Dagoretti High School pulled off a remarkable feat, clinching a narrow 65-62 triumph over Highway Secondary School in a gripping finale at the Kenya Academy of Sports U-19 basketball tournament for men.
Highway Secondary School, initially considered favorites after defeating Hospital Hill in the semi-final, faced an unexpected challenge when they trailed Dagoretti 7-12 in the first quarter.
The turning point occurred in the second quarter, with Highway making a comeback led by the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), Finston Sengemoja, who scored crucial 3-pointers.
Dagoretti High displayed resilience in the final stages, utilizing their height advantage to secure a slim 15-13 lead. However, a defensive foul allowed Highway to stage a comeback, resulting in a 17-15 turnaround in the third quarter.
The offensive struggles of the Mombasa road-based team became evident in the final quarter, especially when star player Sengemoja failed to convert any of his three free throws following a penalty incident.
The three-day tournament, featuring twenty high school teams, unfolded at Nyayo National Stadium and attracted the attention of basketball scouts from various universities and high schools.
Finston Sengemoja of Highway Secondary School earned well-deserved recognition as the Most Valuable Player in the men’s category, showcasing exceptional individual performances throughout the tournament.
