwani that won their fifth under-18 Girls’ Championship. Sherel Leacock netted 14 points with nine rebounds and six steals for the champions and she was supported well by Deandra Hodge (13 points, four rebounds) and girls’ MVP; Malia Samuels, who had six points, four assists, eight rebounds and nine steals.

For President’s college ladies, Akeelah Campbell top scored with 13 points to go along with her seven rebounds and six steals while Krizel Wells netted seven points and four rebounds to support.