Defending Champions AIS played against Gateway College – Kandy while Colombo International School – Kandy matches up against Lyceum International School Nugegoda commencing the first weekend of the Inter-International School Basketball Championship. Who won and what happened. Let`s have a look.
Asian International School vs Gateway College – Kandy
The game started off with AIS getting first possession of the ball, but it was soon stolen and Gateway College drew first blood. Gateway College lost plot in offense as AIS tightened screws in defense following the first three baskets.
AIS making massive changes in their offensive strategy, showcased plays filled with more assists than individual brilliance. Feeding the in-form players to score more and more helped them onto a comfortable lead of twenty-three points into lemons.
Half-time: Asian International School – 37 Gateway College Kandy – 14
AIS outclassed Gateway College in rebounds during the second half of the game. Passing around the perimeter and sticking into basics gave AIS the chance to penetrate through the loop holes and to score baskets.
Even though Gateway College did possess the talent to play the game they seemed unable to handle pressure. AIS continued with the man-to-man defense which resulted on many air-balls for the opposition. As the deficit increased the players committed more unforced errors. A couple dunks by Arnold Brent of AIS sealed the victory for them with a lead of fifty-four points.
Full-time: Asian International School – 73 Gateway College Kandy – 19
The AIS coach Ajith Kuruppu speaking to ThePapare.com after the match “it was a good game but we expected to win since we had a very experienced team consisting of 3 national players although they did play well in the first quarter they couldn’t match us”
Colombo International School – Kandy vs Lyceum International School – Nugegoda
CISK got the party started with an easy jumper which swished the nets. During the course of the first half, LISN had possession of the ball more often than their opponents as they dominated both offensive and defensive rebounds.
Yet, the visitors opting for zonal defensive strategies managed to hold off many offensive possessions of LISN where the efforts in their rebounds were put to vain. Dinal who used his height advantage to the maximum for CISK, tipped off a bunch of shots into the rim which otherwise would have just rolled over.
Half-time: Colombo International School – Kandy – 30 Lyceum International School – Nugegoda- 26
The second half of the game was when both teams showed the true potential of their defense. The defense was top-notch that both the teams had to opt for shots outside the perimeter in their respective playing halves.
Inter-International U19 Basketball Championship – Day 02
It was the fouls which made the difference. LISN managed to convert all their free-throws into points as CISK gave away too many shooting fouls. Adding point by point to the scorecard LISN got ahead of the Kandy lads. Sandeep finding his sweet spot beyond the perimeter for LISN, startedsinking in shots from downtown, which eventually took the game away from CISK. Yet, they were within reach as they dished out a three pointer when the clock struck zero, it was just the time who wasn`t on their side.
Full-time: Colombo International School – Kandy- 58 Lyceum International School -Nugegoda- 56
The captain of the winning team speaking to ThePapare.com “It was a tough match and I think we only really settled into the game during the second half but we’re hoping to play even better in the upcoming matches.”
Lyceum International School – Rathmalana vs Lyceum International School – Panadura
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Even though LISR scored first LISP lead the game early as all their players opted for shots and found form. It was not the best of the starts into the game for LISR as many of their jumpers were out of target and their defense was just bad with many open areas. LISP capitalizing on the mistakes led the game by a comfortable fifteen points.
Half-time: Lyceum International School – Rathmalana – 13 Lyceum International School – Panadura- 30
As the second half got underway it was evident that LISR lacked experience into the game as many of the players were youngsters. It was nightmare for LISR as they played in their maiden tournament and they were outclassed in every aspect by the opposition. Capitalizing on all the mistakes LISP just cruised on to victory with thirty-five points.
Full-time: Lyceum International School – Ratmalana- 28 Lyceum International School – Panadura- 63
Speaking to the coach of the LISR team on what went wrong during the match, “It was a team consisting off all inexperienced players and this was their first tournament so we weren’t expecting too much but I think this is a good start for this team.”
