schoolsthatrockThe city of Pietermaritzburg has a long tradition of basketball excellence dating back to the 1980’s where strong rivalries between Maritzburg College and Alexandra High School took centre stage. The YMCA used to play host to massive games where the victorious school was celebrated as the best in the province. Many things have changed in Pietermaritzburg since those days; however, the tradition of basketball excellence endures.
Friday night saw the much anticipated night fixture between traditionally strong basketball school Maritzburg College, and a strong St Charles College team. St Charles College, unbeaten this season and having finished the 2016 season as the second best team in the country were favourites on the night, however, Maritzburg College wanted to ensure that this did not continue on their home court. In front of a capacity crowd at the Alan Paton Hall the two teams put on a show which was ultimately only decided in the closing minutes of the game. St Charles College got off to a quicker start managing to convert on some easy opportunities created by the pressure defence; however, the players from College refused to give way and managed to keep it within 15 points for the entirety of the game. St Charles College applied full court defence throughout the game with the intention of disrupting the offensive flow of College, while College employed a surprise man-to-man defence throughout the fixture which also created pressure for the Saints players. Although it was a tightly contested game, the Saints players seemed to find a basket whenever College threatened to fight back. In the final period, College managed to reduce the deficit to single figures, however, senior player Benjamin Gardner made three clutch post moves in a row and effectively snuffed out any chances of a comeback. The night will be remembered for the high standard of basketball as well as the awesome atmosphere created by the spectators from the two schools. The final score St Charles College 64 – 56 Maritzburg College. – Mr Darren Holcomb
Photo on top:Â Â Saints player Prince Mazeka gets ready to execute an offensive play in front of the large crowd at Maritzburg College on Friday night.
Photo credit: Saysha Baker
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