Veronica Ayoo led the way with 12 points, as the Zetech Sparks completely dominated over Strathmore University, beating them 68-28 to clinch the post-season U23 Sterling Cup at the Nyayo Gymnasium on Sunday night.
Despite a closely contested opening quarter, Zetech, who reached the final of the national league play-offs for the first time in the just concluded season, were unstoppable, winning the game with a massive 40-point gap.
Head coach Maurice Obilo was delighted with the performance of the team and said it sets them up nicely as they begin their pre-season training proper this coming week.
“We are very delighted because we have participated in the Sterling Cup for five times and we have always finished second. This is the first time we are winning it and I am definitely happy for the girls,” the tactician said after the game.
He added; “This is a very good win because we just started training last week lightly, but now, as we start our proper training this coming week, the girls will be motivated to train harder.”
Zetech, whose majority of players in their Premier League regular season are U23, fielded a strong team led by Madina Okot and Mary Lisa Omondi, both fresh from representing Kenya and winning silver at the just concluded Africa Beach Games in Tunisia.
The opening quarter was closely contested, with Zetech just but managing to edge off ahead with a 14-12 score.
But Strathmore, coached by the experienced Ronnie Owino, found themselves on the back foot in the second quarter, giving out too many turnovers, Zetech using their league experience.
Not even the work rate put in by league regulars Margaret Nerea and Alexandra Adala could secure them some breathing space, as they only managed six in the entire quarter against Zetech’s 25.
The game turned into a procession for Zetech who led 39-18 at halftime, as they continued dominating. The healthy scoreline allowed head coach Obilo to rotate his squad, his league regulars Lisa, Okot and Ashley Minayo being rested as the rest of the girls battled.
Meanwhile, Africa Nazarene University came from down to edge out Olympic High School’s Lady rebels 46-41 to win the third place prize.
The winners of the tournament, geared towards identifying and nurturing young basketball talent, walked home with Ksh100,000, Sh50,000 for the second placed Strathmore and Sh20,000 for ANU.
