Dubai: New Indian Model School (NIMS) and International School of Chouiefat (ISC) were the first teams to make the knockout stages of the High School Basketball Championship which resumed with six games last week.
Abhil Arun, who had 18 points and 16 rebounds for NIMS, was a part of a deep squad that managed to wear down the Australian International School (AIS) with their lightning quick transition offence. AIS could only manage a total of 35 points, as NIMS went on to win 74-35.
A strong comeback wasn’t enough for Victoria International School (VISS) as ISC squandered a 14-point lead but managed to score two crucial baskets in the last minute to hold on to the win 39 –36 and eliminate VISS in the process.
In the game of the week, Universal American School (UAS) took on Gems World Academy (GWA) looking to avenge their previous loss to them as they steadily built up a lead through the all-round play of Osama El Nady. El Nady had a game high 25 points but received little help from star teammate Florian Jozsa as he struggled with foul trouble and sat out most of the game.
Fancied GWA took advantage of Jozsa’s limited time on court and gradually took over the game with excellent play from player of the game Jordi Menkhorst who led his team with 24 points. A couple of controversial calls from the referees in the fourth quarter angered the UAS coaching staff but the result was never in doubt for GWA as they pulled away in this high-scoring game which finished 66-58.
In the other games that were played last week, Emirates International School (EIS) won their second game on the trot by defeating Dubai International School (DIS) 33-28, which kept them at the top of Dubai Group A. In Dubai Group B, Jumeirah Baccalaureate School (JBS) defeated JESS 35-25 and Lycee Georges Pompidou (LGP) finished off their group play with a perfect record after a 31-25 victory over Dubai College. JBS and LGP also secured their qualification to the playoffs.
