School basketball ends with grand finale of IMG Reliance League

The second IMG Reliance Mumbai Basketball league concluded at Fr Agnel basketball court on December 10. A few matches of the tournament were also played at Indian Gymkhana Matunga. The tournament saw participation from 12 schools of Mumbai division schools.

It was a great platform for city hoopsters to showcase their talent and further get selected for the Nationals. The winners of the under-19 tournament were shortlisted for the upcoming national tournament to be held at Delhi Thyagaraj Sports Stadium.

Fr Agnels boys' team bagged the title for the second consecutive year. The team had taken the lead right from the beginning of the tournament. From the initial matches to the finals they maintained the lead. In the finals, played against Lilavati Podar, Santacruz, right in the first quarter Agnels took a 10-point lead and final score read 47-15. Ravi Nair, sports coordinator of Fr Agnel Multipurpose school said, "The boys did justice to the opportunity given to them and we only hope they shine in the Nationals tournament as well."

Vidyaniketan school, Dombivli, took home the title in the girls category. The girls played their final match against Lilavati Podar, Santacruz. Anand Phadke, coach of Vidyaniketan, said, "The team's performance was consistent and they made it swiftly to the finals. But in the finals the lead reduced as the opponent got free shots." Sakshi Kotian, the captain, received the most valuable player award. The strategy of shooting from outside worked well for the team.

Saloni Sathe , a player from the team, said, "It was an enriching experience and now we are looking forward to the National tournament. If our skills are executed appropriately, the team will surely fair well."