Baptist march on to KSSSA boys basketball semis

Minnows Baptist eked out a hard fought 57-50 win over Chavakali High School to sail through to the boy’s basketball semi-finals in the ongoing Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term 1A Games at State House Girls.

It was a magnificent win for the newbies who came from struggling in the opening exchanges to finding their feet and starting to dictate the proceedings.

At some point, they had to resort to defending in numbers in order to thwart the constant Chavakali attacks, much to the displeasure of Coach Rukungu Gathemia.

Baptist pair of Mayang Kuer and Kibari Jasper were the most outstanding players, scoring 18 points and 12 points respectively.

Coach Gathemia lauded his charges after the win but issued a rallying call ahead of their crunch match against Upper Hill in the semis.

“These boys have fought very hard to earn this especially after losing badly yesterday to Leiser Hill. For me am impressed since it’s taken as years to get here. The guys are in good shape so we feel ready for our semifinal match against Upper Hill.

“We will not be intimidated by the fact that they are former champions but will make sure we give them a run for their money,” he proclaimed.

In the girls’ basketball, reigning champions Kaya Tiwi continued their winning streak after claiming a third win on the bounce and are set to play Buru Buru Girls of Nairobi.

Tigoi will be eying a possible reunion with old foes Kaya Tiwi should they make it to the finals and have St Brigids standing in their way.

In girls’ hockey, defending champions Sinyolo Girls are on course to retaining their title after thrashing Bura 4-0 to qualify for the semifinals where they will come up against St Cecelia Misikhu of Western.

In the other fixture, this year’s surprise package St Josephs of Kitale play Nairobi’s Moi Girls.

The newcomers won all their group matches against St Josephs, Kibwezi, Parklands and Misikhu.

The boys’ hockey will be an all-Nairobi affair with two of its sides Upper Hill and Dr Ribiero expected to play each other.

Despite losing 3-1 to Musingu in their last match minnows Ribiero will be hoping to replicate their excellent form that saw them defeat Upper Hill 3-2 in the regional games.

In another mouthwatering clash St Anthonys will battle it out with Kisumu Day.

Six-time national rugby 15s champions Kakamega were stunned by Laiser Hill 10-8 in the last group match but scrapped through to the semis  after finishing second in pool B. They will face St Marys Yala.

Laiser Hill will test their might against St Marys Yala.

The Cross country will be held on April 14 with girls scheduled to run a 6km course and 8km for boys.

The tournament is sponsored by dairy processing giants Brookside.

-Report by Mwangi Githinji.