Jeppe edge Bishops in thrilling U14 basketball clash at festival day two opener
Hosts hold their nerve in a tightly contested second-day encounter to secure a narrow victory
The second day of the Jeppe U14 Basketball Festival began with an intense encounter as Jeppe High School for Boys faced Bishops Diocesan College in a closely fought match.
Jeppe dominated much of the first half, building a strong lead through confident attacking play.
@caxton.schools Game on at the Jeppe U14 Basketball Festival 🏀 Jeppe High School for Boys take on Bishops Diocesan College in a fast-paced festival showdown. #JeppeBasketball #CaxtonSchools #JeppeBoys
Also read: Affies edge Michaelhouse as day two of Ken Short Water Polo Festival delivers thrilling action
Despite trailing by nine points, Bishops began mounting a comeback and, in the final 30 seconds before half-time, converted a free throw to reduce the deficit.
Jeppe returned to the court with renewed momentum in the second half, extending their advantage to 22–9 within minutes.
Bishops, however, remained determined and steadily closed the gap, bringing the score to 22–17 with five minutes remaining.
A two-pointer followed by a successful free throw saw Bishops narrow the margin further to 22–20, placing Jeppe under pressure.
@caxton.schools Jeppe U14A coach Alex Christians reflects on a solid win against Bishops, joined by match MVP Zano Ntshangase at the Jeppe U14 Basketball Festival. #CaxtonSchools #JeppeBoys #JeppeBasketball
Jeppe responded with a crucial basket to maintain their lead as the intensity of the contest increased.
Both teams displayed resilience and competitive grit, eventually drawing level at 25–25. With just one minute remaining, Jeppe secured a decisive two-pointer and added a free throw to seal a 28–25 victory.
Jeppe’s Zano Ntshangase was named the most valuable player of the match.
