Two teams from Benue State left no stones unturned claiming the two top positions in the boy’s and girl’s categories at the National finals of the 2014 edition of the Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship just concluded in Lagos.
Government Secondary School Gboko, Benue State and CAC Grammar School Akure, Ondo State took the center stage first in the girls final. Giant killers CAC Grammar School Akure that sent defending champions St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School Bayelsa packing in the semi-final were very cautious in their approach to the game.
Government Secondary School Gboko however did not keep anybody in doubt establishing their superiority. At and of the 4th quarter it was 35-25. The captain of Government Secondary School Gboko, Akina Dowesin said the victory was well deserved. Of course she attributed their victory to teamwork, and the determination to succeed. ‘’We are happy the trophy is with us. We did our best, we thank Nestle Milo it was a good outing’’.
The runner-up CAC Grammar School Akure appearing for the first time at the National finals of the Nestle Milo Championship say it was a good experience. Team Coach Emeka Onyeobi commended his girls for putting up a good fight. ‘’I am happy my team proved we got to the final via handwork’’. It was still Benue State all the way in the boy’s final game where Jesus College Oturkpo took on Henson Demonstration School Benin Edo State.
Parading the championship tallest player Emmanuel Umofia, Henson Demonstration School started on a promising note. At the end of the first quarter the boys led 23-14. However, the tide changed towards the end of the second quarter where Jesus College Oturkpo leveled and established the lead 35-31.
The Benue boys did not lose grip as they continued to pick up points until the end of the 4th quarter with a total of 72 points to 59. Coach Alex Osamuyi of Henson Demonstration School confirmed that stamina and fatigue were the problems that militated against his team. ‘’Most of my key players could not really keep the pace.
We did very well in the first quarter but unfortunately unable to sustain it’’. Coach Ajadi Isiaka of Jesus College Oturkpo Benue State commended his team for their tactical discipline and playing to instruction. ‘’When we were down in the first quarter we changed our game plan’’. Coach Isiaka says his team will now build on the success achieved at this year’s championship.
He is also happy that some of his players were picked for Top 50 Camp in Lagos.
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