The FUBA fixtures present A1 Challenge with their last two games of the regular season against Nabisunsa and UCU Lady Canons which is supposedly on the last day of the season.
Team A1 Challenge has to maximize the points, though they are out of the play-off qualification slots, they could probably spoil the party for the UCU Lady Canons-just a little bit i'm thinking.
But a part of me is afraid they will just quickly be looking for the end of the season no matter how they end it, which is really the sum of the A1 Challenge season....disappointing.
This Saturday, A1 Challenge face Nabisunsa who are fresh from beating Magic Stormers, and are relishing their chances come Sunday.
But it's not going to be easy since its not like the mean-spirited A1 defence is going to lie down and let the Nabisunsa offense tickle them.
So while Ashaba Ruth and Chemutai Joy orchestrate an A1 Challenge upset, Barbra Okot, Fredrikah, Larresah, Kyomugisha Gloria,Mugasha Carol will be looking to set up a mean wall of defense-that's totally depending on whom Coach Nyambogo Hamza deems fit to start the game courtesy of their mental and physical preparedness.
All the players the last time i checked are fit and ready to play except the long term injury to Angie Lokidi and the long illness of Dorcas Bagiire.
Sylvia too won't be available because of the academic commitments.
Otherwise great game y'all.
Peace
Kay
Friday, October 28, 2011
A1 Challenge See Off The Makerere Cubs 47 : 15
The inconsistency in the regular season may have cost Team A1 Challenge a place in the play-offs this time around especially after seeing the "cinderella" season the Magic Stormers have had this time around.
Yea...despite the convincing walloping of a Makerere Cubs side that is yet to register its first win of the season, Team A1 Challenge have failed to consistently squeeze the much needed run of wins.
Team A1 Challenge has been blowing hot and cold all season. case in point is their blowing a 10 point lead in their game against the Magic Stormers on the 8th October afternoon. And this is just one of the many cases being raised.
Another being the lack of confidence shown especially when chasing a game: case in point is the Makerere Sparks game in the second round where they lost by a single point.
Barbra Okot mentioned that despite the win, they struggled alot in game. Inotherwords the score board flattered alot and wasn't a true representation of what happened on the court.
Coming against Nabisunsa this Saturday afternoon is one hell of an ask especially after the high school side saw off Magic Stormers in their game last Sunday and are oozing in confidence.
Their work rate is seemingly getting better as the regular season draws to an end. Previously making KIU Rangers sweat real hard for their win and then putting Magic Stormers to the sword. They look in good shape.
With the industriousness of Chemutai Joy who has been their main threat offensively, and probably the return of Ashaba Joy they seem to be a handful.
If one thing is clear Team A1 Challenge need to re-invent their dynamics to be title contenders next season.
Other results from the weekend:
KIU Titans 55:51 UCU Canons
Nabisunsa 76:55 Magic Stormers
Crane High ladies 51:47 Gladiators
M.Shooters 90:30 UPDF
This Saturday:
Time: 4:00pm
Nabisunsa Girls vs A1 Challenge @ YMCA court
Be there...
Peace
Kay
Yea...despite the convincing walloping of a Makerere Cubs side that is yet to register its first win of the season, Team A1 Challenge have failed to consistently squeeze the much needed run of wins.
Team A1 Challenge has been blowing hot and cold all season. case in point is their blowing a 10 point lead in their game against the Magic Stormers on the 8th October afternoon. And this is just one of the many cases being raised.
Another being the lack of confidence shown especially when chasing a game: case in point is the Makerere Sparks game in the second round where they lost by a single point.
Barbra Okot mentioned that despite the win, they struggled alot in game. Inotherwords the score board flattered alot and wasn't a true representation of what happened on the court.
Coming against Nabisunsa this Saturday afternoon is one hell of an ask especially after the high school side saw off Magic Stormers in their game last Sunday and are oozing in confidence.
Their work rate is seemingly getting better as the regular season draws to an end. Previously making KIU Rangers sweat real hard for their win and then putting Magic Stormers to the sword. They look in good shape.
With the industriousness of Chemutai Joy who has been their main threat offensively, and probably the return of Ashaba Joy they seem to be a handful.
If one thing is clear Team A1 Challenge need to re-invent their dynamics to be title contenders next season.
Other results from the weekend:
KIU Titans 55:51 UCU Canons
Nabisunsa 76:55 Magic Stormers
Crane High ladies 51:47 Gladiators
M.Shooters 90:30 UPDF
This Saturday:
Time: 4:00pm
Nabisunsa Girls vs A1 Challenge @ YMCA court
Be there...
