Northwood Knights net success on basketball court
The Knights are currently ranked first in school basketball in the country.
HARD work, determination and self-belief have been at the centre of Northwood School’s basketball team’s success in recent months.
The Knights are currently ranked first in school basketball in the country and claimed that honour by winning the St John’s Basketball Tournament.
The first team won the U19 title in the 19th edition of the tournament and went unbeaten in the event.
It was their third tournament in three months, having won two and narrowly losing to Maritzburg College in the final at the Jenny Orchard Invitational tournament.
There were yet more accolades for the team at the St John’s tournament as Lusanda Hlongwane was named the most valuable player (MVP) of the tournament and captain Chadley Hargreaves made the U19 All-Star team.
Doug Nedab, the director of basketball at Northwood School, was full of praise for his team and coaches in the different age groups.
The 27-year-old has worked with the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Washington Wizards ownership group and PeacePlayers International South Africa.
He said his goal when he was appointed as director of basketball was to get Northwood School to the top.
“The team has been incredible. They have worked so hard for this, and while we are humbled by the feat of being the number one basketball team in the country, we are also proud. Every player has left everything they had out on the court so they deserve the praise. Coach Kent VanderYacht and my fellow youth group coaches have also been magnificent in instilling the belief in all our teams. I’ve also seen a massive growth in learners wanting to play basketball, and the future is bright for basketball at Northwood,” he said.
Captain of the team Chadley Hargreaves also had his say on making history at the school.
“Northwood has never had a team that is first in the country for any sports, so to make history is just amazing. I’m so proud of the team – as coach Doug has said, they worked hard for this. Holding the title of being the top team in the country is something we all dreamed of, but reaching that goal is that much more special.
“I’ve been playing basketball since Grade Five and first team for Northwood since Grade Nine. I’ve seen the progression and the work put in by the coaches over the years. The contributions of coach Doug and Kent have been instrumental to our success. Not only are we a stronger team mentally, but physically, as well. I saw it at the St John’s tournament, especially in the fourth quarter of our games as the opposition team had their hands on their knees and their heads down,” he said.
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