Dubai: Hassan Esmail led American School of Dubai (ASD) Falcons to High School Basketball Championship honours with a 54-44 comeback win over defending champions GEMS World Academy Dragons at Al Nasr Club on Friday.
Esmail finished top-scorer with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while teammate Asad Chevel scored 11 points with three crucial three-pointers.
The Dragons saw their comfortable 17-9 first quarter lead reduced to just a point by the end of the third quarter, before the Falcons ended the contest in the fourth quarter at 24-7. There were eight lead changes throughout.
“You couldn’t ask for two better teams in this final and it was tight but we stayed focused and fought hard and in the end I think we deserved it,” said Esmail. “This was a great tournament and now we have a great title that will recognise us as the best team in the nation.”
Falcons coach Thomas Lambert added: “This was a great experience for the kids at ASD. I’m very proud of what our boys have achieved this season. They now have memories for life and I couldn’t be happier for them.”
Meanwhile, Dragons coach, Greg Slosek was gracious in defeat. “What an excellent opportunity this has been to showcase the basketball talent we have in the UAE,” he said. “Congratulations to ASD on a successful championship run. I would also like to congratulate the organisers 3SM for the exceptional job they have done for the youth in the UAE.”
