No scares as games begin: Aga Khan Mombasa, Buruburu and St Brigid’s Kiminini in easy wins

Kisumu Boys' Emmanuel Otieno (left) drible ball past Gedion Odongo of Upper Hill School during Kenya Secondary Schools term One games at State House Grounds on Tuesday, April 11, 2017. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Upper Hill off to flying start in Brookside National Secondary School championships

Champions Upper Hill began their title defence on a winning note as this year’s Brookside National Secondary School Games got underway yesterday at State House Girls, Nairobi.

Much was expected of Upper Hill, last year’s boys’ basketball winners, in this year’s games. And when the first whistle was blown, it was down to business for the champions.

And when the final play was over at the State House Girls’ basketball court, their opponents, Kisumu Boys, suffered a 71-36 loss. Easy start. Convincing win. After tasting victory, there was no turning back. Coast’s Aga Khan also won their opening match 51-32 against Kangaru School of Eastern.

Upper Hill shook off a slow start that saw them trail Kisumu Boys 9-11 in the first quarter, but settled down, before dominating the game with ease.

Captain Deng Garang said they were afraid of their lacklustre start, which gave their opponents some hope. Deng led from the front, scoring 18 points, while Paul Raburu was the top scorer for Kisumu Boys with 13 points.

Trailing by two points, Upper Hill began the second quarter with urgency and their intentions to win were evident as they sunk baskets at will.

Kangaru versus Aga Khan match was a balanced affair with the first quarter ending 11-11.

Kangaru won the second quarter 12-11 before Aga Khan took charge to win the third 16-8, before sealing victory with a 13-4 win in the fourth.