After a spirited first two quarters all hell broke through on court. With both guards on bench and Mavita taking on the pointing duties, a lot of offensive dimension was robbed from the team.
Why change a winning team? The first two quarters saw A1 Challenge in firm grip of the Game II finale but the third quarter syndrome hit hard and all hell broke lose.
The Lady Canons with nothing going right for them in the first and second quarter took the game to the A1 Challenge defense and keep picking fouls and made that count.
Leveling the tie and eventually beating the A1 Challenge in a Game Two that saw their player of the match Bazira Liz who dislocated her wrist on her left arm and won't be able to feature in the remaining games to come.
Lady Canons Akinyi Lorraine also got a muscle strain which saw her limp off court but should be good to play when the two teams next meet on Wednesday evening.
In the men's category, DMark Power came from behind to grab their second win in the best of seven finals with Karuiki getting fouled out and DMark Power's full court press strategy sending the Warriors in panic mode, silly turn-overs from Abdullah and Jude couldn't have come at a worse time. Warriors have a Game III to seek a life-line if they stand any chance to fight back in the finals.
Game III is at Lugogo MTN Arena on Wednesday evening.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Game Two Preview: UCU Lady Canons Vs A1 Challenge
UCU Lady Canons Vs A1 Challenge
Having won Game One, Lady Canons are oozing with confidence and i can picture Mr. Mandy Juruni telling the ladies to keep the tempo in transition and tighten their defense alittle. On the contrary, Mr. Nyambogo Hamza will be telling the ladies to play like you deserve to be in the play-off finals.
A1 Challenge who started on a wrong note will be looking to lots of inspiration from their captain Gloria to orchestrate her offensive brilliance and their MVP Hatima Kassim to start playing their hard full court press and hurt the opposition on the break. Their defensive players Liz, Barbra, Namayega.J, Namukasa Betty and Carol will be plotting to chock the Lady Canons offense from start to finish after seeing Anastacia expose them alot in Game I.
Well known for coming back from the dead, A1 Challenge will have to dig deep and every ticking second will be crucial and the ladies have to win this Game to be on a safe side in the best of seven series.
Lorraine Akinyi, FLavia Oketcho, Amoding and Anastacia will be looking to continue with the destruction that they started.
This is promising to be a juicy encounter so be there tomorrow at 4pm via Lugogo to see how A1 Challenge plot the downfall of the Lady Canons.
Have a great weekend.
Having won Game One, Lady Canons are oozing with confidence and i can picture Mr. Mandy Juruni telling the ladies to keep the tempo in transition and tighten their defense alittle. On the contrary, Mr. Nyambogo Hamza will be telling the ladies to play like you deserve to be in the play-off finals.
A1 Challenge who started on a wrong note will be looking to lots of inspiration from their captain Gloria to orchestrate her offensive brilliance and their MVP Hatima Kassim to start playing their hard full court press and hurt the opposition on the break. Their defensive players Liz, Barbra, Namayega.J, Namukasa Betty and Carol will be plotting to chock the Lady Canons offense from start to finish after seeing Anastacia expose them alot in Game I.
Well known for coming back from the dead, A1 Challenge will have to dig deep and every ticking second will be crucial and the ladies have to win this Game to be on a safe side in the best of seven series.
Lorraine Akinyi, FLavia Oketcho, Amoding and Anastacia will be looking to continue with the destruction that they started.
This is promising to be a juicy encounter so be there tomorrow at 4pm via Lugogo to see how A1 Challenge plot the downfall of the Lady Canons.
Have a great weekend.
UCU Lady Canons make a statement beating A1 Challenge 64 : 46 in Game One of the Play-Off Finals
UCU LADY CANONS : 64
A1 CHALLENGE : 46
If Game One is anything to go by then lots of personalities have to pull up their socks. With Akinyi Lorraine and Maureen Amoding hitting the headlines for all the right reasons in as far as consistency and game form is concerned, the A1 defense had to quickly tame that problem.
Having done that, there arose another issue of athleticism which was to prove crucial in a game of this magnitude. A1 Challenge was outrun in a Game where they were to play a man-to-man defense and it cost them. With the UCU Ladies offense so swift that they worked their transition smartly that it hurt the A1 defense eventually.
A1 Challenge looked fatigued which could be explained in the fact that they had to decisive Game V in the semis against KCC Leopards to qualify as opposed to Lady Canons who had by then already qualified beating KIU Rangers convincingly 3-1 in the semis to make it through to the finals.
In a Game that saw a huge turn-over rate, one would think that both camps should be working a way to minimize that issue. A1 Challenge, however, I could say need to devise a way to work on gelling as a unit offensively and defensively. Because when they click as a unit, I can guarantee you damage on the opposition.
