North Coast trio and coach lead Northwood to national basketball glory
Salt Rock's Sims Vacu was named the most valuable player at the tournament.
Four North Coast locals are at the heart of the best school basketball team in the country.
Salt Rock’s Sims Vacu, Ballito’s Ismail Mbatha and Palm Lakes’ Asanda Zama are three of Northwood High School’s key players, coached by Salt Rock’s Kent VanderYacht. Their Northwood Knights 1st team went unbeaten this season, winning their second national St John’s basketball tournament title in a row.
The North Coast trio were integral to that success, particularly Sims, who was named the most valuable player at the tournament despite only being in Grade 10.
“Sims is an exceptional basketball player with a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of the game. His MVP award proved his ability to compete at the highest level,” said VanderYacht.
“In the tournament final, his five three-pointers were decisive and as a skilled passer, he plays a key role in the team’s success.”
Sims plays as both a point and shooting guard and will only grow in stature with two more years of high school eligibility.
Photo: Seth Coyne Images.
Ismail is also a guard and is known for lighting up from beyond the arc with excellent three-point shooting. He typically plays as Northwood’s sixth or seventh man off the bench.
“He has been an integral part of the programme for the past two years, helping the team win two St John’s tournaments and achieve back-to-back number-one rankings in the country,” said VanderYacht.
Asanda is one of the team’s big men, primarily playing off the bench as a center. He is known for being one of the most vocal and supportive members of the team, playing a ‘glue guy’ role alongside his basketball responsibilities.
“He is a multi-sport athlete with a background in rugby and brings a high level of physicality and toughness to the court. His solid build and imposing presence have earned comparisons to a ‘baby Shaq’, highlighting his impact.”
As for coach Kent, an American expat and co-founder of Hearts that Hope children’s home in Salt Rock, the basketball programme’s success is evidence of his own talent for skills development, tactics and team support.
Photo: Seth Coyne Images.
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