In a display of youthful vigor and exceptional talent, St Anthony’s School (Chembur) and Don Bosco School (Matunga) emerged victorious in the MSSA inter-school basketball tournament held at Rajhans Vidyalaya’s basketball court in Andheri. Both institutions clinched the coveted U-16 titles in their respective categories in an event that showcased the promise and potential of young athletes in Mumbai.
The girls’ final was particularly gripping, as St Anthony’s School took on Auxilium Convent (Wadala) in a match that was as intense as it was exciting. St Anthony’s ultimately triumphed with a score of 29-20, largely owing to the outstanding performance of Sharanya Sawant. Sawant, the standout player for St Anthony’s, was pivotal to her team’s victory, scoring an impressive 14 points. Her exceptional play was complemented by her teammates, including Ruchi Sawant, who added six points to the team’s tally. Other notable contributors were Jeel Jain with four points, Shruti Padhi with three, and Vanya Shetty rounding off the score with two points. This cooperation and teamwork paid off in dividends, allowing St Anthony’s to secure the championship throne with grace and poise.
On the other hand, the boys’ final was a testament to Don Bosco’s strategic mastery on the court, as they faced off against St Joseph’s (Wadala) and secured a decisive 26-16 victory. The Bosco boys set the pace early on, demonstrating a commanding presence that left St Joseph’s trailing. By halftime, Don Bosco had already established a 15-0 lead, a feat that underscored their dominance and strategic execution. Yadnesh Sarvade was the architect of this winning strategy, scoring a remarkable 12 points for the team.
. Adding to their success were Aradhya More with seven points, Shivam Yadav contributing four, Sayan Bera with two, and Daksh Thappar adding one point to their cumulative triumph. This collaborative effort showcased Don Bosco’s sheer willpower and determination to clinch the title.
For St Joseph’s, despite the loss, key players Owais Chaudhary and PS Samedran put on a commendable performance by scoring eight points each. Their efforts did not go unnoticed and were a significant highlight amidst a challenging match.
The tournament also featured intense matches for third place. In the girls’ category, Fatima High School (Vidya Vihar) edged out Bombay Scottish (Mahim) with a narrow 22-20 win, a testament to their perseverance and competitive spirit. The boys’ third-place match saw Bombay Scottish (Mahim) overcoming Cathedral and John Connon (Fort) with a score of 26-22, a closely contested game that had spectators at the edge of their seats.
The MSSA inter-school basketball tournament remains a pivotal platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and abilities. For St Anthony’s and Don Bosco, the victories not only reflect their hard work and dedication but also highlight the potential for growth and excellence in future sporting endeavors. The tournament at Rajhans Vidyalaya’s basketball court has once again underlined the importance of nurturing school-level sports, paving the way for promising athletes who may someday ascend to the professional arenas of basketball.
As the applause fades and the dust settles on the courts of Andheri, both St Anthony’s and Don Bosco bask in the glow of their respective victories, setting a high standard for future basketball tournaments. The legacy left behind by this year’s event is one of sportsmanship, resilience, and the enduring spirit of competition among Mumbai’s youth, promising an exciting future for school sports in the city.
