KBL 17/08/2008 – The monarch lays down the law

Dynasty laid down the basketball laws as they demolished Khayalami by 23 points at the match of the Kovsie Basketball League played this past Sunday. The lads from Thaba Nchu displayed the marvel that the game of basketball is. Even the passers-by at the University of the Free State’s outdoor basketball courts took time to watch with awe an art of the plays. This game was dominated by the intricate passes and dynamics of special laws of a team sports. It started at a slow pace whereby the first basket by Thapelo Mochoari was made a minute and half into the game. Masotja Nkosi immediately replied for Khayalami. It was the movements of Dynasty on the court that set apart team effort from individual plays. The crisp passes that complemented the movements even had the opponents becoming spectators.After a half time score of 31-12, Khayalami managed to find their feet at the inspiration of the strong candidate of Rookie of the Year Molifi Tau. He instilled a sense of unity in his team who began to play as a unit. However Dynasty who played wide for free and accurate movement of the ball, continued with their exhibition of basketball at its best. The final score was 54 – 29.

Alumni dominated Tswelopele with fast-break plays to win the game by 71- 34. The score could have been three digits have it not been for the inaccuracy of Ikaelelo “Bixx” Likhi at the free throw lane. But it was Tshepo “The Man” Phamotse who became the weakest link by missing simple lay-ups. The full hand block he received at the hands of the Tshiamo Kgware indicated the relentless attitude of Tswelopele. But it was the three point shot by Xholani Chuma over “Bixx” that received an overwhelming applause from the crowd.The character of this team must be applauded. It is the second week that the team scored more than 30 points, a much improved performance when compared to last year. Leading by only five baskets, Alumni began the fourth with speed and a spirit of champions.

In a closely contested match, Dynasty came even at 2-2 to beat Alumni 45 – 44. The match was won on mistakes as both teams closed their zones tightly. Leading 31-23 at half time, Dynasty could not make the jump shots in and outside the 3 point arch. Alumni capitalised by narrowing the margin to two baskets at the beginning of fourth quarter. Alumni needed one basket to equalise with 11 seconds remaining when Molehe Sefotlhelo applied the FIBA rules which allow deliberate fouling. Ikaelelo “Bixx” Likhi narrowed the score by half a basket but failed to covert a ball which was to send the match to overtime.

The dynamics of 3 on 3 streetball were exposed when Firebirds received a beating from Khayalami. The victory was a morale booster for Khayalami which has very good players. A passer-by would think that the game was a practice match for the winners who were very relaxed. Yours truly opened the scoring with a jumper over Masotja Nkosi, an act that did not go down well with Khayalami. In return, they made basket after basket and eventually won 52 – 24 over the masters of half court who struggled on the open court.

Article supplied by Setlogelo Lucas Radebe

Tags: Basketball, KBL, Kovsie Basketball League