DSS all Island cager champs

Sanjaya Ariyaratne

D.S. Senanayake College chalked up a close 65 points to 63 win over S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia in the final of the All Island Under 19 Basketball Tournament worked off at the Asian International School courts, Colombo a few days ago. This four-day event was conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Basketball Association.

The winners were leading 31 points to 23 at half time. Lakitha Rajakaruna 17 and Kanishka Sulakshana 14 were the best shooters for the winners while M.I. Salamdeen (23) and R.A. Alphonsus with 14 points excelled for the losers.

Before reaching the final Senanayake cagers got the better of De Mazenod College, Kandana by a margin of 59 points to 36 in a semi-final fixture played at the same venue after leading 14 points to 11 at breather.

Kanishka Sulakshana (21) and R. Lakitha (16) were the main scorers for the winners with Devon (12), Shahen and Charith with six points each did well for Mazenodians.

Thomians beat Lyceum International School by 80 points to 67 to earn their place in the final.

The half time scores stood at 34 points to 30 in favour of Thomians.

Andrew Aloysius made a massive contribution of 42 points while M.I. Salahudeen was on target with 21 points for the winners.

Rumesh Senanayake with 22 points and Nipuna (12) were the chief scorers for the losers.

In the consolation final for the third place De Mazenod College, Kandana posted a thumping 106 points to 64 victory over Lyceum International School, Nugegoda played at AIS courts.

At half time the winners were trailing 18 points to 24 but made a spirited comeback in the latter part of the match to turn the victory in favour of them.

For the winners Shahen (18) and Nipuna with eight points were the best shooters while Rumesh and Upeka did a good job for Lyceum with 24 and 10 points respectively.

Kanishka Vishwanath of D.S. Senanayake College carried away the most valuable player award of the tournament with his team mate Lakitha Eksath Rajakaruna was adjudged the best defensive player. Andrew Aloysius of S. Thomas’ College was named the best offensive player.