Someone once said that failure is a part of success. All am saying is that sometimes one has to fall down to rise up again. Having been in this position against KCC Leopards, A1 Challenge managed to pick themselves up and fight their way into the Play-off Championship final. This Game I loss will bring out the best in them.
If there's another lesson learn t from yesterdays' defeat, it’s that no opposition no matter how big or small should be under rated. Having marked out Akinyi Lorraine, Anastacia Njeri rose up to the occasion with a Game high 15 points. With assistance in the scoring from Maureen Amoding 14 points and Akinyi 10 points.
A1 Challenge however had no single player hitting double figures. This mean a lot of work has to be done on all departments, defensively and offensively.
If there is one thing I am sure of, it’s that the Championship is not won on Game One. It’s a best-of-seven finale and there's plenty more action coming our way. So A1 Challenge may have been bruised in as far as confidence is concerned, but having been in a similar position before, writing them off would be at your own peril.
Hatima Kassim and Mavita Ali huffed and puffed in the offense but the UCU Lady Canons defense was a little organized and they managed to neutralize them.
With Carol Mugasha and Angella Lokidi's well disciplined defensive display, UCU started a quick transitional play from defensive mode to the offense, catching A1's defense down and playing catch up most of the time.
With Olivia and Josephine being brought on later in the Game, defensively it did them good but offensively there’s yet some work to be done.
A1 Challenge have to pull up their socks immediately (offensively and defensively) and bring their Game harder in Game II so they can be on level ground in these best-of-seven series. And this goes to Bazira Liz, Sandra and Betty
With Game II on Sunday afternoon, time is not A1 Challenge's best ally. So as a unit they have to right the wrongs prior to Game II.
A1 Challenge will at the back of their minds be out seeking revenge for the 2008 playoff final loss where they gave away an 11-point lead with about seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter to painfully hand the Lady Canons the title.
In the other category of the men, we had DMark Power face defending Champions, Kyambogo Warriors in the late kick off. DMark Power put on a well orchestrated display from start to finish beating the Warriors in Game One 93:77. Game II is on Sunday at 6pm.
Have a blessed weekend. See you all tomorrow afternoon for Game II in the best of seven series.
A1 CHALLENGE : 46
If Game One is anything to go by then lots of personalities have to pull up their socks. With Akinyi Lorraine and Maureen Amoding hitting the headlines for all the right reasons in as far as consistency and game form is concerned, the A1 defense had to quickly tame that problem.
Having done that, there arose another issue of athleticism which was to prove crucial in a game of this magnitude. A1 Challenge was outrun in a Game where they were to play a man-to-man defense and it cost them. With the UCU Ladies offense so swift that they worked their transition smartly that it hurt the A1 defense eventually.
A1 Challenge looked fatigued which could be explained in the fact that they had to decisive Game V in the semis against KCC Leopards to qualify as opposed to Lady Canons who had by then already qualified beating KIU Rangers convincingly 3-1 in the semis to make it through to the finals.
In a Game that saw a huge turn-over rate, one would think that both camps should be working a way to minimize that issue. A1 Challenge, however, I could say need to devise a way to work on gelling as a unit offensively and defensively. Because when they click as a unit, I can guarantee you damage on the opposition.
Someone once said that failure is a part of success. All am saying is that sometimes one has to fall down to rise up again. Having been in this position against KCC Leopards, A1 Challenge managed to pick themselves up and fight their way into the Play-off Championship final. This Game I loss will bring out the best in them.
If there's another lesson learn t from yesterdays' defeat, it’s that no opposition no matter how big or small should be under rated. Having marked out Akinyi Lorraine, Anastacia Njeri rose up to the occasion with a Game high 15 points. With assistance in the scoring from Maureen Amoding 14 points and Akinyi 10 points.
A1 Challenge however had no single player hitting double figures. This mean a lot of work has to be done on all departments, defensively and offensively.
If there is one thing I am sure of, it’s that the Championship is not won on Game One. It’s a best-of-seven finale and there's plenty more action coming our way. So A1 Challenge may have been bruised in as far as confidence is concerned, but having been in a similar position before, writing them off would be at your own peril.
Hatima Kassim and Mavita Ali huffed and puffed in the offense but the UCU Lady Canons defense was a little organized and they managed to neutralize them.
With Carol Mugasha and Angella Lokidi's well disciplined defensive display, UCU started a quick transitional play from defensive mode to the offense, catching A1's defense down and playing catch up most of the time.
With Olivia and Josephine being brought on later in the Game, defensively it did them good but offensively there’s yet some work to be done.
A1 Challenge have to pull up their socks immediately (offensively and defensively) and bring their Game harder in Game II so they can be on level ground in these best-of-seven series. And this goes to Bazira Liz, Sandra and Betty
With Game II on Sunday afternoon, time is not A1 Challenge's best ally. So as a unit they have to right the wrongs prior to Game II.
