The quarter final game series between Watoto and Kibuli S.S was one of the most anticipated and the games lived up to their expectations. The two sides have the youngest squads all below 18 years and some of the players from either side have been earmarked as the next Stars for the Uganda Ladies Basketball team, Gazelles.

Watoto managed to get the job done in an intoxicating game 3 that went down to the last minute.

It was an even first half both teams taking either quarter and it was Watoto that had a 1 point lead.

Watoto turned up the heat in the third quarter for a stretch in the game, they went on a 10:0 run, garnering a 15 point lead.

Kibuli however closed the quarter with a 7:0 run and made it an eight point game.

In the fourth quarter, Watoto kept Kibuli at arm length by playing good defense and striking at every good opportunity they got. As a result, they managed to hold on and secure that victory and also book themselves semifinal spot.

Watoto now plays YMCA in the semifinals and a spot on the 2024 National Basketball League is at stake.

YMCA has towering players like Amy Grace Chan, Elsy Khaboshe, Akello Scovia ,Rose Adhiambo and many more who will definitely cause Watoto all sorts of problems in the paint.

Given the way struggles of Watoto defense to stop Shiphrah Kiranda in the quarter finals, it will be very interesting to see how their defense adjusts against YMCA.

Match Stats

Twinomujuni Deborah 12 pts, 7 rebs, 1 ast, 2 stl

Mia Belinda Alaba 13 pts, 7 rebs, 4 ast, 4 stl

Linda Akullu 11 pts, 8 rebs, 1 ast

Stellah Nabakka 9 pts, 20 rebs, 7 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk

Shiphrah Kiranda 22 pts, 12 rebs, 2 ast, 3 stl,1 blk

Husnah Abubaker 8 pts, 4 rebs, 5 ast, 6 stl

Rebecca Namatovu 6 pts, 9 rebs, 2 ast

Key takeaways

Given that this series was a bench mark for the level of basketball at the junior level, there were a lot of takeaways.

Mentality

This was very evident in game 1 when Watoto trailed by 19 at half time but won the game by 13 points. The tactical awareness by the coach and the easy adaptability of the players managed to change the game in their game. The ability of the players to believe that they can turn the game around after having been thoroughly dominated in the first half tells a lot about the character and mental strength of the team.

Skill levels

It was very evident that the players who have represented the Country in age grade tournament had a slight upper hand when it came to the skill levels. Husnah Abubaker Namagembe (Junior Gazelles Captain), Mia Alaba Belinda and Shiphrah Kiranda, who were both in the U16 team and represented at the Giants of Africa, were playing with a high level of confidence and despite a few errors, they still executed their plays well and contributed to the team at all times.

Other special mentions include Stellah Nabakka who cane alive during the series, her contributions both offensively and defensively helped the team cross the finish line

Tendo Christabell Kwagala was the unsung hero for Kibuli. Despite not putting up much in terms of numbers, she was the most instrumental in defense. In game 1 and 3, she was tasked with defending Belinda and she completely locked her out of the game.

Fitness levels

As expected, the fitness levels of both teams wasn’t at the high level given their limited amount of training.

In game 1, Watoto played a full court press running down the Kibuli defense and the by the end of the third quarter, there were tired bodies on the floor.

In game 2, Efrance Nakato and Husnah Abubaker who had been very key for the squad were all super exhausted but the Coach did not take them out. It was very evident that they couldn’t run anymore but their contributions were needed on the floor.

With a few of the takeaways, it will be very interesting to see how Watoto adjusts against YMCA and how Kibuli S.S will prepare for next season.