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Independent Schools Stayers’ Basketball. 🏀 Kearsney College Crowned 2025 ISSBT Champions!
In a thrilling finale to the 2025 Independent Schools Stayers’ Basketball Tournament (ISSBT), hosts Kearsney College emerged victorious with a nail-biting 57–56 win over St John’s College. The match was decided in the final seconds of double overtime, thanks to a clutch three-pointer and a composed free throw by standout player Pabatso Sithole.
Road to the Final
Kearsney advanced to the championship game after defeating St Benedict’s College 47–42 in a tightly contested semi-final. St John’s College secured their spot with a 48–41 win over St David’s Marist (Inanda), setting up a highly anticipated rematch from Pool B, where St John’s had previously beaten Kearsney 47–41.
The Final Showdown
The final was a gripping contest from start to finish. St John’s led 30–28 at halftime and maintained a narrow edge, finishing the third quarter ahead 43–38. But the fourth quarter saw Kearsney rally, leveling the score at 48–48 and forcing overtime.
Neither team could break the deadlock in the first overtime period. In the second, St John’s hit a three-pointer to take the lead, only for Kearsney to respond with a dramatic three-pointer of their own. Sithole, who was fouled on the shot, calmly sank the free throw to give Kearsney a one-point lead with just three seconds remaining. The hosts held firm on defense to seal an unforgettable victory.
🌟 Standout Performers
Kearsney College
- Pabatso Sithole – 26 points
- Kwakuhle Sibiya – 9 points
- Jack McReynolds – 7 points
- Daniel Prinsloo – 6 points
St John’s College
- Ama Ntsubanre – 17 points
- Allan Njanfang Patu – 14 points
- Aniel Nuttal-Mbembe – 8 points
Final Rankings – 2025 ISSBT
| Rank | School |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kearsney College |
| 2 | St John’s College |
| 3 | St Benedict’s College |
| 4 | St David’s Marist (Inanda) |
| 5 | St Charles College |
| 6 | Michaelhouse |
| 7 | Hilton College |
| 8 | King’s School Linbro Park |
| 9 | St Alban’s College |
| 10 | St Stithians College |
| 11 | St Peter’s College |
| 12 | Kingswood College |
| 13 | Bishops Diocesan School |
| 14 | Clifton College |
Read more school news here: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za/
https://www.kearsney.com/college/
Photo supplied
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