Onjiko High School celebrate after winning the Nyanza Regional title.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Onjiko High School were declared the 2023 secondary school basketball champions as the Nyanza regional Term One games ended on Saturday in Kisii.

Kisumu County champions Onjiko retained their basketball title after edging out Agoro Sare 84-61 in the finals.

Speaking after their win, Onjiko head coach Joseph Were said they were sure of returning to the national games set for April 23 in Eldoret.

Were said their earlier 84-27 win against the Homa Bay County champions gave them confidence that they can topple them again.

"It's a good day for Onjiko High School. Those who doubted us now know that it was no fluke when we emerged champions last year in Asumbi. Onjiko's dominance in Nyanza has just started," said Were.

"Many people have been asking where Onjiko have come from? The right question should be who is Onjiko's basketball coach? There is no cheating but only passion, basketball investment and experience at the championships."

Were previously coached national champions Nangina Girls, Friends School Kamusinga and Sigalame Boys.

In the girls' category, Ototo Mixed from Homa Bay County retained their crown after thrashing rivals Barchando Girls 47-24 in the finals.

Ototo had lost 39-31 to Barchando in their Group A match.

In Western, Friends School Kamusinga High school were crowned the regional champions after beating Sigalame High school 55-52 in a closely contested final.

In the girls Basketball finals, Butere Girls High School saw off their arch rivals Tigoi Girls 80-52.

Tigoi, who were the defending champions lost 32-44 in their preliminary match encounter against Butere Girls who later thrashed them when they locked horns in the finals.

Last year, Tigoi defeated Butere by one basket to qualify for the nationals. It was a revenge win for Butere.