In an exhilarating display of youthful sports prowess, St Anthony’s (Chembur) and Don Bosco (Matunga) emerged victorious in their respective categories at the MSSA inter-school basketball tournament held at Rajhans Vidyalaya’s basketball court in Andheri. On a day marked by intense competition and fervor, these young athletes showcased their skill and determination, securing titles in the U-16 girls’ and boys’ categories.
The girls’ U-16 final unfolded with St Anthony’s taking on Auxilium Convent (Wadala) in a game that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. St Anthony’s managed to secure a thrilling 29-20 victory, largely credited to the spectacular performance of Sharanya Sawant. With her consistent gameplay, Sharanya dominated the court, racking up 14 points and proving instrumental in her team’s triumph. Her efforts were complemented by Ruchi Sawant, who added six valuable points to the scoreboard. The contribution of Jeel Jain (four points), Shruti Padhi (three), and Vanya Shetty (two) further cemented St Anthony’s ascent to the championship title.
Auxilium Convent put up a formidable fight, led by Ajitha Nadar, who was the top scorer for her team with ten points. Despite their spirited efforts, Auxilium Convent fell short, as St Anthony’s resolute defense and strategic plays carried them to victory.
On the boys’ side, Don Bosco faced off against St Joseph’s (Wadala) in a fiercely contested final. The intensity of the match was palpable as both teams vied for supremacy. Don Bosco took an early lead, establishing their dominance by scoring 11 points in the first quarter and maintaining their momentum with a four-point second quarter, reaching an impressive 15-0 lead at halftime.
. This commanding start laid the foundation for their ultimate triumph, resulting in a 26-16 victory.
Yadnesh Sarvade emerged as a standout player for Don Bosco, exhibiting remarkable skill and precision in scoring 12 points. His efforts, supported by teammates Aradhya More with seven points and Shivam Yadav contributing four points, secured Don Bosco’s position as champions. Sayan Bera and Daksh Thappar added to the tally with two and one points, respectively. For St Joseph’s, Owais Chaudhary and PS Samedran led their team’s efforts with eight points each, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Bosco’s well-coordinated tactics and unwavering determination.
In addition to the thrilling finals, the tournament featured intense matches for third place. In the girls’ category, Fatima High School (Vidya Vihar) edged out Bombay Scottish (Mahim) in a nail-biting match, securing a 22-20 win. On the boys’ side, Bombay Scottish (Mahim) claimed a 26-22 victory over Cathedral and John Connon (Fort), ensuring their place on the podium.
The MSSA inter-school basketball tournament not only highlighted the sportsmanship and talent of young athletes but also underscored the importance of nurturing future sports enthusiasts. The dedication, teamwork, and competitive spirit exhibited by all participants were commendable and set a high standard for future tournaments.
The victories by St Anthony’s and Don Bosco add to their storied legacies in inter-school sports, inspiring their peers and setting a benchmark of excellence. As the tournament concluded, players and spectators alike left with memories of hard-fought battles, the thrill of competition, and the celebration of youthful talent in the vibrant world of school sports.
