Northwood pupils fly the North Coast flag high at St John’s basketball tournament in JHB

North Coast basketball stars Lusanda Hlongwane and Chadley Hartgreaves led their high school team to a prestigious national title at the weekend.

From Melville and Sheffield respectively, the duo helped Northwood High School claim top honours at the annual St John’s basketball tournament in Johannesburg.

Played over four days last week, the tournament drew the best school basketball teams from across the country to compete in the U19, U15 and U13 showcase.

Aside from Hlongwane and Hartgreaves, the North Coast was further represented by their first team coach Kent Vanderyacht, who has played a major role in shaping local basketball culture.

Northwood opened their tournament account on Thursday with a comfortable 45-27 win over Hilton College.

Day two offered the biggest scare, but Northwood were able to hold off St Stithians in a 54-53 thriller before easing past St Peters 62-18.

The round of 16 brought another close game, but the boys from Durban North dug deep to edge out Pretoria Boys High 39-36.

A mouthwatering quarter-final beckoned against Maritzburg College in a rematch of the Jenny Orchard tournament final the week prior where College claimed an 87-84 extra time victory.

Northwood had clearly planned their revenge well, making light work of their inland rivals in a dominant 80-41 win.

It was the turn of St Albans to try and stop the Northwood juggernaut in the semi-finals, but despite a close game they were beaten 57-52.

That set up a final with King Edward VII who had some extra local support from the Jozi crowd.

But Northwood simply proved too strong behind Hlongwane’s dominant finals performance, starting off hot and running to a 49-19 lead at halftime.

It was business as usual from there on out to close the match and tournament with an 85-43 victory.

Hlongwane finished with a monster stat line of 38 points, 24 rebounds and 5 assists, which is reminiscent of a young Shaquille O’Neal, punishing the opposition on both sides of the ball.

“It was a big thing for us. We were working hard at practice and training with coach, but it’s never easy when the game comes,” said Hlongwane.

“But we showed that we were hungry for it and got it in the end, we’re very proud.”

Hlongwane comes from humble beginnings in Melville, but has a talent and love for the game which has so far served him well.

Vanderyacht said he thinks Hlongwane is without doubt the best high school basketball player in the country.

The tournament staff agreed and awarded Hlongwane the tournament’s most valuable player award, while Hartgreaves joined him on the ‘all stars’ team of the best five players.

“It’s nice to hear that people think I am the best, but for myself it was important to prove it so it feels great to have a good tournament,” said Hlongwane.

“Thanks to my parents for all their support, my teammates and to coach as well.”

Hlongwane hopes to make a career out of the sport and will decide between trying to make a local professional team or a university scholarship next year.

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