Tilak High School’s Under-17 boys basketball team opened the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Championship with a 37-31 overtime loss to Latter Day Saints Church College Fiji. The regular 40-minute game finished tied at 29-29, and the extra period proved tough as Tilak wore down.
Head coach Ana Bavadra said she was pleased with the overall performance and believes the team will improve as the tournament progresses. “This is the same team that reached the under-15 finals last year and they’re playing in the under-17 grade. Our target this year is to take out the title in this grade, and while it may seem hard, I know these boys have what it takes to achieve this goal,” Bavadra stated.
Tilak is scheduled to face Suva Grammar School this afternoon as the championship continues. The event runs from this morning through Saturday, with games staged at Yat Sen Secondary School and Marist Brothers High School.
The Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Basketball Championship is a three-day affair in Lautoka, bringing together about 70 teams from across the region. This year’s competition has already featured a mix of results and memorable moments, underscoring the depth of talent on display.
Context from the wider results in related age groups shows the level of competition: International School Suva defeated Tilak High School 25-13 to win the under-15 title, highlighting the strength in depth across age groups. Last season’s under-17 final was a gripping 21-20 victory for Yat Sen over Suva Grammar, illustrating how tight these battles can be.
Tilak’s early setback, coupled with the team’s ambition and past success at the under-15 level, leaves room for optimism. If Tilak can sustain focus and execute their game plan, they remain very much in the title conversation as the tournament progresses. Fans can watch Tilak’s next game against Suva Grammar School and follow how the team refines its approach in the days ahead.
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