Friday, April 26
Women: A1 Challenge Vs JKL Lady Dolphins – 6:30 PM
Men: City Oilers Vs KIU Titans – 8:30 PM
Basketball league resumes this Friday with two games on the menu at YMCA court in Wandegeya.
The Women category will see A1 Challenge seek to defy odds when they take on defending champions and high flying JKL Lady Dolphins.
The repeat of last year’s semifinals looks to be a one sided affair but A1 Challenge captain Vicky Ntale believes that her side can pose a great challenge.
Last season, JKL were indomitable against A1 as they beat the side five times – twice in the regular season before sweeping the team 3-0 in the semis.
“Our strategy is to play good defense,” revealed Ntale. “We want to work as a team and have a lot of effort on the court.”
“We will look out for their key players and we have a plan for them. Come Friday we have to fight, we are taking them serious because they are the defending champions.”
Ntale’s work rate will be key if the ‘Challengers’ are to defy odds against a Jamila Nansikombi inspired side.
Ntale didn’t play a major role last season as her time on court was limited by pain in her knee.
A1 have one win and a loss so far this season. They claimed a 87-62 win over UMU Ravens before falling 46-52 to new comers YMCA Lady Hamsters.
The side has brought Hamza Nyambogo, formerly at KIU, as their new head coach, a move that has seen Ethan Ambrose drop to the role of an assistant.
The addition of Ruth Atuheire and Grace Kusaba from Javon Ladies has seen an improvement in performance. However, the absence of Point guard Georgia Adhiambo will continue to be a big gap.
Ntale added:
“We have a plan that we are working on and its one that we will lead us to glory.
“We are taking each game one at a time. Our main focus is to approach each team differently this season.”
The side looked sluggish against YMCA, making 17 of the 80 shots made from the field. Only Atuheire managed double point figures – 16.
The side will demand more from Charline Ursula Kirungi, Susan Amito and Elizabeth Akol among others.
JKL Lady Dolphins have won their opening two league games, beating rivals UCU Lady Canons and KCCA Leopards, convincingly.