A1 Challenge will at the back of their minds be out seeking revenge for the 2008 playoff final loss where they gave away an 11-point lead with about seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter to painfully hand the Lady Canons the title.
In the other category of the men, we had DMark Power face defending Champions, Kyambogo Warriors in the late kick off. DMark Power put on a well orchestrated display from start to finish beating the Warriors in Game One 93:77. Game II is on Sunday at 6pm.
Have a blessed weekend. See you all tomorrow afternoon for Game II in the best of seven series.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Game One Preview : A1 Challenge Against UCU Lady Canons
This is the moment we have been waiting for. From the regular season, every team has been vying for a slot in the final but only two could make it and now we have to separate the championship contenders from the championship pretenders.
Mr. Mandy Juruni having won the championship in the year 2007 with the KCC Leopards outfit has been tasked to lead the UCU Lady Canons side to the title this year.
The UCU Lady Canons whose team setup and structure is being praised to be fierce, having depth and one to be reckoned with will come under a stern test this Friday against A1 Challenge.
Both teams have had an almost perfect record this season and its no wonder they have to decide amongst themselves who is the best the game and worthy of the title.
Akinyi Lorraine a key figure for the UCU Lady Canons has led her team in the past through the toughest of battles and been quite resourceful for the university outfit.
Maureen Amoding, small forward has been fierce in the offense. She has a lot of intelligence and also possessing the capability to beat off her man and shot three point shots accurately.
These two ladies are among the main offensive assets for university outfit. But don't be mistaken they have brilliant utility players all over the court.
A1 Challenge will stick to their greatest asset this season, defense. Look out for these teams both as they clash.
Defensively Lizzie, Namukasa Betty, Babra Okot, Ann Vogt, Namayega Josephine, Carol Mugasha, Angellah Lokidi and Vicky.
In the offense Mavita Ali, Hatima Kassim, Mulwana Olivia and Kyomugisha Gloria, Munduru Sandra depending on whom the coach decide to start.
Mr. Hamza Nyambogo will be eyed keenly by his opponent especially tactically.
This i promise you is one of the most juicy fixtures you will witness in the play-off season this year.
All i can say is see you on court as we together witness round one of the best of seven clash.
News:
Mavita Ali who missed most of the regular season, with an injury is back to give them another dimension offensively. A hugely intelligent player she is as she knits the passes together with Gloria and Olivia.
Liz has recovered from the scare that she had picked up an injury during the end of their win against KCC Leopards.
UCU Lady Canons have rested enough and will be fresh having qualified earlier after beating KIU Rangers 3-1 in the semi's and had the luxury of having extra training sessions and adequate time to rest ahead of the finals.
Mr. Mandy Juruni having won the championship in the year 2007 with the KCC Leopards outfit has been tasked to lead the UCU Lady Canons side to the title this year.
The UCU Lady Canons whose team setup and structure is being praised to be fierce, having depth and one to be reckoned with will come under a stern test this Friday against A1 Challenge.
Both teams have had an almost perfect record this season and its no wonder they have to decide amongst themselves who is the best the game and worthy of the title.
Akinyi Lorraine a key figure for the UCU Lady Canons has led her team in the past through the toughest of battles and been quite resourceful for the university outfit.
Maureen Amoding, small forward has been fierce in the offense. She has a lot of intelligence and also possessing the capability to beat off her man and shot three point shots accurately.
These two ladies are among the main offensive assets for university outfit. But don't be mistaken they have brilliant utility players all over the court.
A1 Challenge will stick to their greatest asset this season, defense. Look out for these teams both as they clash.
Defensively Lizzie, Namukasa Betty, Babra Okot, Ann Vogt, Namayega Josephine, Carol Mugasha, Angellah Lokidi and Vicky.
In the offense Mavita Ali, Hatima Kassim, Mulwana Olivia and Kyomugisha Gloria, Munduru Sandra depending on whom the coach decide to start.
Mr. Hamza Nyambogo will be eyed keenly by his opponent especially tactically.
This i promise you is one of the most juicy fixtures you will witness in the play-off season this year.
All i can say is see you on court as we together witness round one of the best of seven clash.
News:
Mavita Ali who missed most of the regular season, with an injury is back to give them another dimension offensively. A hugely intelligent player she is as she knits the passes together with Gloria and Olivia.
Liz has recovered from the scare that she had picked up an injury during the end of their win against KCC Leopards.
UCU Lady Canons have rested enough and will be fresh having qualified earlier after beating KIU Rangers 3-1 in the semi's and had the luxury of having extra training sessions and adequate time to rest ahead of the finals.