Peace
Kay
Friday, October 14, 2011
A1 SEEK TO BEAT UP ON MAKERERE CUBS
A1 Challenge welcome back Irakoze Doreen who has been ill for a while and has had to sit out a number of their games.
Having to come back from a defeat to a Rukia Meme' inspired Magic Stormers last weekend, this clash against Makerere Cubs couldn't come at a better time.
All i can see is Makerere Cubs had better prepare themselves for a backlash in as far as A1 Challenge is concern.
The whole team has been training hard and emphasis on tightening up afew loose ends in the defense and precision in the offense.
A1 Challenge defense have to watch out for Kalanguka Kaka Hannah who has been quite inspirational for the Makerere Cubs.
All players seem ready to go and are relishing this tie.
Squad: Irakoze Doreen, Bazira Liz, Khisa Marie, Mulwana Olivia, Okot Barbra, Larresah, Maria, Fredrikah, Mugasha Carol, Kyomugisha Gloria have been confirmed.
Missing still in the squad is Dorcas Bagiire who is off thanks to a long illness, and Angie Lokidi who is still recovering from the broken ankle she sustained earlier on in the second round.
Also Slyvia is off on academic commitment seeing that she's soon sitting her UNEB examinations.
I guess all thats left to say is have a great game and all the best tomorrow.
A1 Challenge vs Makerere Cubs @ Makerere Court at 3:30pm
Having to come back from a defeat to a Rukia Meme' inspired Magic Stormers last weekend, this clash against Makerere Cubs couldn't come at a better time.
All i can see is Makerere Cubs had better prepare themselves for a backlash in as far as A1 Challenge is concern.
The whole team has been training hard and emphasis on tightening up afew loose ends in the defense and precision in the offense.
A1 Challenge defense have to watch out for Kalanguka Kaka Hannah who has been quite inspirational for the Makerere Cubs.
All players seem ready to go and are relishing this tie.
Squad: Irakoze Doreen, Bazira Liz, Khisa Marie, Mulwana Olivia, Okot Barbra, Larresah, Maria, Fredrikah, Mugasha Carol, Kyomugisha Gloria have been confirmed.
Missing still in the squad is Dorcas Bagiire who is off thanks to a long illness, and Angie Lokidi who is still recovering from the broken ankle she sustained earlier on in the second round.
Also Slyvia is off on academic commitment seeing that she's soon sitting her UNEB examinations.
I guess all thats left to say is have a great game and all the best tomorrow.
A1 Challenge vs Makerere Cubs @ Makerere Court at 3:30pm
Monday, October 10, 2011
MAGIC STORMERS LEAVE A1 DEJECTED 41:37
On a day when hopes were a little high and consistency was being sought, A1 Challenge faced Magic Stormers a rejuvinated side which just might be the surprise package in the play offs.
With their star player Sylvia Rukia Meme at it again, the collective hussle play and hard work from the start to the finish has literally seen Magic Stormers rise to a side oozing with confidence and leaving whoever their facing contemplating...
Most attention on this day was focused on the 2012 AFCON qualifier at Namboole where the Uganda Cranes face the Kenyan Harambee Stars.
Doesn't matter where the focus was if you are an A1 Challenge fan either way disappointment loomed all over.
Magic Stormers won 41:37
In other related action:
KIU Titans 58: 57 Miracle Eagles
Falcons 71: 61 UCU Canons
With their star player Sylvia Rukia Meme at it again, the collective hussle play and hard work from the start to the finish has literally seen Magic Stormers rise to a side oozing with confidence and leaving whoever their facing contemplating...
Most attention on this day was focused on the 2012 AFCON qualifier at Namboole where the Uganda Cranes face the Kenyan Harambee Stars.
Doesn't matter where the focus was if you are an A1 Challenge fan either way disappointment loomed all over.
Magic Stormers won 41:37
In other related action:
KIU Titans 58: 57 Miracle Eagles
Falcons 71: 61 UCU Canons
Friday, October 7, 2011
A1 CHALLENGE PREPARE FOR A CRUNCHING TIE AGAINST MAGIC STORMERS ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON
The last time these two teams clashed, Magic Stormers came into the game as under dogs but at the end of the game, Magic Stormers actually out-played and out-scored A1 Challenge 54:41 to end the first round in mid-August.
