Marwan: Chami top-scored as International School of Choueifat (ISC) continued their dominance in the second round of matches in the ongoing High School Basketball Championship on Saturday, beating Australian International School 75-16.
ISC picked up were they left off last week, quickly setting out to control the game with their fast paced offense. Led by Chami, who reached the 20-point mark for the second game running, ISC dominated at both ends of the court as they held AIS to single digit scoring in each of the four quarters. With victory again for ISC they look a hot prospect for knockout round qualification.
In the evening's second game, Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) and Bradenton Prep (BRAD) faced each other, both looking for a win in their opening game. After a shaky start from both sides, the physically stronger JESS was able to overpower its way to a 33-9 lead at the half. The young BRAD team tried to close the gap with a bright third quarter in which they scored 13 points but eventually tired and were subdued into a 70-24 loss.
JESS captain Behruz Mistry, who capped his 16-point performance with a buzzer-beating half court shot to end the game said: "My teammates and I are incredibly thankful for this opportunity to experience basketball in such a professional setting. Basketball in the UAE is sometimes neglected but a tournament like this will surely help develop this sport and attract more interest."
In Friday's games, Dubai International (DIS) bounced back from their big loss last week by beating Al Mawakeb 31-26 in a close and tense affair that produced six lead changes. Also on Friday, St. Mary's Catholic School beat Victoria International School 59-28 behind a balanced team display that saw nine different scorers.
Games resume next Friday with Dubai College set to make their debut in the competition against JESS while AIS try to secure their first win by tackling DIS.
For more information on the tournament, teams, schedules and specific player statistics, please visit: www.hsbchampionship.com.
