School games: Dr Aggrey ready to defend basketball crown on home soil

Robert Aran Coach Dr Aggrey High School basketball team celebrate with the team after beating Laiser Hill during Kenya Secondary Schools sports Association Rugby match Term One games in Machakos County. April 12, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] National boys' basketball defending champions Dr Aggrey feel no pressure as they prepare to defend their title when the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term One games tip off in Mombasa next month. The Coast Region giants will be playing on home soil and believe they are stronger than they were last year when they clinched the title in Machakos after a narrow 56-54 victory over former Nyanza Region champions Agoro Sare. Dr Aggrey head coach Robert Aran, who also doubles as the school's principal and a practicing lawyer, insists that his team is ready to take on the best in the country and will use their home fans' support as an extra motivation. "As defending champions, we understand the expectations, but we do not feel any pressure. If anything, playing in Mombasa is an advantage because we are used to the conditions, and we expect our fans to push us forward," Aran said. Dr Aggrey have been placed in Group A, where they will face Pioneer School, Dagoretti High School, and Friends School Kamusinga. It is a tough pool, but Aran remains confident that his squad will rise to the occasion. Despite last year's triumph, Aran maintains that their goal remains the same-to win the national title and cement their dominance in school basketball. "Our goal this year is to defend the title. We have improved in many aspects, and I believe this team is better than last year's squad. We have depth, versatility, and more experience, which will be key in this tournament," Aran added. Dr Aggrey's road to the national finals has been impressive, having dominated the Coast Region Games, where they emerged champions after edging out Mombasa Baptist. Their blend of experienced senior players and talented newcomers gives them confidence as they seek back-to-back national glory. Aran said he lost only two players from last year's roster. Last year's final against Agoro Sare was a nail-biting affair, decided by just a single basket. Aran acknowledges that endurance will be crucial in this year's tournament, and his team has put in extra work to ensure they can handle high-intensity matchups. "We have worked a lot on our endurance and fitness levels. Last year, we won the final by a margin of one basket, and we know that at this level, small details matter. We have been pushing our players in training, working on their stamina, and preparing them for high-pressure moments," said Aran. In Group B, newly crowned Nyanza Region champions Sawagongo High School from Siaya County will be keen to start their debut on the front foot when they face off against Laiser Hill, Lukenya and North Eastern.

School games: Dr Aggrey ready to defend basketball crown on home soil

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School games: Dr Aggrey ready to defend basketball crown on home soil

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