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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter

DOMINICAN Convent High Bulawayo were crowned the 2023 Under-20 girls’ basketball invitational tournament champions after they edged hosts Petra College 7-6 in the final.

The two-day tournament began in Bulawayo on Friday and concluded on Saturday at Petra College.

A total of 12 Association of Trust Schools (ATS) that included Petra College, Dominican Convent High-Harare, Eaglesvale, South Eastern College, Mzingwane, Wise Owl Marondera, Lomagundi, Wise Owl- Harare, Girls High and the eventual winners Dominican Convent High-Bulawayo battled hard for silverware during the two days.

Dominican Convent-Bulawayo reigned supreme after they surprised the tournament favourites Petra College, who had gone all the way to the finals without defeat from their Pool A round robin matches.

Bulawayo Convent booked the place in the final after edging out their fellow Harare Convent 17-16 in the semi-finals while Petra had convincingly beat Wise Owl Harare 14-6 at the same stage to advance into the epic final.

But Convent did trade their cards very well in the final, playing more defensive style and capitalising more on counter attacks which saw them taking a 4-3 lead into the first half of the final.

The hosts came into the second half more determined to win, especially in front of their home supporters who were cheering them up.

But Convent, who also had a relatively young squad, remained composed and continued to apply the same defensive and counter-attack tactics which saw them taking gold home, with just a point difference, much to the delight of their coach Lerule Smith.

“I’m very happy with my girls’ performance, the girls played very well.

“There were a lot of games in the preliminary rounds. “I liked their confidence and commitment throughout the tournament as they managed to step up and produce positive results.

“ I have got two junior players in the team and whenever I bring them on, they can play like they are seniors.

“The energy and composure they have shown throughout the tournament was exceptional for me and I’m very happy with my team’s performance and winning the competition,” said Smith.

“ I’m also very grateful to the parents of the girls and our learning institution for their continued support of the girl child.

“They always avail their time and resources to the sport and today we are happy that we have managed to reap the rewards for us and them as well which is a positive step for our team,” she added.

Petra College settled for silver while Convent Harare won the bronze medal due to superior goal difference to Wise Owl Harare.

Zimbabwe basketball Under-16 girls coach Farai Kanyenze, who also doubles as the Dominican Convent Harare coach was impressed by the level of competition and the young talent at the tournament.

“I’m quite impressed with my team’s performance especially considering the fact that half of my team were the under-16 players who had to fill in the places of our five senior players who had gone for our Mbare-Highfield district trials and also for our center forward who was not feeling well.

“They did perform beyond my expectations. Considering the fact that it was their first time playing together with the seniors, and for them to be able to win a bronze medal in such conditions, it was massive.

“As the country’s under-16 coach, I was also impressed by the level of commitment and talent shown by all the young players the teams brought to this tournament.

“They were so composed and determined to give their all in the game, and it proves that there is a lot of talent in our country.

“With resources and constant training, they will surely become top basketball players.

“This will also make it easy for us as coaches to pick top players for the national team, with a lot of talent around, “said Kanyenze.