St. Benedict’s beat Maris Stella to win U13 basketball tournament

St. Benedict’s College “Red” led by Naveen James Silva, lifted the glittering Percy Perera Memorial Trophy, when they scored a hard fought 44-38 win over Maris Stella College, Negombo in the Final of the St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Sesquicentennial Celebrations 2015, Invitational Inter-School U-13, Segment “A” Basketball Tournament, concluded at the Kotahena on Monday.

In the segment “A” Final, the Bens got off to a sedate start and were led 4-5 at the end of the first quarter; but they got into their rhythm in the second quarter and led 23-16 at half time. The third quarter was evenly contested and the Bens were slightly ahead 25-23; Bens skipper and playmaker, Naveen James Silva (22 points) put his foot on the accelerator to take the Bens home to a six-point win  (44-38).

Special Awards : Most Deserving Player – the seven-year-old, Kenol J. Fernandopulle from Maris Stella College;  Best Shooter – Anuj A. Ganlath from St. Benedict’s College “Red” ; Best Offensive Player – Nipun R. Fernando from Maris Stella College; Best Defensive Player – Asiru I. Karavitage and Most Valuable Player – Naveen James Silva, both from St. Benedict’s College.

In the Segment “A” play-off for the third place, St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala beat Ananda College, Maradana 26-23 after leading 14-9 at half time.

Segment “B” match results: In an all-Bens Final for the third place, Team “Yellow” beat Team “Brown”, 16-06 after leading 10-0 at half time; Final: Mahanama College beat St. Benedict’s College “Green”, 38-17 after holding a comfortable lead of 24-2 at half time.

Special awards: Best Defence – Anchitha Akarshana from Mahanama; Best Offense – Onel Silva from St. Benedict’s College “Green”;  Most Valuable Player – Chamara Gunatillake, the Captain of Mahanama College.

Minister of  Ports & Shipping Arjuna Ranatunga graced the finals as the Chief Guest and he along with Provincial Visitor, La Sallian Brothers, Rev. Bro Christy Croos, Director, St. Benedict’s College,  Rev. Bro. Janaka Fonseka,  Mr. & Mrs. Wasantha Jayalath (late Percy Perera’s Son-in-Law  and Daughter ) Cosmas Mahagama Perera, former National Captain  and  Coach and  Lalith Madappuli,  Chairman, SBC Cricket Wing,  gave away the Awards.