Basketball: Upper Hill dribble to winning start

/COURTESY

Former East Africa champions Upper Hill launched their quest for this year’s Brookside East Africa Secondary Schools boys’ basketball title with victory as the games began at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu, Uganda.

The 2013 regional champions beat Rwanda’s Eteni 59-49 in their opening Group B match to increase their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage.

Both teams had a slow start and took longer to settle. But it was the Kenyans, who had the upper hand at the end of the first quarter, which they won 9-6. With just one and a half baskets separating the two sides in the second quarter, Upper Hill maintained their cool to win the second quarter 16-7 for a 25-13 lead at half time.

Perhaps comfortable with a six-basket lead, the Kenyans relaxed in the third quarter, but still won 13-9 as the Rwandans, who kept improving with every quarter, fought harder.

Eteni came back stronger in the fourth quarter and gave Upper Hill a tough time as they won 27-20, but it was a little too late for the Rwandans.

Upper Hill coach Ronald Omangi said they had a shaky start but was hopeful they will improve with every match.

“The first match is always a challenge because you don’t know what to expect from your opponents but I’m glad we secured maximum points,” Omangi said.

Upper Hill will play hosts Sseta High Green in their second match. East Africa returnees Hill will launch their campaign to reclaim the regional title today against Uganda’s Saku Secondary School in Group A.

The seven-time regional champions will be out for a perfect start as they seek to end a four-year trophy drought by recapturing the title they last won in 2012.

[Elizabeth Mburugu]