A1 Challenge Earn Bragging Rights As They Qualify For The Finals
A1 CHALLENGE : 49
KCC LEOPARDS : 47
This was seemingly going to be a tricky encounter to engage in. Especially when its a make or break for either of the sides.
A game which was marred by tight defensive displays on both sides guaranteed you a meagre score of points.
A1 Challenge's point guard Mulwana Olivia gunned three point shots in the first quarter clearly making a statement and if it was anything to go by, Akullo Becky had her share in the spot light but at the end of the day, Miriam Hamala and Nantalo Carol were marked out.
Hatima Kassim whose recent form, if its anything to go by, is gunning for MVP, didn't have a bright day offensively.
KCC's Nakiwu Allen, however, i could say had the game of her entire play-off season because all evening she gave the A1 Challenge defense a lot to think about as she kept coming hard at them and was flawless in the free point area.
The game went on till late but the A1 ladies held on to their lead and eventually secured themselves a place in the 2010 FUBA Championship Finale'. There was lots of celebration on the A1 bench and tears on the KCC Leopards bench as they saw their resistance neutralized.
In the men's category the Kyambogo Warriors tamed UCU Canons to secure their slot in the play-off final against DMark Power.
Great spectacle to the eyes. The best of seven series grand finale' begins on 26th November at 6pm. See you on court.
KCC LEOPARDS : 47
This was seemingly going to be a tricky encounter to engage in. Especially when its a make or break for either of the sides.
A game which was marred by tight defensive displays on both sides guaranteed you a meagre score of points.
A1 Challenge's point guard Mulwana Olivia gunned three point shots in the first quarter clearly making a statement and if it was anything to go by, Akullo Becky had her share in the spot light but at the end of the day, Miriam Hamala and Nantalo Carol were marked out.
Hatima Kassim whose recent form, if its anything to go by, is gunning for MVP, didn't have a bright day offensively.
KCC's Nakiwu Allen, however, i could say had the game of her entire play-off season because all evening she gave the A1 Challenge defense a lot to think about as she kept coming hard at them and was flawless in the free point area.
The game went on till late but the A1 ladies held on to their lead and eventually secured themselves a place in the 2010 FUBA Championship Finale'. There was lots of celebration on the A1 bench and tears on the KCC Leopards bench as they saw their resistance neutralized.
In the men's category the Kyambogo Warriors tamed UCU Canons to secure their slot in the play-off final against DMark Power.
Great spectacle to the eyes. The best of seven series grand finale' begins on 26th November at 6pm. See you on court.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
A1 CHALLENGE FIGHT TO LEVEL PLAY-OFF SERIES TO 2-ALL
A1 CHALLENGE : 61
KCC LEOPARDS : 55
The game was most definitely going to be won on defense
as KCC Leopards sought to end hopes of a Game IV with a
Mountain of experience in their side.
KCC Leopards were flying high on confidence following
their win on Game III.
The Leopards welcomed the services of Miriam Hamala
Who wasn't available in their Game III win, which meant
more work for the A1 Challenge defense.
KCC Leopards began with a solid performance clearly making their
Intentions known. At one point in the quarter, A1 Challenge
were trailing by 13 points. But like i say, it matters how
You start your game but it’s totally important how you finish.
A1 Challenge applied a full court press strategy and its then
that the KCC Leopard offense started chocking in every move.
The biggest worry in Miriam Hamala was neutralized and Nantaro
Carol was taken care of.
Outstanding performances in the defense for A1 Challenge came
from; Kyomugisha Gloria, Namukasa Betty and Liz with Hatima
Kassim helping where she was called upon.
By the time the final whistle was blown, A1 Challenge were fully
Deserving of the win. They won 61:55.
Hatima Kassim was top scorer for A1 Challenge with 19 points and her
Her team mate Mavita Ali scored 13 points.
With Game V on Friday, it’s going to be a battle between which team strikes
A balance between their offensive game and defense. Every ticking second in
the game is going to matter.
The big game winners on both teams are going to be closely watched. And the
Coaching tactics are going to be key.
See you on court live on Friday night.
Alo Kay JR
KCC LEOPARDS : 55
The game was most definitely going to be won on defense
as KCC Leopards sought to end hopes of a Game IV with a
Mountain of experience in their side.
KCC Leopards were flying high on confidence following
their win on Game III.
The Leopards welcomed the services of Miriam Hamala
Who wasn't available in their Game III win, which meant
more work for the A1 Challenge defense.
KCC Leopards began with a solid performance clearly making their
Intentions known. At one point in the quarter, A1 Challenge
were trailing by 13 points. But like i say, it matters how
You start your game but it’s totally important how you finish.
A1 Challenge applied a full court press strategy and its then
that the KCC Leopard offense started chocking in every move.
