Fine talent on show at basketball fest
The festival aimed to improve on players’ skills and expose them to the pressure associated with a knockout competition.
Jeppe High School for Boys held its third u-14 basketball gathering recently, and for the second time the format was a festival instead of a tournament.
The festival aimed to improve on players’ skills and expose them to the pressure associated with a knockout competition.
“We felt they should play nine games each, with no league points being kept,” said Jeppe director of sport Brendan Gittins.
“The emphasis is on gaining match experience and the results are not that important. The coaches were encouraged to give all the players in their squads a lot of game time instead of playing their best five all the time.
“In the process it’s easier to make friends with players from the other schools when the white-hot pressure of competition is not there.”
The only prizes up for grabs were places in the All-Stars team, which was announced at the end of the tournament.
Coaches also identified two teams to play the last game of the tournament, with the honours going to hosts Jeppe Boys and St Stithians.
St Stithians showed that they were the top side over the three days, winning the showpiece game 24-8 to become the only unbeaten team.
