All dunks for St John’s College Basketball Tournament

The 2025 St John’s College Basketball Tournament, brought to you by Standard Bank, concluded after an action-packed four days filled with intense competition and vibrant energy at the biggest boys’ school basketball tournament in Southern Africa.

Read more: St Johns College to host its 20th basketball tournament

The tournament, which ran from February 20 to 23, featured a lineup of 62 teams from Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as neighbouring Zimbabwe.

Despite early challenges posed by heavy summer highveld rains, forcing some matches to be relocated to indoor venues across Johannesburg, the tournament returned to the St John’s College courts on February 21, where the atmosphere reached fever pitch as the competition progressed.

St John’s College executive headmaster Stuart West said it was an exceptional tournament. “While the rain presented the matches with logistical hurdles at the start, the school was thrilled to bring the action back to our courts.

“The camaraderie, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit displayed throughout the tournament highlights the power of sport to bring people together. We are incredibly proud of all the teams who participated and congratulate the U15 and U19 winners, Northwood School and Maritzburg College from KwaZulu-Natal.”

Master in charge of basketball and tournament director Clemen Kock reflected on the weekend’s showpiece. “It was a privilege to provide such an incredible experience for players, coaches, and parents. Thank you to our school and everyone who made this possible. We look forward to raising the bar even higher next year.”

Also read: St John’s College basketball boys crowned champions at AISJ tournament

The U15 and U19 teams battled fiercely through the group stages, while the U13 category enjoyed a festival format focused purely on participation and the love of the game. The finals saw yet another electrifying showdown between the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal teams, showcasing the strength of schoolboy basketball in these provinces.

Standard Bank, the tournament’s headline sponsor, emphasised the significance of supporting youth sports. “At Standard Bank, we believe in backing young talent and providing platforms where their skills can be nurtured and celebrated. This tournament is a testament to the talent and determination of these young athletes, and we are proud to be part of this incredible event,” said head of youth and mass market PPB SA Standard Bank Tshiamo Molanda.

Final Results

• U15: Maritzburg College 57–42 Hilton College
• U19: St John’s College 42–53 Northwood School

U19 Awards
• Gold – Northwood School
• Bronze – St John’s College
• Silver – Pretoria Boys High School

U19 All-Star Team
• Yanda Peter (St John’s College)
• Mitchell Igboegwe (Northwood School)
• Chris-Junior Okeke (Jeppe High School for boys)
• Nehemiah Nii-Artee (Pretoria Boys High School)
• Ikechukwu Ejike (St Benedict’s College)

U19 MVP
• Sims Vacu (Northwood School)

U15 Awards
• Gold – Maritzburg College
• Silver – Hilton College
• Bronze – The King’s High School, Linbro Park

U15 All-Star Team
• Fynn Asamoah (Hilton College)
• Nkazimulo Dlamini (Maritzburg College)
• Langalethu Shabalala (King Edward VII School)
• Nathan Platt (The King’s High School, Linbro Park)
• Mbusi Keta (St Stithians Boys’ College)

U15 MVP
• Tinyiko Maseko (Maritzburg College)

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