The biggest worry in Miriam Hamala was neutralized and Nantaro
Carol was taken care of.
Outstanding performances in the defense for A1 Challenge came
from; Kyomugisha Gloria, Namukasa Betty and Liz with Hatima
Kassim helping where she was called upon.
By the time the final whistle was blown, A1 Challenge were fully
Deserving of the win. They won 61:55.
Hatima Kassim was top scorer for A1 Challenge with 19 points and her
Her team mate Mavita Ali scored 13 points.
With Game V on Friday, it’s going to be a battle between which team strikes
A balance between their offensive game and defense. Every ticking second in
the game is going to matter.
The big game winners on both teams are going to be closely watched. And the
Coaching tactics are going to be key.
See you on court live on Friday night.
Alo Kay JR
KCC CRAWLS FROM BEHIND TO WIN GAME III
KCC LEOPARDS 64
A1 CHALLENGE 62
Wednesday evening Game III of the play-off best-of-five semi-final series, A1 Challenge faces off with KCC Leopards. If A1 Challenge win this game, then Game IV on Sunday would be the last nail in the coffin in as far as KCC Leopards resistance is concerned.
With the squad lists for both clubs looking familiar except for KCC who were missing their star player Miriam Hamala who was absent because of her work place being upcountry so making the trips from up north down here and back in the middle of the week, is quite inconveniencing especially if there isn’t facilitation from your camp.
Nantaro Carol and Akullo Becky were all struggling though the latter rose up and gunned a three pointer shot that saw them leap over A1 Challenge’s 62 to end the match on 64 points.
Monica was out on foul trouble again for the second game in a row.
By half time A1 Challenge comfortably led 37:33. Their defensive approach was good with Lizzie picking up all the loose ball in the defense with help from Namukasa Betty and it was pretty neat.
Third quarter was pretty sloppy by A1 Challenge’s standards giving away so many turnovers giving KCC Leopards a chance to close the gap with Baby nailing a couple of three pointers and then Carol doing what she does best and that is shooting on the line with her sweet left shot.
At some point in the third quarter, I thought the big three pointer shots from Kyomugisha Gloria, Babra and Hatima Kassim would send a message to the KCC Leopards coach. However there was a lot of loose ball passes which KCC Leopards totally utilized and punished A1 Challenge handing them their second loss in the semi-final play-offs.
This leaves the A1 Challenge ladies in a tricky position, whereby they have to win the Game IV on Sunday to force a Game V otherwise it all over.
Hatima Kassim’s 20 points could not save the A1 Challenge ladies from that unfortunate defeat. Personally I’m so disappointed in the overall A1 Challenge display because was it was found wanting.
Game IV on Sunday will surely be a test of the A1 character in all the departments [offensively and defensively] which is going to be key.
Liz needs to get more into the game as a big man especially sealing off those points after beating off her marker in the offense which she does enjoy doing and also working those ball passes especially after picking up the defensive rebounds. Because a couple of loose passes had the team punished. And secondly avoid being fouled out which is a hard ask.
Namukasa Betty needs to become more assertive in the game especially on her offensive game because she is a hard-worker and that can really be an asset if she can become more assertive in Game IV.
Kyomugisha Gloria needs to place emphasis on the loose quick break passes especially with the forwards because if there is no link, the point guard will end up looking bad. Otherwise her shooting keeps getting better. She is the gel in the team, orchestrating the team game plan offensively and defensively. Speaking of defensively, when it comes to marking Baby out of the game.
Hatima Kassim is simply a resilient player to watch who will literally fight her way through whichever defense to put points to the score sheet. That resilience will play to the teams’ advantage if she brings it all and doesn’t hold back anything.
Namayega Josephine has a passion of defense and on her good day can totally shut out her marksman. Offensively she has a pretty good shot and on a good day given the chance you can be gunned down. Though, she sometimes gets into un-necessary foul trouble.
Mulwana Olivia who has a great command of her team and is pretty tactically disciplined threading beautiful passes and controlling the pace of the game. Critics complain of her being slow but believe you-me she compensates that with lots of intelligence and a great shot.
Mavita Ali is another one of those players who can change a game totally. Don’t be deceived by her physique because she is pretty intelligent and adventurous and will put any defense on their toes offensively but she has to keep persistence and pressure from the start to the finish because with opposition like KCC Leopards you can not afford to go to sleep not-once-not-ever.
Barbra is another of the hard-workers A1 Challenge has and though has not featured much in the play-offs she can mean to be a headache to the offense. Good shooter of the 3-points and defensively disciplined. She also just has to work on the fight in her and persistence from start to finish and a little more confidence when shooting because she has a great shot that has to be said.
