COLOMBO, Sep 10 (ePRESS) – Unbeaten Asian International School (AIS) defeated Mahanama College, Colombo, 42-34 to win the Sri Lanka Schools Under-13 Boys’ Basketball Tournament ‘B’ Division title at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo this week, completing a perfect campaign with six straight victories.
AIS vice-captain Shaazly Ahamath was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, while captain Jaeden Sathasivam received the Best Offensive Player award.
AIS began their campaign with a 42-30 victory over Mahanama in the group stage. They followed it with a convincing 66-4 win over Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya—their biggest victory of the tournament.
The knockout stage provided a much tougher challenge. AIS held their nerve to beat Richmond College, Galle, 34-29 in a closely fought pre-quarter-final.
They produced a stronger performance in the quarter-final, defeating Asian Grammar School, Colombo 45-21 to secure a place in the last four.
AIS were at their dominant best in the semi-final, sweeping aside Richmond College 52-13. The 39-point victory showed how much the team had improved since narrowly beating the same opponents in the pre-quarter-final.
Mahanama offered a strong challenge when the two sides met again in the final. But AIS remained calm under pressure and secured a deserved eight-point victory to finish the tournament unbeaten.
Captain Jaden Sathasivam led the team with confidence, while vice-captain Shaazly Ahamath played an important role in the successful campaign.
Coach Chathura Wickramage played an important role in the success. He guided the young players throughout the competition and helped them improve with every match.
AIS Principal Harshana Perera and Head of Sports Nihara Bagoos have continued to provide strong support and encouragement, helping young athletes gain opportunities to compete, improve and achieve success.
