Battle for national glory begins: All eyes will be on Upper Hill and Laiser Hill in boys’ national basketball contest

Upper Hill's Samora Odhiambo, left of Nairobi county skip past Koki Rior of Laiser Hill during Metropolitan games at Laiser Hill Academy in Kajiado on saturday. PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD.

Focus shifts to State House Girls as this year’s national Term One games start

Anticipation, anxiety and uncertainty await the boys’ basketball contest in this year’s secondary school national Term One Games that begin tomorrow at State House Girls, Nairobi.

Rivalries will be renewed and bitter memories rekindled as schools face off in hunt for national glory.

Defending champions Upper Hill of Nairobi Region will be out to retain their title. In defence of their honour, they will battle seven other regional champions for the prestigious trophy as they seek to maintain the status quo.

This year’s competition will be more thrilling and entertaining as five-time national and seven-time East Africa champions Laiser Hill return to the national extravaganza after years of absence.

With many already anticipating a dream final between Upper Hill and Laiser Hill, all eyes will no doubt be on these two sides.

Upper Hill coach Ronald Omangi said although they have been stronger than Laiser Hill over the years, their opponents have a very good team.

“They (Laiser Hill) are a very good side that deserve to be at the nationals and their return is a sign that we will have strong teams for the East Africa games,” Omangi said.

“This year’s games will no doubt be a tough affair. Teams have improved a lot. We must be at our best.”