The Red Bull Half Court tournament’s national finals, held at the USIU grounds, concluded with USIU Flames and Team Twende emerging victorious.
This event, a collaborative effort between the Kenya Basketball Federation and Red Bull Kenya, serves as a platform to scout and nurture Kenya’s burgeoning basketball talent.
Teams from Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret competed fiercely for the honor of representing Kenya at the World Finals in New York, marking Kenya’s third participation following their debut in 2022 and subsequent appearance in 2023.
During the preliminary rounds, the teams showcased their skills and determination. The USIU Flames, in the women’s category, demonstrated their prowess by defeating Team Amazon with a score of 13-9, securing their place in the finals against Team Hookies. They continued their dominant streak, winning the final match 14-9.
The men’s final was a testament to resilience, with Team Twende leveraging their seasoned expertise to triumph over Team Hookies in a thrilling 23-10 victory, much to the excitement of the spectators.
Fridah Yakobo, captain of the USIU Flames, praised the competitive spirit exhibited throughout the tournament, noting the exposure it provided by pitting them against Kenya’s finest players. She eagerly anticipates competing at the global level in the upcoming World Finals.
Mr. Hilmi Ali, Vice President of the Kenya Basketball Federation, commended the tournament’s role in spotlighting emerging talent, particularly from Eldoret and other regions. He emphasized the positive trajectory of women’s participation and the overall enhancement of Kenyan basketball.
George Daryl, captain of Team Twende, reflected on the heightened competition since the tournament’s inception, acknowledging the high caliber of teams and players they faced. He expressed gratitude towards Red Bull for organizing the event, which he believes is instrumental in fostering the growth of basketball.
As the teams prepare for the World Finals in New York this October, the anticipation and excitement for Kenya’s representation on the international stage continue to build.
