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KBL 18/10/2008 – Goodness gracious champions.

By on October 23, 2008 in League

GOODNESS GRACIOUS CHAMPIONS!!!

The Best Four Finals were the best exhibition of basketball in the Free State in as many years. The occasion was much better than the previous finals of the Kovsie Basketball League. The outstanding feature of the games was the sponsors who supported the game. Captain Doregoes, Champion, Sneakers Inc. 051 Clothing Brand and the Kovsie Alumni Trust translated the Best Four Finals in a class of its own. Captain Doregoes is a fast food chain store which specializes in fresh fish. Champion is a sports apparel that is making a mark as the number 1 supplier of basketball attire. Sneakers Inc is a sports retailer which sells brands of value such as Champion. 051 is a premium clothing label which is manufactured in an exclusive manner. Kovsie Alumni Trust is a foundation of the University of the Free State. The artistic manner in which the participants manifested was a tribute to the sponsors of the league and what their brands stood for.

Alumni were crowned the champions of Kovsie Basketball League in the second consecutive year. They beat Dynasty 51- 43   in a one sided final at the University of the Free State. Given any day, there was nothing which was going to stop Ikaelelo “Bixx” Likhi and company from clinching the title. Except Jabu Cebekhulu, all the players were available for selection in the Best Four Finals. Alumni displayed the best defence ever encountered in the league. They gave their opponents no chance of penetrating the zone.

With a half time score of 23 – 8, the writing gradually appeared on the wall for Dynasty.

The game started at a slow pace with both sides cautious when in control. Alumni began their well thought zone, limiting Dynasty to take shots outside the 3-point arc. Dynasty failed to put the shots in while Alumni had it easier on the offence.

Dynasty came back to the game late in the fourth quarter. Itumeleng Makolomakoe was coerced into a cautious play as he accumulated 4 fouls by the beginning of the interval. Even the Most Valuable Player, Lebogang Lentsoe began to play better in this quarter taking 7 rebounds and making 5 assists.

The game did not meet the expectations for a final but it was an awesome exhibition of basketball.

Alumni advanced to the finals by beating Khayalami 66-32. Dynasty were the lucky finalists having won 68-64 against Hoop Stars. In the first instance, Rookie of the Year, Molefi Tau was having a difficult time of motivating his teams mates to soldier on. Alumni was not going to give away easy baskets. But the poor defence of Khayalami gave them an edge.

The only exciting game was Dynasty and Hoop Stars. Sechaba Leroala became the youngest player to receive the highest points award with 27 points per game. He did not only score 30 points in this game, but mesmerised the defence of the opponents and left then exposed at the back door. In the end, the experience of Dynasty counted more.

The organisers would like to thank the participants in this year. It has been a tough year but we managed to stage a well executed Best Four Finals. The league did have its problems and we have learnt from them. The contributions of the critics have been helpful and ensured a victory for basketball.

We are looking forward to a successful 2009. We believe in basketball and its ability to bring the world closer.

Thank you.

Article supplied by Setlogelo Lucas Radebe.

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