Angella Lokidi had a great Game I in the semi-final play-off offensively and she was all over the defense of the KCC Leopards but her performance in Game II and III have not been as consistent especially when it matters most like sealing of the lay-ups after beating off her man. Angie and Liz have it in them to torment the KCC defense if they can perfect their finishing because their all round game is good.
Mugasha Carol is another defensively disciplined player with an impressive work rate. She has not featured much in the play offs. Did not feature at all in Game III yet she was on bench. With the fatigue that most players happened to be showing I thought she could have been brought in to close the gaps that Hellen and Carol of KCC kept finding themselves in. Hopefully with the fight she has in her she can be brought in to close the offensive options KCC Leopards may throw on the court.
Vickie is also another of the great defensively gifted players and un-sung outfits in the A1 Challenge camp who won’t mind getting fouled out if it means sacrificing herself for the team. However, in Game IV I think she has to be hard but also a little carefully to avoid being fouled out because sometimes it can hurt the team.
With Sandra Munduru being drafted into the team recently she has some attributes in her game to work on especially her shot because Sandra has a great shot and is versatile so to speak. Having not featured much during the play-offs, means she has fresh legs and that will be crucial if Coach Nyambogo Hamza gives her a chance in Game IV.
One thing is for sure, Game IV needs players that are going to guarantee you blood and sweat on court from the start to the finish because one thing Game IV has no room for is complacency and sluggishness you can quote me on that.
On that note great game to my friends and family in A1 Challenge I need you in the play-offs finals so I will be waiting for Game IV and Game V because we aren’t going anywhere.
I love you all.
Number III fan
Alo Kay JNR
A1 CHALLENGE 62
Wednesday evening Game III of the play-off best-of-five semi-final series, A1 Challenge faces off with KCC Leopards. If A1 Challenge win this game, then Game IV on Sunday would be the last nail in the coffin in as far as KCC Leopards resistance is concerned.
With the squad lists for both clubs looking familiar except for KCC who were missing their star player Miriam Hamala who was absent because of her work place being upcountry so making the trips from up north down here and back in the middle of the week, is quite inconveniencing especially if there isn’t facilitation from your camp.
Nantaro Carol and Akullo Becky were all struggling though the latter rose up and gunned a three pointer shot that saw them leap over A1 Challenge’s 62 to end the match on 64 points.
Monica was out on foul trouble again for the second game in a row.
By half time A1 Challenge comfortably led 37:33. Their defensive approach was good with Lizzie picking up all the loose ball in the defense with help from Namukasa Betty and it was pretty neat.
Third quarter was pretty sloppy by A1 Challenge’s standards giving away so many turnovers giving KCC Leopards a chance to close the gap with Baby nailing a couple of three pointers and then Carol doing what she does best and that is shooting on the line with her sweet left shot.
At some point in the third quarter, I thought the big three pointer shots from Kyomugisha Gloria, Babra and Hatima Kassim would send a message to the KCC Leopards coach. However there was a lot of loose ball passes which KCC Leopards totally utilized and punished A1 Challenge handing them their second loss in the semi-final play-offs.
This leaves the A1 Challenge ladies in a tricky position, whereby they have to win the Game IV on Sunday to force a Game V otherwise it all over.
Hatima Kassim’s 20 points could not save the A1 Challenge ladies from that unfortunate defeat. Personally I’m so disappointed in the overall A1 Challenge display because was it was found wanting.
Game IV on Sunday will surely be a test of the A1 character in all the departments [offensively and defensively] which is going to be key.
Liz needs to get more into the game as a big man especially sealing off those points after beating off her marker in the offense which she does enjoy doing and also working those ball passes especially after picking up the defensive rebounds. Because a couple of loose passes had the team punished. And secondly avoid being fouled out which is a hard ask.
Namukasa Betty needs to become more assertive in the game especially on her offensive game because she is a hard-worker and that can really be an asset if she can become more assertive in Game IV.
Kyomugisha Gloria needs to place emphasis on the loose quick break passes especially with the forwards because if there is no link, the point guard will end up looking bad. Otherwise her shooting keeps getting better. She is the gel in the team, orchestrating the team game plan offensively and defensively. Speaking of defensively, when it comes to marking Baby out of the game.
Hatima Kassim is simply a resilient player to watch who will literally fight her way through whichever defense to put points to the score sheet. That resilience will play to the teams’ advantage if she brings it all and doesn’t hold back anything.
Namayega Josephine has a passion of defense and on her good day can totally shut out her marksman. Offensively she has a pretty good shot and on a good day given the chance you can be gunned down. Though, she sometimes gets into un-necessary foul trouble.
Mulwana Olivia who has a great command of her team and is pretty tactically disciplined threading beautiful passes and controlling the pace of the game. Critics complain of her being slow but believe you-me she compensates that with lots of intelligence and a great shot.
