Otjozondjupa selects teams for Sanlam 3-on-3 nationals

Basketball
Mariud Ngula
  • 5 Hours Ago
Otjozondjupa recently held its 3-on-3 basketball regional qualifiers to select top players to represent the region at the Sanlam 3-on-3 National Tournament in Tsumeb from 4 to 7 September. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA)–endorsed tournament featured nine teams across three divisions, including the men’s and women’s seniors and the U18 boys’ section. The men’s seniors section saw City Reapers dominate undefeated, taking wins from OV Celtics (9-1) and Otavi Basket (10-9) in the group stage to comfortably book their place in the final. Right at their heels were Lion Kings, who also recorded a flawless run in the group stage, beating Otavi Basket (4-3) and OV Celtics (9-7) to advance to the final. OV Celtics’ only win came over Otavi Basket, which saw them storm to a 10-5 victory to secure their third-place finish at the event. City Reapers and Lion Kings’ final clash proved dramatic, forcing overtime after a 3-3 deadlock in regulation. Reapers struck first with an early two-pointer that went unanswered, sealing a decisive 5-3 victory. City Reapers will head to the nationals, complemented by a player from Lion Kings. Women’s showdown The senior women’s clashes proved equally competitive, with the sole two teams, Sonics and Big 3, squaring off for top honours. Sonics proved too strong for their rivals, beating them 9-5 in the first encounter and 3-1 in the second to secure the overall title. Otjozondjupa will field two Sonic players and two Big 3 players. U18 showdown The U18 encounters saw Fountain Young Stars on a flawless outing, shining in both group-stage matches. They first went up against OV Lakers, whom they beat 16-6, before shutting out Young Warriors 14-0. OV Lakers’ encounter with Young Warriors saw them dominate 6-1 to book their place in the final. The final showdown saw Lakers put up a fight but fail to keep up with Stars, who beat them 9-6 to secure the event’s title. Fountain Young Stars will represent Otjozondjupa at the 3-on-3 Sanlam nationals. Promoting local leagues Otjozondjupa Basketball Association (OBA) chairperson Sedney Skrywer said the tournament also featured training sessions for budding ballers in Otavi and basketball donations for local leagues to be implemented in Grootfontein, Otavi, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja. “We introduced local youngsters to basketball fundamentals, with drills ranging from lay-ups, ball-handling and shooting practice. After the training, the teams and spectators were addressed by Otavi mayor Isaac !Hoaeb and sports officer Hertha Masule, who gave motivational speeches,” he said. – [email protected]