The Griffins travelled up to Michaelhouse this past Sunday to compete in the hotly contested u16 Basketball Tournament. This tournament showcases the young talent that KZN has to offer and serves as preparation for the u16 National Tournament at St Stithians. The tournament runs over one day and the eventual winners would need to play 6 games, and in some cases back to back. This was always going to be a tall ask.
Westville were drawn against Kearsney, Hilton, St. Charles and Michaelhouse B in Pool A. The boys were hyped up and were ready for some hard work. The pool stages were fiercely contested with the games against Kearsney and St. Charles proving to be real tests for the boys. Westville were 7 – 19 down at the half against St. Charles and eventually won 26 – 23. This Westville Team has never beaten Kearsney in the interschool fixtures from u14 level. The boys were focused and ready to go to battle. A half-court ‘buzzer-beater’ by Captain, Liam Nossiter, proved to be the difference between the two teams and Westville won 22 – 19. Westville were unbeaten and though to the Semi’s.
Westville faced a highly skillful Maritzburg College side that had narrowly beaten them a week earlier by a mere point. A brilliant display from Thabo Tsotetsi, Liam Nossiter and Phakade Mchunu helped the team in defeating College 18 – 13. Westville were to face Kearsney in the final. The boys by this stage of the tournament were tired and a few were carrying injuries. Overcoming teams that have beaten you previously as well as teams that you have never won against is a tough task. The maturity, pure guts and brilliant sportsmanship of these youngsters was starting to shine through and every single player wanted to overcome and be victorious.
Westville went out hard in the first half, playing tight defense and working hard to find the Kearsney hoop. Once again, Liam Nossiter, led the charges and motivated his team. A great team performance strengthened by the inside work of Austin Young and Phakade Mchunu helped Westville defeat Kearsney 27 – 15 in the final. A great effort by the boys.
Pool Games
Won 38 – 18 vs Hilton
Won 26 – 23 vs St. Charles
Won 22 – 19 vs Kearsney
Won 36 – 21 vs Michaelhouse B
Semi-Final
Won 18 – 13 vs Maritzburg College
Final
Won 27 – 15 vs Kearsney
The winning team
Liam Nossiter – Captain