School games: Ng'iya Girls chase elusive national basketball title

Ng'iya Girls High School from Siaya County are hoping it will be third time lucky as they head into this week's Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term Two basketball 3x3 games in Kakamega, aiming to finally lift the elusive title.

Ng'iya, who have dominated the Nyanza Region basketball 3x3 scene for the past three years, sealed their place at the nationals after edging out Asumbi Girls from Homa Bay in a tightly contested final.

With three regional titles under their belt, they now want to translate that success into national glory.

A new champion will be crowned in the girls' basketball 3x3 event after defending champions St Joseph's Girls Kitale failed to field a team this term.

The Rift Valley giants already secured a slot to the East African games in the 5x5 category during Term One, finishing third to win bronze. Their place has been taken by St Bridgit Girls who will be in Kakamega alongside Nasokol.

Ng'iya head coach Naftali Ambala believes this is the best opportunity for his team to win the national title.

"We have grown with every tournament. The girls have matured and understand what is at stake," Ambala said. "This year, we are more tactical. We are working on defensive organization and smart shooting. The goal is to manage the games better and not panic under pressure."

Last year, Ng'iya's campaign ended in heartbreak when they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by St Joseph's Kitale. That painful exit has fueled their desire to go further this time and hopefully make it to the finals.

But even with St Joseph's out of the way, Ambala knows the road will not be easy. He has identified Buru Buru Girls from Nairobi, Sirakaru from Western, and new Rift Valley champions St Brigid's Girls as the biggest threats.

"Buru Buru are fast and aggressive, Sirakaru are very tactical and powerful, and St Brigid's are strong and physical. We are planning for each of them separately. We cannot take chances. Our approach will be to control the pace and avoid unforced errors," he explained.

Also expected at the nationals are traditional giants Kaya Tiwi and Butere Girls. However, both schools may not field their strongest teams in the 3x3 format, having already qualified for the East Africa games in the 5x5 category.

Ng'iya Girls Principal Hellen Masengeli added that she is impressed with the effort her girls have put through the years and can only wish them success.

Masengeli who has been instrumental in the rise of Ng'iya Girls in sports for the past three years believes the girls can succeed in sports just as they do in exams.

"We are a center of excellence. Not only academics, but also co-curriculum activities and we teach these girls that you must be the best in both because both education and talent is important after school.

"Every dream of a teacher or student is always reach the apex of any competition and we are happy to be at the nationals again after our hockey girls team not only graced the nationals but also qualified for East Africa," said Masengeli.