Upper Hill keep Metropolitan basketball title

National boys’ basketball champions Upper Hill School retained their basketball title on Saturday after edging out rivals Laiser Hill 59-51 in a close encounter played at Upper Hill.

Upper Hill took  the first quarter 18-13 despite their opponents starting well denying the hosts any chance.

Laiser Hill suffered a setback when key player guard Ryan Otsimi’s game ended prematurely after suffering an injury.

However, they soldiered on and battled hard to  take the second quarter 24-11 to take a 39-29 lead at the break. Upper Hill made home support count, returning stronger in the third quarter to win 14-6 as Laiser struggled for inspiration.

Upper Hill sealed the victory with a 16-8 lead in the fourth quarter and with it the game crashing their opponents hopes for yet another year. Atar Mabeny of Upper Hill was the highest scorer with 23 points while David Omondi scored 10 points.

Upper Hill head coach Ronald Omangi said his team deserved victory after playing their hearts out and keeping faith with their game plan throughout the match.

“We have achieved out first target this season, we now want to win the national title and go to the regional games in high confidence,” Omangi said.

PARKLANDS ARYA RETAIN TITLE

Parklands Arya retained the girls’ basketball trophy with a 60-43 against Buruburu Girls to exact revenge following their loss in the county final.

The hockey titles remained  in Nairobi as Lenana School and Moi Girls Nairobi won the boys’ and girls’ titles respectively. Lenana beat Tala 2-1 in penalty shoot-outs after the game ended in barren draw with the sides unable to break the deadlock.

Moi Girls beat  Mt Larvena 3-0 to be crowned champions. Mercy Cherono scored a brace, while Sarah Achungo added another goal to give Moi the victory. Laiser Hill beat Ofafa Jericho 8-5 to lift rugby 15 title. The winners will represent the region at the national games set for April 12-19 at Nakuru High School.