Thousands of fans packed the El Wak Stadium in Ghana’s capital, Accra to witness the final game of the Sprite Ball Championship’s tenth anniversary edition between Mfantsipim School and Opoku Ware School (OWASS).
The latter won 27-25 for its first ever national basketball title and also a first for the Ashanti Region in the boys division.
Among the multitude that numbered close to 5000 spectators were alumni of both schools who met in the semifinals at the last edition, Ghana Basketball Association Chairman David Addo Ashong, Ghana Education Service National Physical Education Coordinator, Emmanuel Domenya among others.
Students from both schools were present to cheer their mates on in what was an enthralling finale to climax celebrating the decade long high school basketball tournament which began on December 28.
Opoku Ware started the game on a brighter note as two three point shots from Shooting Guard Emmanuel “Ghost” Agyapong put an exclamation point on a dominant first half performance from the Kumasi side.
OWASS led 19-9 at half time.
However, a reverse in fortune had Mfantsipim take a 25-24 lead following a spike in form in the second half with key men Phixon Selwyn and Kofi Aboagye Acheampong come into their own. A three point play by OWASS Center Harris Amuzu won the game for his side.
Wesley Girls High School beat Kumasi Girls Senior High School 6-4 in the girl’s division final gamer to lift the trophy after missing out on the tournament entirely for four straight years.
