KSSSA Games: Olympic Girls book maiden East Africa slot as Dagoretti deny Laiser

"This is a culmination of three years of work. We have been building for this moment since 2019 and it has finally paid off."

These were the sentiments of Dennis Orek, Olympic Secondary girls' basketball team coach following his team's qualification for the East Africa School Games set for next week in Arusha, Tanzania. 

Facing off with experienced Tigoi in one of the girls' semi finals, Orek's charges matched the Western region champion's efforts point for point and even when they trailed, remained calm as they went on to win the game by a basket at 50-48. 

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The first quarter was tied at 15 points with Tigoi taking the second set 13-12 to head to the half time break with the slight advantage. On resumption, the closely contested fixture saw both sides score 14 for Tigoi to head to the final period still in the lead. 

Olympic turned the tables in the last quarter, keeping a tight defence to protect their basket, restricting Tigoi to six points while scoring nine for the win. 

"We have worked on out discipline, hard work and ability to play even when under pressure. We have a working system we call 40+5 which is aimed at ensuring all our players can play an entire match comfortably. 

This is the first time coming to the nationals and we have made it to the East Africa games. It has been a rough qualification path right from the sub county to the semis which was our first target coming into the nationals," added Orek. 

The tactician admits that Tigoi is a very experienced and well organised team that has helped his side open their eyes tho areas that they have to work in. 

"Tigoi is an extremely disciplined side and they put us in foul trouble alot. Playing against such a side has forced us to be on our toes and and be aware of what's happening on the court," Orek said adding that playing in the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) league has helped them learn how to handle pressure. 

The other girls' semi final saw former champions Kaya Tiwi who are out to reclaim the title they lost to Buruburu Girls in 2019 beat Ototo in a comfortable 64-49 outcome to book a final slot where they face Olympic. 

Skipper Barbra Achieng who turn out for Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in the premier league says her teammates are set for the title defense.

"Seeing as Olympic have beaten a team as strong as Tigoi, it goes to show that they will be no pushovers. 

We played good defense in the semis and kept encouraging each other through the match so we hope to carry the same to the final. We also have to be swift on our feet," offered Achieng. 

Meanwhile, defending champions in boys' basketball Laiser Hill felt the wrath of Nairobi's Dagoretti High as the latter stunned the perennial winners 59-55 for a final berth and a ticket to the Sast Africa games. 

"It has taken alot of hard work to get here. It was a tough match-up but my players have shown me that they have what it takes to upset the best of teams even as we head to the East Africa Games for a second time. 

We still have a fight for the national title against Dr Aggrey, but we will give it our all for a maiden championship at these games," offered Dagoretti head coach Hassan Kibagendi. 

Meanwhile, Coast region's Dr Aggrey had an easier path to the final, beating Friends School Kamusinga 80-53 to set up a clash against last year's silver medalists.