Mavita Ali is another one of those players who can change a game totally. Don’t be deceived by her physique because she is pretty intelligent and adventurous and will put any defense on their toes offensively but she has to keep persistence and pressure from the start to the finish because with opposition like KCC Leopards you can not afford to go to sleep not-once-not-ever.
Barbra is another of the hard-workers A1 Challenge has and though has not featured much in the play-offs she can mean to be a headache to the offense. Good shooter of the 3-points and defensively disciplined. She also just has to work on the fight in her and persistence from start to finish and a little more confidence when shooting because she has a great shot that has to be said.
Angella Lokidi had a great Game I in the semi-final play-off offensively and she was all over the defense of the KCC Leopards but her performance in Game II and III have not been as consistent especially when it matters most like sealing of the lay-ups after beating off her man. Angie and Liz have it in them to torment the KCC defense if they can perfect their finishing because their all round game is good.
Mugasha Carol is another defensively disciplined player with an impressive work rate. She has not featured much in the play offs. Did not feature at all in Game III yet she was on bench. With the fatigue that most players happened to be showing I thought she could have been brought in to close the gaps that Hellen and Carol of KCC kept finding themselves in. Hopefully with the fight she has in her she can be brought in to close the offensive options KCC Leopards may throw on the court.
Vickie is also another of the great defensively gifted players and un-sung outfits in the A1 Challenge camp who won’t mind getting fouled out if it means sacrificing herself for the team. However, in Game IV I think she has to be hard but also a little carefully to avoid being fouled out because sometimes it can hurt the team.
With Sandra Munduru being drafted into the team recently she has some attributes in her game to work on especially her shot because Sandra has a great shot and is versatile so to speak. Having not featured much during the play-offs, means she has fresh legs and that will be crucial if Coach Nyambogo Hamza gives her a chance in Game IV.
One thing is for sure, Game IV needs players that are going to guarantee you blood and sweat on court from the start to the finish because one thing Game IV has no room for is complacency and sluggishness you can quote me on that.
On that note great game to my friends and family in A1 Challenge I need you in the play-offs finals so I will be waiting for Game IV and Game V because we aren’t going anywhere.
I love you all.
Number III fan
Alo Kay JNR
Monday, November 8, 2010
A1 CHALLENGE LEVEL THE PLAY-OFF SEMI'S 1 ALL AS WE HEAD FOR GAME III
Game Two
A1 CHALLENGE 72
KCC LEOPARDS 67
Game one was a pretty disappointing display from the A1 Challenge outfit
if looked into in detail. The ladies weren't contesting for the 50/50 balls,
the defense was being out run and the pocket spaces in defense were the spring board
for the KCC Leopard high scoring Miriam Hamala to exploit.
Then the overwhelmingly high turn over rate which was worrying with their point guard
Gloria Kyomugisha not looking her usual self and Liz not looking as comfortable in her usually role in defense.
Game Two was a perfect example of a team that learn't its lessons from the first encounter and prefected their weak points. A1 Challenge defensive approach was totally transformed with the team playing as a team, both in defense and offense.
Aggressive performances from Namayega Josephine and Vicky were crucial especially when it meant curbing the main offensive threats of the KCC Leopards in Miriam Hamala and Nantalo Carol who scored three pointer shots like they were mean't for them. A combination of a quick transitional offensive display overwhelmed the A1 defense and they were not to let the KCC Leopards offense chock them like in Game One. With Josephine man-marking Miriam Hamala and Vickie cleaning
up the loose balls A1 Challenge fought to come back from the dead and level the series at 1 all.
Special mention goes out to Hatima Kassim who has been consistent in her resilience, energy and her shooting accuracy.
Also Mavita Ali who spent a good spell of the second round in the regular season injured [an ankle and knee ] was back to give the A1 Challenge offense another dimension in their attack that they had missed making a couple of crucial shots.
Mulwana Olivia who was pivotal in controlling and orchestrating the offense and defense in the A1 team.
Lizzie was fouled out half way through the 4th quarter but the depth of talent in Mugasha Carol covered in the defense.
A total shift in the A1 Challenge game was key to this come back. With the camp looking forward to build on this come Friday all i can say is well done, well won.
Points to improve for the A1 ladies is definitely the conversions on the free throw line and the energy and resilience towards the end of the game.
As critics say you will be judged at the end of the day on the number of trophies amassed in the trophy-shelf. Guess what i am saying is the struggle continues.
Yours, Chica Rito
Nice week
A1 CHALLENGE 72
KCC LEOPARDS 67
Game one was a pretty disappointing display from the A1 Challenge outfit
if looked into in detail. The ladies weren't contesting for the 50/50 balls,
the defense was being out run and the pocket spaces in defense were the spring board
for the KCC Leopard high scoring Miriam Hamala to exploit.