Players to watch out for in the Magic Stormers are Sandra and Rukia Meme whose work rate and fighting spirit has been one of the central strong points for Magic Stormers.
A1 Challenge got back back to winning ways last Sunday when they played against Gladiators comfortably beating them. If Khisa Marie, Larressah would replicate the form they were in, then we are in for one heck of a good game.
Carol Mugasha is back from official duty and featured in their win against the Gladiators which gives them a little more depth defensively.
Sylvia is not likely to feature because of her academic commitments.
Irakoze Doreen should be fit and ready to play having recovered from illness and sat out the Gladiators game.
Missing in action is Angie Lokidi is still out following her nasty ankle injury in one of the earlier games.
Dorcas Bagiire is also out still recovering from chest illness and most likely won’t be featuring in this game.
Otherwise most of the squad remains the same.
Khisa Marie, Mulwana Olivia, Kyomugisha Gloria, M. Fredrikah, Irakoze Doreen, Mugasha Carol, Okot Barbra, Bazira Liz, Larressah, Lillian, Maria.
Players to watch out for in the Magic Stormers are Sandra and Rukia Meme whose work rate and fighting spirit has been one of the central strong points for Magic Stormers.
A1 Challenge got back back to winning ways last Sunday when they played against Gladiators comfortably beating them. If Khisa Marie, Larressah would replicate the form they were in, then we are in for one heck of a good game.
Carol Mugasha is back from official duty and featured in their win against the Gladiators which gives them a little more depth defensively.
Sylvia is not likely to feature because of her academic commitments.
Irakoze Doreen should be fit and ready to play having recovered from illness and sat out the Gladiators game.
Missing in action is Angie Lokidi is still out following her nasty ankle injury in one of the earlier games.
Dorcas Bagiire is also out still recovering from chest illness and most likely won’t be featuring in this game.
Otherwise most of the squad remains the same.
Khisa Marie, Mulwana Olivia, Kyomugisha Gloria, M. Fredrikah, Irakoze Doreen, Mugasha Carol, Okot Barbra, Bazira Liz, Larressah, Lillian, Maria.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
A1 Trounce Gladiators 69 : 25 To Breathe Life Into The Pursuit For A Play Off Slot.
On a rainy afternoon, A1 Challenge came back from their bad start to the second round to beat the struggling Gladiators and get their play offs pursuit campaign back on track.
The match played on the KIU court because of the on-going graduation ceremony this weekend in the YMCA wasn't a hinderance because of the stakes that this game rode upon.
Excellent offensive movement and penetration from Khisa Marie and adorable defensive perfomance from Larresah.
A much improved side and a great result for Team A1 Challenge.
More details on the player scorings will come later.
Next Fixture: Magic Stormers vs A1 Challenge [Next Week]
The match played on the KIU court because of the on-going graduation ceremony this weekend in the YMCA wasn't a hinderance because of the stakes that this game rode upon.
Excellent offensive movement and penetration from Khisa Marie and adorable defensive perfomance from Larresah.
A much improved side and a great result for Team A1 Challenge.
More details on the player scorings will come later.
Next Fixture: Magic Stormers vs A1 Challenge [Next Week]
MAKERERE SPARKS 48 A1 CHALLENGE 47
After a defeat last week to KIU Rangers, one would think that Team A1 Challenge's aggression in the Game would be from the on set. Nah, there were aspects of their game that were a little loose, like defensively, Larretah and Liz struggled for a while defensively in their partnership.
However, as the quarter wore out they settled and had great blocks and steals too which spurred them on for a good run for some time in the game.
First quarter ending 10:8 in favor of Team Sparks, said alot. One that it was going to be a hussle till the final whistle.
Makerere Sparks led from the start to the finish which goes to show consistency and resilience from the ladies from the university. [10:8, 21:15,32:23,48:47]
The wits of Karungi Charlyn and her team mate Hellen's work rate and conversion too helped the Sparks make life real hard for the A1 Challenge team.
Much as the Sparks led from start to finish they were made to sweat for this win, especially in the 3rd and 4th quarter, where Coach Hamza called upon the experience and composure of Mulwana Olivia to mark out Winnie whose 3-point shooting was killing them, a strategy which worked out fine, thumbs up to the technical bench, leading to Winnie's eventual substitution.
Another factor worth hinting is the shooting prowess of Okot Barbra which for some reason she hasn't been executing-probably because of the role she has been made to play. Very impressive shooting Barbra though when things are tight the body language can be "oba" not good.
