AIS emerge National Schools Basketball Champions

Asian International School beat De La Salle College, Modara (78 – 64) in a closely contested final played at St. Joseph’s College courts recently to emerge National Schools Western Province Under 19 champions.

In the first quarter the De La Sallions commenced the scoring within a few seconds of the whistle and kept a narrow lead of one point to end the quarter. The De La Sallions consolidated their position with some super dribbling and shooting in the second quarter to increase their lead to 9 points. The AIS boys came out looking a rejuvenated side in the third quarter and completely dominated play taking the lead with some amazing play from their skipper Bevan Samuels (26) and Taher Akbarally (33) who incidentally ended up as the top scorer. 

Even though De La Sallion, Anushka Dilan (25) with good support from his team fought hard in the final quarter it was an uphill task to control the AIS duo of Akbarally and Samual who with the support of their teammates managed to increase the gap and come out victorious in a worthy and well fought final.

The AIS team beat St. Peters College, D.S. Senanayake and Royal College to enter the finals whilst De La Salle beat Gateway College, Rajagiriya, Maris Stella College, Negombo and St. Joseph’s College to ensure a berth in the finals.

In the consolation final also played at the same venue St. Joseph’s College beat Royal College, Colombo (59 – 45) to take the second runners up spot.