By Oscar Pilipili
A new order emerged at Nationals Secondary Schools Games with new champions in basketball.
The honours went to Tigoi of Western Province and Maseno of Nyanza, who were crowned girls’ and boys’ champions on Saturday.
After remaining in the shadows of teams from Coast, Tigoi achieved their goal with a 74-58 victory over rivals Shimba Hills in a tension-packed girls’ final at Upper Hill.
Tigoi coach, Bernard Jumba, said: "I’m happy for the victory because we’ve never won against Coast team for a very long time."
Tigoi’s campaign in the final was led by Burundians Uwimana Ghisnnane, who nailed 20 points and Magnifique Ndayikengumtse who sank 16. Zidora Khasoa top-scored for Shimba Hills with 24 points, while Susan Aluoch contributed 10.
Shimba started the game slowly, allowing Tigoi to take a six-point lead at 14-8 in first period.
Tigoi dominated the second quarter to lead 17-8 and Shimba Hills took the third quarter 20-19, but the winners were 24-22 better in the final quarter and won 74-58.
In the boys’ category, Maseno dethroned Laiser Hill by one basketball to win 54-52.
Debutants Nairobi International School shocked Friends School Kamusinga 89-78 in a play-off match to earn ticket to East Africa Games.
The match between Maseno and Laiser attacked with equal strength.
Laiser trailed 19-11 in the first quarter but recovered to take the second quarter at 16-12. The third quarter was tightly contested and this was evident in the low scores where Maseno led 8-7.
Although Laiser won the final quarter 18-15, it wasn’t enough to help them retain the trophy.