Overall the defensive pairings Fredrikah, Liz, Larretah,Olivia and Barbra was great
Talk Points:
Bazira Liz accumulated 4 fouls which i think was a hinderance to her free-flowing game. She had a fairly good game offensively, but defensively apart from her transitional speed she was good. Scoring a total of 10 points, the question everyone was asking is why didn't they let her shoot her free throws at the near end of the game especially after she had been shooting all day long in the free throw mark? Instead the technical bench substituted her for Olivia who unfortunately missed both shots hence they went on to lose by one point.
Great team work shown by Team A1 Challenge, both defensively and offensively especially in the 3rd and 4th quarter. Question is can we start playing with that grit, so that there's consistency in the game from start to finish-hence no loop holes for the "if we had,..."
Defensively, more solidity is being asked especially in picking up the rebounds because honestly, that was another area where Team A1 Challenge was punished for being sloppy.
Lastly alittle belief and confidence in yourselves and your ability. Honestly if one saw the overall body language of the two teams from without, it was evident who believed in themselves and who didn't.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Scoring:<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
TEAM SPARKS TEAM A1 CHALLENGE
Karungi Charlyn-10pts Bazira Liz-10pts
Hellen -11pts Maria -9pts
Winnie -11pts Okot Barbra-10pts
However, as the quarter wore out they settled and had great blocks and steals too which spurred them on for a good run for some time in the game.
First quarter ending 10:8 in favor of Team Sparks, said alot. One that it was going to be a hussle till the final whistle.
Makerere Sparks led from the start to the finish which goes to show consistency and resilience from the ladies from the university. [10:8, 21:15,32:23,48:47]
The wits of Karungi Charlyn and her team mate Hellen's work rate and conversion too helped the Sparks make life real hard for the A1 Challenge team.
Much as the Sparks led from start to finish they were made to sweat for this win, especially in the 3rd and 4th quarter, where Coach Hamza called upon the experience and composure of Mulwana Olivia to mark out Winnie whose 3-point shooting was killing them, a strategy which worked out fine, thumbs up to the technical bench, leading to Winnie's eventual substitution.
Another factor worth hinting is the shooting prowess of Okot Barbra which for some reason she hasn't been executing-probably because of the role she has been made to play. Very impressive shooting Barbra though when things are tight the body language can be "oba" not good.
Overall the defensive pairings Fredrikah, Liz, Larretah,Olivia and Barbra was great
Talk Points:
Bazira Liz accumulated 4 fouls which i think was a hinderance to her free-flowing game. She had a fairly good game offensively, but defensively apart from her transitional speed she was good. Scoring a total of 10 points, the question everyone was asking is why didn't they let her shoot her free throws at the near end of the game especially after she had been shooting all day long in the free throw mark? Instead the technical bench substituted her for Olivia who unfortunately missed both shots hence they went on to lose by one point.
Great team work shown by Team A1 Challenge, both defensively and offensively especially in the 3rd and 4th quarter. Question is can we start playing with that grit, so that there's consistency in the game from start to finish-hence no loop holes for the "if we had,..."
Defensively, more solidity is being asked especially in picking up the rebounds because honestly, that was another area where Team A1 Challenge was punished for being sloppy.
Lastly alittle belief and confidence in yourselves and your ability. Honestly if one saw the overall body language of the two teams from without, it was evident who believed in themselves and who didn't.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Scoring:<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
TEAM SPARKS TEAM A1 CHALLENGE
Karungi Charlyn-10pts Bazira Liz-10pts
Hellen -11pts Maria -9pts
Winnie -11pts Okot Barbra-10pts
A1 CHALLENGE FACES MAKERERE SPARKS
These two teams come face to face, one off a huge defeat and the other breathing with confidence.
A1 Challenge need to up their performance since its pretty clear that they are staring the table from the wrong end of the table.
As for Makerere Sparks, their performance says it all, the fight and focus this team is showing can only be play-off material. Whether or not they consistently show up waits to be seen.
With Angellah Lokidi out injured, Carol Mugasha not available, Kikaazi Carol not available, the rest of the A1 Challenge side is intact.
How well A1 Challenge respond to the defeat against KIU Rangers defeat waits to be seen.
Kick off is at 4pm
A1 Challenge need to up their performance since its pretty clear that they are staring the table from the wrong end of the table.
As for Makerere Sparks, their performance says it all, the fight and focus this team is showing can only be play-off material. Whether or not they consistently show up waits to be seen.
