The finals of the boys’ Under 15 All Island Schools ‘A’ Division Basketball Championship took place at the St. Joseph’s College basketball complex yesterday (11th). Preceding the third-place playoff between Ananda College and St. Benedict’s College, the final was worked off between St. Joseph’s College and Lyceum International School Nugegoda.
Boys’ Final: St. Joseph`s College v Lyceum International School – Nugegoda (LISN)
The game started off with both schools trading off shots at both ends, however the Josephians got the better of the Nugegoda lads as they quickly drifted into the lead. Lyceum Nugegoda’s performance was marred by unforced errors such as loose passes and travelling violations which eventually led to a 21-point deficit at lemons.
Half Time: SJC 39 – 18 LISN
With the second half well underway you would expect Lyceum Nugegoda to change their approach towards the physicality of the Josephians, however the Nugegoda lads stuck to the same gameplay hoping that the Josephians would start to falter. As the clock kept ticking, so did the Josephian score and the lead gradually increased over time. St. Joseph’s, who were playing a fast game, were richly rewarded as the lead at the end of the 3rd quarter crept over 20 points in their favor. Leading from the front, point guard Shehan Fernando kept up the pace with defensive and offensive plays. As the final whistle was blown, there was much celebration from the Josephian camp as they had won the championship for the second consecutive year.
Full Time: SJC 64 – 34 LISN
Top Scorers
St. Joseph`s College: Shehan Fernando – 26, Shannon De Zilva – 23
LISN: Shanil Panduwawela – 12. Sanjaan Gunerathna – 08
Special Awards
Best Defensive Player – Sanjaan Gunarathna (LISN)
Best Offensive Player – Shannon De Zilva (SJC)
Most Valuable Player – Shehan Fernando (SJC)
Boys’ Consolation Final: Ananda College v St. Benedict`s College
In the consolation final between Ananda College and St. Benedict`s College, the game started off as a tight contest as both teams wanted to give their supporters something to cheer about. However, the boys from Maradana made sure that they had the last laugh defeating the Benedictines by 19 points.
Half Time: AC 32 – 15 SBC
Full Time: AC 51 – 32 SBC
Top Scorers
Ananda College: Senath Pahalawatte – 12, Matheesh Anajana – 12
St. Benedict`s Colleg: Naveen James – 15. Anuj Ganlath – 06
