International School Suva (ISS) celebrated a significant victory in the under-15 category of the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Basketball Championship held in Lautoka. The team triumphed over Tilak High School with a score of 25-13, marking ISS’s first-ever under-15 title in the history of school basketball.
ISS showcased an impressive performance, dominating the match and maintaining control of most possessions, while Tilak High School struggled to keep pace, always lagging behind. As the game concluded, ISS players expressed their emotions on the court, reveling in their historic achievement.
Head coach, Ryan Ludher, expressed immense pride in his team’s hard work and dedication over the past three months. “This is the first time for ISS to win the under-15 title, and we are so happy. We appreciate the support from parents and coaching staff. This win means everything to us. We have worked incredibly hard, and these players truly deserve this victory,” Ludher stated.
In the girls’ under-15 division, Suva Grammar School successfully defended their title by defeating Latter Day Saints College 15-4. Their strength and commitment to their game plan proved overwhelming for LDS. Coach Ranadi Koroi highlighted the importance of maintaining humility throughout the tournament, from pool matches to the final.
“The girls gave their all, and our message was to remain humble. We went undefeated from our pool matches to the final,” Koroi said.
Suva Grammar School’s under-17 girls also defended their title convincingly, overpowering Gospel High School with a score of 26-1. Coach Vivita Bolawaqatabu credited their victory to the team’s hard work and effort.
“We are thrilled to have defended our title. I thank the girls for their commitment and hard work,” Bolawaqatabu remarked.
In the under-17 boys’ final, Yat Sen Secondary School narrowly defeated Suva Grammar School with a score of 21-20 in a thrilling match that kept fans engaged throughout. Both teams exerted pressure, but Yat Sen displayed more discipline and composure, which ultimately led to their win.
Coach Derwood Yee reminded his players of the importance of staying calm. “I instructed the players to keep their cool and stick to our game plan, which they successfully did, and I’m very proud of them,” Yee stated.
Despite the intense heat in Lautoka, the schools delivered remarkable performances during the Championship, with the challenging conditions failing to diminish the competitive spirit, resulting in some memorable moments.