St. Joseph’s College and Holy Family Convent Sweep All Four Championships in All Islands National School Basketball tournament

The 2024 All Islands National School Basketball Championship, organized by the Ministry of Education and held at Nalanda Indoor Stadium and KDU Rathmalana, concluded in an extraordinary display of athletic prowess. Both the boys from St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, and the girls from Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya, swept the tournament, securing championships in both the Under-17 and Under-20 categories. 

 What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that all four championships were secured under the guidance of the same two coaches Mr. Roshan Randima and Mr. Shane Daniel, a rare and commendable accomplishment in Sri Lankan basketball history. 

St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10: Unstoppable in Both Age Categories 

The boys from St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, dominated the courts throughout the tournament, establishing themselves as the team to beat. Their Under-17 and Under-20 teams were undefeated as they cruised to victory, showing skill, determination, and teamwork at every stage. 

Under-17 Journey to the Title: 

1. Round 1: St. Joseph’s College 51 – 21 Kingswood College, Kandy 
2. Quarterfinal: St. Joseph’s College 60 – 24 Richmond College, Galle 
3. Semifinal: St. Joseph’s College 62 – 25 Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala 
4. Final: St. Joseph’s College 70 – 50 Ananda College, Colombo 

Under-20 Path to Victory: 

1. Round 1: St. Joseph’s College 53 – 24 St. John’s College, Jaffna 
2. Quarterfinal: St. Joseph’s College 66 – 27 Kaluthawalai M.V., Batticaloa 
3. Semifinal: St. Joseph’s College 52 – 36 Trinity College, Kandy 
4. Final: St. Joseph’s College 63 – 41 D. S. Senanayake College, Colombo 

Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya: Champions in Every Sense 

The girls from Holy Family Convent mirrored the success of St. Joseph’s, excelling in both the Under-17 and Under-20 divisions. 

Under-17 Championship Run: 

1. Round 1: HFC Colombo 34 – 12 Sujatha B.V. 
2. Quarterfinal: HFC Colombo 33 – 14 Rt/Sumana B.V., Ratnapura 
3. Semifinal: HFC Colombo 41 – 29 Kn/Hillwood G.S., Kandy 
4. Final: HFC Colombo 60 – 38 Ja/HFC Jaffna 

Under-20 Path to Glory: 

1. Round 1: HFC Colombo 41 – 14 Bt/Mahajana College, Batticaloa 
2. Quarterfinal: HFC Colombo 38 – 9 Ja/HFC Jaffna 
3. Semifinal: HFC Colombo 51 – 21 Kn/Mahamaya Kandy 
4. Final: HFC Colombo 60 – 34 C/St. Joseph’s B.V., Nugegoda 

Notable Performances by Runner-Up Teams 

Several schools delivered strong performances, earning runner-up and 2nd runner-up spots: 

• Under-17 Boys: Ananda College, Colombo (Runner-up), Gateway College, Colombo (2nd Runner-up) 

• Under-17 Girls: Holy Family Convent, Jaffna (Runner-up), Hillwood College, Kandy (2nd Runner-up) 

• Under-20 Boys: D. S. Senanayake College, Colombo (Runner-up), Trinity College, Kandy (2nd Runner-up) 

• Under-20 Girls: St. Joseph’s B.V., Nugegoda (Runner-up), Mahamaya College, Kandy (2nd Runner-up) 

Behind the success of both St. Joseph’s College and Holy Family Convent stood two visionary coaches Mr. Roshan Randima and Mr. Shane Daniel. Their expertise and leadership guided both schools to the top in both age categories, marking a unique achievement in Sri Lankan basketball history. To win four championships in a single tournament is an extraordinary feat that highlights their ability to nurture young talent and create winning teams. 

This year’s All Islands National School Championship will be remembered for this historic coaching milestone, setting a new benchmark in the sport. Both schools and their coaches have etched their names into the annals of basketball history with this unprecedented achievement.