Schools: Kaya Tiwi yet to lose a match two years on

Veida Achieng (left) of Kaya Tiwi Secondary School dribbles the ballagainst Maridhia Swaleh (right) of Lukore Secondary School in one of the ladies round-robin basketball matches at Shimba Hills High School as the Kwale County Term One Games got underway,February 23,2 018. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Reigning Brookside Secondary Schools National Term One Games girls' basketball champions Kaya Tiwi began their title defence with a 68-32 victory over Barchando of Nyanza.

Kaya Tiwi dominated their Group A clash from the onset as Barchando, who are returning to the nationals after a one-year absence, struggled to settle in the match. 

Irene Onyango was superb for Kaya Tiwi scoring 20 points while Julia Akoth was the top scorer for Barchando with 12 points. Kaya Tiwi coach Phillip Onyango said the opening victory will boost his girls' confidence as they seek to win their third consecutive title.

"We played well but I still believe we can do more. Our aim is to retain the title and focus on our next match," Onyango said.

Meru School announced their return to the nationals in style as they trounced Wajir High of North Eastern 102-34 in their opening boys' basketball Group A match.

Meru's Deng Kuol Deng was certainly the man of the match as he scored 32 points. Adam Mohammed was Wajir's top scorer with 18 points.

Meru dominated the match from the first whistle, winning the first quarter 28-11. They did not have any difficulties in the second quarter, which they won 40-2 for a 68-13 lead at halftime.

Wajir improved in the third period and defended well, restricting Meru to a 18-12 score. 

In another Group A match, Ambira from Nyanza fought to a 68-58 victory against Coast's Aga Khan. 

In handball, girls' defending champions St Anne's Sega, Kanyawanga and novices Saniak won their event openers.

Sega beat newcomers Kwanthanze 26-17 while Kanyawanga and Saniak beat Sabunley and Mangu 26-17 and 41-12 respectively in the boys' matches. [Elizabeth Mburugu]