Then the overwhelmingly high turn over rate which was worrying with their point guard
Gloria Kyomugisha not looking her usual self and Liz not looking as comfortable in her usually role in defense.
Game Two was a perfect example of a team that learn't its lessons from the first encounter and prefected their weak points. A1 Challenge defensive approach was totally transformed with the team playing as a team, both in defense and offense.
Aggressive performances from Namayega Josephine and Vicky were crucial especially when it meant curbing the main offensive threats of the KCC Leopards in Miriam Hamala and Nantalo Carol who scored three pointer shots like they were mean't for them. A combination of a quick transitional offensive display overwhelmed the A1 defense and they were not to let the KCC Leopards offense chock them like in Game One. With Josephine man-marking Miriam Hamala and Vickie cleaning
up the loose balls A1 Challenge fought to come back from the dead and level the series at 1 all.
Special mention goes out to Hatima Kassim who has been consistent in her resilience, energy and her shooting accuracy.
Also Mavita Ali who spent a good spell of the second round in the regular season injured [an ankle and knee ] was back to give the A1 Challenge offense another dimension in their attack that they had missed making a couple of crucial shots.
Mulwana Olivia who was pivotal in controlling and orchestrating the offense and defense in the A1 team.
Lizzie was fouled out half way through the 4th quarter but the depth of talent in Mugasha Carol covered in the defense.
A total shift in the A1 Challenge game was key to this come back. With the camp looking forward to build on this come Friday all i can say is well done, well won.
Points to improve for the A1 ladies is definitely the conversions on the free throw line and the energy and resilience towards the end of the game.
As critics say you will be judged at the end of the day on the number of trophies amassed in the trophy-shelf. Guess what i am saying is the struggle continues.
Yours, Chica Rito
Nice week
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
A 1 CHALLENGE 51: 53 KCC LEOPARDS
A 1 CHALLENGE HUMBLED IN GAME ONE OF THE PLAY OFFS BY KCC LEOPARDS
In a day filled with lots of expectation and excitement, the two fierce rivals clashed and
trust me it was a nail-biting Sunday afternoon.
It was a pretty tight game all through the 4 quarters which made it clear that the proceedings were
going to be won by individual brilliance and Miriam Hamala rose up to the occassion. Scoring a game high
18 points.
A1 Challenge didn't go down without a fight. Hatima Kassim who has had a great regular season was joint
top scorer for the A1 Challenge outfit with Betty Namukasa with 11 points a piece.
With the scores tied on 51 a piece and under 20 seconds to play Ms Carol Nantaro made a vital two points for
KCC Leopards to take the lead which could have been irrelevant had Ms. Hatima Kassim gunned her last 3 point shot
attempt with under 5 seconds to play but she missed.
A1 Challenge had a shockingly high turn over rate and with possession and precision being key in this game, especially when you
have quality opposition, you are bound to be hurt and they were hurt real bad.
With the moods not so great at the A1 Challenge camp, you sense a plot for a come back.
Game two of the best-of-five semi-final play-off series is on Friday at 6pm and believe you-me this is going to be a fight.
Scoring rate as per the quarters.
A1 CHALLENGE KCC LEOPARDS
1st quarter 10 11
2nd quarter 13 14
3rd quarter 14 12
4th quarter 14 16
In a day filled with lots of expectation and excitement, the two fierce rivals clashed and
trust me it was a nail-biting Sunday afternoon.
It was a pretty tight game all through the 4 quarters which made it clear that the proceedings were
going to be won by individual brilliance and Miriam Hamala rose up to the occassion. Scoring a game high
18 points.
A1 Challenge didn't go down without a fight. Hatima Kassim who has had a great regular season was joint
top scorer for the A1 Challenge outfit with Betty Namukasa with 11 points a piece.
With the scores tied on 51 a piece and under 20 seconds to play Ms Carol Nantaro made a vital two points for
KCC Leopards to take the lead which could have been irrelevant had Ms. Hatima Kassim gunned her last 3 point shot
attempt with under 5 seconds to play but she missed.
A1 Challenge had a shockingly high turn over rate and with possession and precision being key in this game, especially when you
have quality opposition, you are bound to be hurt and they were hurt real bad.
With the moods not so great at the A1 Challenge camp, you sense a plot for a come back.
Game two of the best-of-five semi-final play-off series is on Friday at 6pm and believe you-me this is going to be a fight.
Scoring rate as per the quarters.
A1 CHALLENGE KCC LEOPARDS
1st quarter 10 11
2nd quarter 13 14
3rd quarter 14 12
4th quarter 14 16
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