Lukenya and Friends School Kamusinga delivered dominant performances to book their spots in the 5×5 basketball semi-finals at the ongoing Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term One Games in Kisumu.
Lukenya underlined their title credentials with an emphatic 79-62 win over Nairobi giants Dagoretti, setting the tone early with a 13-3 lead in the opening five minutes.
The Eastern region champions maintained their intensity to take a commanding 47-26 halftime advantage before sealing victory in style.
Kamusinga were equally ruthless, earlier brushing aside Sabunley from North Eastern 82-34 to extend their impressive run and storm into the last four.
Hosts St. Mary’s Yala also remained unbeaten, overpowering Mang’u 74-49 to secure a semi-final slot.
Head coach Leonard Nyabondo praised his side’s performance against a strong opponent.
“The game was difficult, Mang’u is a very good side that displays the highest IQ in their play. We were glad we were able to stun them,” he said.
In the girls’ category, defending champions Butere Girls, Kaya Tiwi, and St. Brigid’s all advanced to the semi-finals.
Butere Girls were in imperious form, thrashing Takaba 105-14, while Kaya Tiwi beat Barchondo 74-51. St. Brigid’s edged Olympic 59-58 in a thrilling contest decided in extra time.
Elsewhere, rugby 15s action saw record champions Kakamega High revive their semi-final hopes with a convincing 33-14 win over Menengai at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Mamboleo.
East Africa champions Kisii School continue to lead the pool after defeating Mang’u 17-6, to lead their pool with eight points while Kakamega School sits second on six points.
Menengai sits third with five points while Mang’u remains without a point.
In Pool A, Nairobi region giants Upper Hill booked a semi-final slot after edging hosts St. Mary’s Yala 17-10. Upper Hill will face All Saints, who defeated Kwale Boys 13-12.
In boys’ handball, powerhouses Musingu and St. Joseph’s Boys Kitale stormed into the semis with dominant wins and are now set for a blockbuster clash to determine the pool winner.
Musingu saw off Kenyatta Boys 37-21, while St. Joseph’s dismissed St. Mary’s Yala 27-21.
In Pool B, Handege booked their semi-final slot after a hard-fought 19-18 win against St. Austin Matuu, while Highway and St. Austin Matuu will battle for the remaining slot after each winning one match each.
Girls’ handball also saw record winners Moi Girls Kamusinga and St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale (JOGA) progress comfortably to the semi-finals, after defeating Kyeni and Karai Girls 34-9 and 31-19 respectively.
Hockey action produced its own highlights, with St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale and Ng’iya Girls advancing to the semis after convincing wins.
Reigning champions Tigoi Girls were held to a barren draw by Nyamira, as East African champions St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale beat St. Charles Lwanga 2-0.
