89 1st Team Basketball Term 1 The 1st team started their journey early in the third term of 2018, with a bit of a rocky road. The team performed poorly the 2018 Stayers’ Basketball Tournament, finishing 6th, which was Kearsney’s lowest placing since the tournament’s inception. They lost some close games in the fourth term and went away, in the December holidays, to do some soul searching. They came back to the pre-season training camp in January with renewed vigour and there was a different feeling within the team. There was an intensity at practice and a desire to perform. The players gelled well, having learnt a great deal from their early losses. From the first game of the season, it was obvious that the boys had found their mojo. They went on a twelve-game winning streak, surprising more fancied opponents. They played good defence, converting the defensive pressure into turnovers which they, in turn, managed to convert to points. The team developed a strong core in the starting five, but still lacked a little experience among the benched players. This was evident when the team was narrowly defeated in the semi-finals of the St John’s Tournament, when chasing the school’s best placement of third. The team was competently led by Liam Breytenbach, assisted by Loyiso Mabude, who provided the drive and passion for the team. Dillon Wimbush must also get a special mention as his form helped the team immensely and his absence was felt when he was not on the court. The benched players also grew, and by the start of the pre-season league in Term 3, some began to showcase their growth. The overall results for the season exceeded every expectation of the coaches and even surprised the players themselves. It goes to show what self-belief and experiencing adversity does for those who have character - they always bounce back stronger. Results: Played 15, Won 13, Lost 2 Term 3 and 4: Regular players (stayers): Michael Delport, Samkelo Jiyane, Alexander Kapsimalis, Max Hastings-Brown, Singele Mkhize, Lefa Motshele, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Dolapo Morakinyo, Michael Ngwenya, Aaron Smith, Ryan Wimbush, Zaheer Young The Stayers’ season started well, with the team winning two big victories; away at Michaelhouse who, according to predictions, were the strongest team in KZN, and had dominated their opponents. The team then faced St Charles College, defeating them with a stifling defensive effort turning the tables after their loss earlier in the year. BASKETBALL 1ST TEAM Back row: Kade Tyack, Max Hastings-Brown, Ethan Gourley, Siyabonga Mpontshane Middle: Khayalethu Mhlongo, Ryan Wimbush, Kyle Traill, Loyiso Mabude (Vice-captain), Michael Delport, Dolapo Morakinyo Front row: Pieter Steenkamp, Mr Myles Delport, Liam Breytenbach (Captain), Mr Nhlanhla Dlamini, Dillon Wimbush Absent: David Plotts Basketball
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