Uganda dominates FIBA Zone V U18 Championships.
Junior Gazelles shine; Junior Silverbacks command victory.
Kenya struggles with turnovers, shooting woes.
Uganda eyes double qualification for African Championships.
The Junior Gazelles Shine Bright
The Junior Gazelles, representing Uganda in the girls’ category, showcased their prowess yet again with an outstanding victory over Kenya. Coach John Omondi’s strategic brilliance was evident as his team surged to a commanding lead early in the game, finishing the first quarter with a significant margin. Resty Nanangwe emerged as a standout player, delivering an impressive performance off the bench with 23 points. Modesty Anyango and Christine Namyalo also contributed significantly to the team’s success, each adding 19 points to the scoreboard. Angela Auma’s 11 points further solidified Uganda’s dominance on the court.
Kenya’s Struggles: A Tale of Turnovers and Shooting Woes
While Kenya displayed resilience on the rebounding front, their performance was marred by a staggering 71 turnovers and abysmal shooting from beyond the arc. Valentine Korir emerged as the lone beacon of hope for Kenya, scoring 14 points and securing 12 rebounds. However, Kenya’s inability to capitalize on possessions and convert opportunities into points ultimately proved to be their downfall.
The Junior Silverbacks: Commanding Victory
In the boys’ category, the Junior Silverbacks showcased their defensive prowess with a resounding victory over Rwanda. Coach Andrew Tendo’s strategic acumen shone through as his team overcame an early deficit to establish an insurmountable lead. The quartet of Kagabe Musiime, Mukisa Nkugwa, Eli Senyange, and Jotham Ssewanyana delivered a stellar performance, cementing Uganda’s dominance on the court.
Securing Double Qualification
These victories not only underscore Uganda’s dominance in junior basketball but also significantly bolster their chances of securing a double qualification for the FIBA U18 African Championships. With the continental championships set for August in Johannesburg, South Africa, Uganda’s junior teams are poised to make a formidable impact on the international stage.
A Path to Redemption
The journey towards redemption for the boys’ team, who narrowly missed out on qualification in the 2022 Zone V competitions, is well underway. With a perfect record thus far in the tournament, the Junior Silverbacks are on track to reclaim their spot among the elite teams in African basketball.
A Four-Team Showdown
As the tournament progresses, the stakes continue to rise. The round-robin format ensures that every game is a battle for supremacy. With only the top teams advancing to the finals, each matchup becomes increasingly crucial. For Uganda’s junior teams, the path to victory is paved with determination, skill, and a relentless pursuit of excellency
Notable Performances
Junior Gazelles led by Resty Nanangwe’s remarkable 23-point contribution off the bench, securing a 97-47 victory over Kenya.
Junior Silverbacks’ defensive brilliance holds Rwanda to just 49 points, with Kagabe Musiime leading Uganda’s offense with 15 points.
Kenya’s valiant effort undermined by 71 turnovers and poor 1-for-10 shooting from beyond the arc, despite Valentine Korir’s 14-point performance.
Courtesy Photo
