Dubai, UAE, 22ndJanuary 2012 – The Final Four Knockout stage of the High School Basketball Championship tipped off on Friday with two semi-final games that pitted two undefeated teams St. Mary’s (STM) and Choueifat (ISC) against Al Mawakeb (AMS) and JESS respectively.
In the first game, STM looked to avoid an upset by limiting the offensive threat of AMS star center Ahmad Rahmy. Although they succeeded in denying him the ball, they suffered with his defensive presence. The usually prolific side missed most of their shots as Rahmy got in the way and STM resorted to free-throws to take a 12-4 lead into the 2nd quarter.
In the 2nd quarter, STM’s big players teamed up on Rahmy and forced him into foul trouble and as the star center eased up on his defensive duties STM took advantage and opened up a 20 point lead in the 3rd quarter.
Rahmy did appear to be carrying his entire team on his shoulders but one player could not possibly contain STM’s depth. Victor Chimbiko from STM led his team with 17 points and 18 rebounds as they advanced to the final 52-22.
In our second semi-final, ISC took on JESS who were late substitutes for Dubai College as the latter ceded their place in the final four due to examination commitments. ISC nonetheless were ready for any challenge as they exhibited a relentless approach spearheaded by MVP favorite Malek AlJaber.
In the best all-round performance by any team in the tournament yet, ISC took JESS apart as they ran the court. Precision shooting and tenacious defense left the JESS players stumped as ISC held them to 7 points through 3 quarters.
With a 20 point-20 rebounds, player of the game performance from AlJaber and an all-star support team, the game was a foregone conclusion before the 4th quarter started. JESS ended the game with a few more consolation points with ISC winning 72-16.
The Championship game is now set as the two undefeated teams STM and ISC go head to head on Friday the 27th of January to determine the winner of the inaugural High School Basketball Championship.
Posted Sun 22 Jan 2012 03:20:52 pm in News, Sports | By Dubib.com News Desk
