Top schools shoot their shots for basketball glory at the St Stithians U16 Basketball Tournament
With 40 teams competing, the 2025 St Stithians U16 Basketball Tournament brought thrilling matchups, intense rivalries, and an unforgettable experience for players and supporters alike.
The St Stithians U16 Basketball Tournament took place from February 14–16, bringing together some of the best young basketball talent from across Southern Africa. With 16 girls teams and 24 boys teams competing, the event promises intense action and top-class competition.
The girls’ section, now in its fourth year, featured national-level players, with St Stithians looking to improve their semi-final finish from last year. They faced tough opposition from teams like Saheti, Rand Tutorial, and Sacred Heart. Eventually, St Peters College emerged victorious by beating the International School of South Africa (ISSA) by 31 points to 23.
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In the boys’ section, defending champions Westville aimed to retain their title, while last year’s runners-up, St Stithians, were determined to go one step further. Unfortunately, they fell in the semi-finals to St Benedicts College, who were the eventual winners, beating St John’s College in the finals.
This year’s tournament is further elevated by a new partnership with Absa, which has stepped in as a major sponsor. The bank’s involvement goes beyond sports, focusing on youth empowerment through education, employability, and entrepreneurship. “This collaboration is about creating opportunities that inspire young people to take charge of their futures, both on and off the court,” said Jabulile Nsibanyoni, head of sponsorship at Absa Group.
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St Stithians College leaders David du Toit and Dr Sally James expressed their excitement about the partnership, highlighting its role in integrating sports with essential life skills. They said that together with Absa, they are paving the way for young athletes to succeed, both on and off the court.
The tournament welcomed teams from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape, as well as international participants from Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Eswatini. SuperSport Schools provided coverage, ensuring fans could follow the action, both in person and online.
St Stithians Girls’ College U16 player Shannon Hills acknowledged the dedication of organisers, parents, and sponsors, particularly Absa, for making the event possible. Meanwhile, St Stithians U16A captain Tinnare Hatendi encouraged all participants to enjoy the experience, play hard, and embrace the spirit of the game.
The final results are as follows :
Girls Semi-final 2
SAHETI vs ISSA 35–46
Girls Semi-final 1
St Stithians College vs St Peters College 25–35
Boys Semi-final 1
St Johns College vs Michaelhouse 45–43
Boys Semi-final 2
St Stithians College vs St Benedicts College 30–45
Girls Bronze Playoff
SAHETI vs St Stithians College 18–22
Boys Bronze Playoff
Michalehouse vs St Stithians College 26–28
Girls Final
ISSA vs St Peters College 23–31
Boys Final
St Johns College vs St Benedicts College 32–51
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