The Vodafone Fiji Basketball Secondary Schools finals saw Marist Brothers High School emerge as the champions in the under-19 boys category, while Suva Grammar School and Adi Cakobau School shared the under-19 girls title.
Marist Brothers claimed the boys’ title by narrowly defeating Yat Sen Secondary School 28-24. In the girls’ competition, the match between Suva Grammar and Adi Cakobau was impacted by rainy weather, leading both schools to share the under-19 title.
In the under-17 categories, the Suva Grammar girls achieved a decisive 26-1 victory over Gospel High School, while Yat Sen Secondary School edged out Suva Grammar 20-19 in the boys’ final.
The under-15 competitions showcased International School, Suva dominating Tilak High School with a 25-13 win, while the girls from Suva Grammar School triumphed over Latter Day Saints College with a score of 15-4.
Despite the rain on August 31, players maintained their enthusiasm, proudly representing their respective schools throughout the championship.
Selina Kuruleca, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, praised the National Basketball Federation for their dedication and assured them of the Ministry’s continued support for this minor sport. She encouraged other schools to engage their students in basketball.
Kuruleca expressed gratitude to Vodafone for their sponsorship and urged corporate entities to assist in developing sports facilities in urban areas. She referenced Michael Jordan’s famous quote, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”
She acknowledged the commitment of athletes, coaches, officials, parents, supporters, and alumni from the participating schools, highlighting an increase from 53 teams in 2023 to 66 teams expected in 2024, with hopes for even more participation, including a tournament for primary schools in 2025.
In her closing remarks, Kuruleca reminded the talented players that victory goes beyond trophies, encompassing the valuable lessons learned, friendships established, and personal growth achieved both individually and as a team. She encouraged participants to carry values of compassion, humility, graciousness, and kindness as they move forward.
The tournament took place at the Lautoka Multi-purpose Court at the start of the Term 2 school break.