COLOMBO, June 2 (ePRESS) – Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya underlined their dominance in Sri Lanka school basketball by winning their fifth consecutive All Island Basketball Tournament Under-20 Girls Division ‘A’ Tier 1 title after defeating St. Joseph’s College Nugegoda 72-69 in a thrilling double-overtime final held in Nugegoda recently.
The championship clash lived up to its billing as both unbeaten teams entered the final with perfect records from the group stage.
Neither side was able to gain a decisive advantage during regulation time as baskets flowed from both ends of the court. After a fiercely contested contest, the scores were tied at 55-55, forcing the match into overtime.
The drama continued in the first overtime period. Holy Family and St. Joseph’s matched each other point for point and remained deadlocked at 64-64, setting the stage for a tense second overtime.
With the championship hanging in the balance, Holy Family showed remarkable composure and resilience. The Bambalapitiya girls dug deep when it mattered most, producing crucial plays in the closing stages to edge past their determined opponents and seal a memorable 72-69 victory.
Leading the title charge were Binuthi Jayasinghe and captain Dihini Dharmadasa, who emerged as the highest scorers of the match. Their outstanding performances proved decisive as Holy Family completed another successful campaign.
The victory highlighted not only the talent within the squad but also the strong teamwork and fighting spirit that have become hallmarks of the Holy Family basketball programme.
The achievement was further strengthened by the guidance of coaches Shane Daniel, Roshan Randima Suriyaarachchi and Chamath Gimhana, whose dedication and leadership helped steer the team through an unbeaten tournament run.
Principal Rev. Sr. Charitha Thandalge and Teacher-in-Charge Mrs. Randima Jayasinghe also played key roles in supporting the team throughout the season.
The title-winning squad comprised captain Dihini Dharmadasa, vice-captain Tiara De Silva, Binuthi Jayasinghe, Venessa Fernando, Amaya Henry, Rishmi Perera, Minali Silva, Minulie Dabarera and Anuki Abeypala.
