In an exhilarating display of youthful talent and competitive spirit, St Anthony’s School from Chembur emerged victorious in the Girls Under-16 category, while Don Bosco from Matunga secured the Boys Under-16 title at the prestigious MSSA inter-school basketball tournament. The event took place on Thursday at Rajhans Vidyalaya’s basketball court in Andheri, drawing an enthusiastic crowd and showcasing some remarkable young athletes.
The girls’ final was a nail-biting affair where St Anthony’s School showcased exceptional skill and teamwork. They faced off against the formidable Auxilium Convent from Wadala, clinching a hard-earned 29-20 victory. The star of the show for St Anthony’s was undoubtedly Sharanya Sawant, whose impressive performance saw her top score with 14 points. Her remarkable gameplay was a testament to her skill and dedication, greatly aiding her team in securing the title. Supporting her was Ruchi Sawant, contributing a crucial six points, demonstrating the depth of talent in the St Anthony’s lineup. Additional points came from Jeel Jain, who scored four points, Shruti Padhi with three, and Vanya Shetty, adding two points to the tally.
For Auxilium Convent, it was Ajitha Nadar who led the charge, scoring ten points and proving to be a tough competitor during the match. Despite their best efforts, Auxilium was unable to overcome the united front presented by St Anthony’s, settling for the runner-up position after a spirited contest.
Meanwhile, the boys’ final saw Don Bosco taking center stage in a dominant display of basketball prowess. They competed against St Joseph’s from Wadala, managing to secure a convincing 26-16 victory. Right from the onset, the Don Bosco boys asserted their dominance, with a commanding start by scoring 11 points in the first quarter and another four in the second, ensuring a comfortable 15-0 lead at halftime.
. This early blitz proved decisive, underpinning their successful campaign for the title.
Leading the charge for Don Bosco was Yadnesh Sarvade, who emerged as the highest scorer with 12 points, showcasing his exceptional shooting and offensive skills. His efforts were ably supported by Aradhya More, who contributed seven points, while Shivam Yadav, Sayan Bera, and Daksh Thappar chipped in with four, two, and one point, respectively. For St Joseph’s, despite their valiant efforts, the combined contributions of Owais Chaudhary and PS Samedran, each scoring eight points, were not enough to turn the tide in their favor.
Elsewhere in the tournament, the competition for third place was equally intense. In the girls’ third-place play-off, Fatima High School from Vidya Vihar emerged victorious over Bombay Scottish from Mahim with a tight 22-20 scoreline. This narrow win was a testament to the competitive spirit prevalent throughout the entirety of the tournament. Similarly, the boys’ battle for third place was hard-fought, with Bombay Scottish from Mahim securing a win against Cathedral and John Connon from Fort, finishing the match with a 26-22 victory.
The MSSA inter-school basketball tournament once again highlighted the budding talent within Mumbai’s schools, offering young athletes a platform to strut their stuff on a competitive stage. While both St Anthony’s and Don Bosco bask in the glory of their respective triumphs, the tournament saw remarkable performances from all participating teams, laying down a marker for the great potential in youth sports. As basketball continues to grow in popularity, events like these play a crucial role in nurturing future sports stars, providing them with valuable experience and exposure.
The enthusiastic participation and the high level of competition witnessed during the event underscore the significance of sports in fostering camaraderie, discipline, and perseverance among young athletes. As these young champions move forward, the experience and lessons gained from this tournament will undoubtedly serve as stepping stones in their respective sporting journeys.
