Maktown Basketball Academy and Amazons Basketball Academy have emerged champions of the maiden edition of the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Academies Tournament.
The Warlords Academy from Ilupeju failed to perfect their swordsmanship against Maktown at the Webber Engineering themed Dolphins Basketball Court, Onipketesi, Ikeja, Lagos State, South-West, Nigeria.
It was a gripping and unpredictable final with Thomas Agbo of Maktown leading the charge for the boys from Benue State.
Despite their outstanding performance, Warlords academy, failed to hold steam, as Maktown Academy piled pressure, to win the groundbreaking event, 74-70.
In the women’s event, Amazons Basketball Academy humbled Victoria Queens, to take home the gold medal.
Benue State’s Hembam Vera was just too hot to handle for Victoria Queens academy in the thrilling final.
Amazons started strongly in the first quarter, but fell in the second and third quarter, giving space for Victoria Queens to level the scores.
The final quarter proved to be the fatal blow for the Victoria Queens, as Amazons basketball academy turned the heat on with Hembam Vera heading the rout, 23-19 it all ended.
Head Coach of Amazons basketball academy, Akinwonjowo Oladele Akinwande, stated:
“Thanks to Almighty God for giving us the victory and out fans out there, the girls have been in practice together as we heard the date of the tournament and we were highly prepared to face all odds especially our rivals Victoria Queens.”
Hembem Vera was named as the Tournament Most Valuable Player in the ladies event, while sensational Thomas Agbo, claimed the boys Most Valuable Player award.
In a display of precision and skill, Alex Otu from Impression Basketball Academy and Moda Ajani from Victoria Queens emerged as the top contenders in the three-point shootout.
Ola Promise from Raptors Academy electrified the crowd with some impressive rim action to claim victory in the slam dunk contest.
Renowned Nigerian comedian, Gordons, was on ground to thrill fans and lovers of the beautiful game and to show his love for the game.
BEST 5 PLAYERS, GIRLS:
- Anani R. (Amazon – 5),
- Anari C. (Impression – 4),
- Angel O. (Impression – 5),
- Divine (TABA – 47),
- Ali K. (Amazon – 81).
BEST 5 PLAYERS, BOYS:
- Salawu D. (Warlords – 7),
- Agbo T. (Maktown – 13),
- Edwin S. (Raptors – 7),
- Okaja J. (Maktown – 10),
- Ogbonna J. (Warlords – 11).