With Angellah Lokidi out injured, Carol Mugasha not available, Kikaazi Carol not available, the rest of the A1 Challenge side is intact.
How well A1 Challenge respond to the defeat against KIU Rangers defeat waits to be seen.
Kick off is at 4pm
ITS STEP UP TIME FOR A1 CHALLENGE IF PLAY-OFFS ARE TO BE REALIZED, HAVING BEEN BEATEN BY KIU RANGERS 64:43 AT YMCA
A1 Challenge coming off a lymphatic 80:29 thumping of Amazon Rhinos would cause one to think that the woos especially as they came to the end of the first round had been put to rest, but no you would be thoroughly mistaken.
A1 Challenge came face to face with a thoroughly rejuvinated KIU Rangers side who were oozing confidence and ready for a fight.
Angellah Lokidi was welcomed back into the squad after sitting out the first round, as for Mugasha Carol wasn't available since she's abroad on official duty.
Malena Rassman, the German who was on loan, went back after her loan period expired. And its clearly evident her great ball handling skills, shooting and relentless work ethic is being missed.
To the game propa:
The first quarter was tight and low scoring as both teams were cagy and taking precaution with no side wanting to open up, however Team A1 Challenge was slow on picking up their defensive rebounds which at the end of the game was one of the areas they were outsmarted.
With the quarter ending 9:5 in favor of KIU Rangers, it was clear that this was going to be a closely contested game.
As for the mid-quarter action between the second and third quarter, KIU Rangers capitalised on their great shooters on the day and the fast breaks. It should be noted that their transitional play was key to the score board, because time and again, the A1 Challenge defense was consistently caught off-guard. With the third quarter ending 47:31, Judith, Jacquei, Slyvia and Moureen of Team KIU Rangers linked up so well both defensively and offensively and one could sense the belief in their camp, having had a great run in form, this 2011-2012 season, with the play-offs not far from their reach if they continue in this rich form.
Things went from bad to worse went Angie Lokidi got a bad knock, which saw her limp off out of the court. We don't know how long she will be off but she was settling fairly well coming in the centre a position she played pretty well last season.
And Liz Bazira fouled out summed it up for Team A1 Challenge
With Larretah and Doreen, being alternated alot by Coach Hamza, one is left wondering how exactly the substituional strategy will work out for them, seeing that the haven't really played for a while on court. Whether its an issue on match-fitness, we have no idea.
However, one thing has to be said, Doreen has to become alittle tough because against teams like KCC Leopard and Magic Stormers plus afew other boogy sides, won't let her play her graceful free flowing basketball.
As for Larretah, she just needs to settle down and be clinical in her offensive conversion rate.
In the A1 Challenge team, especially in positions where there are quite a number of players vying for playing time, when given an opportunity to play, the ladies ought to take it by the throat and shine.
A little worry is the substitution strategy of Coach Hamza, some have found it alittle worrying, which can't eventually kill off the little team spirit on match day.
Having said that, there are wrongs that need to be put right, especially cover for Liz' Bazira's role. When Liz is off, it's so evident. The presence and awareness she brings to the team is huge and when she's off the conversion burden is on the Point Guard which most times is too much of a burden for Khisa Mary or Mulwana Olivia depending on who Coach Hamza or Bazira deem fit to start with.
Defensively, A1 Challenge keep looking solid, with Okot Barbra, Fredrikah being outstanding, not forgetting Carol Mugasha who completes the trio. Having said that, another unused asset for Hamza both offensively and defensively is Slyvia who is an all round player and with alot of time on her side, her game surely will get better.
Bazira Liz lead on the A1 Challenge points with 21 points to her name, though that wasn't enough to save Team A1 Challenge.
In other related news, Makerere Sparks saw off sturbborn Nabisunsa in a closely contested game in the Makerere grounds 49:44.
DMark Power last evening beat Charging Rhinos 107:65, as Slyvia Kaweesa lead the Magic Stormers past Amazon Rhino's scoring a game high 30 points.
A1 Challenge came face to face with a thoroughly rejuvinated KIU Rangers side who were oozing confidence and ready for a fight.
Angellah Lokidi was welcomed back into the squad after sitting out the first round, as for Mugasha Carol wasn't available since she's abroad on official duty.
Malena Rassman, the German who was on loan, went back after her loan period expired. And its clearly evident her great ball handling skills, shooting and relentless work ethic is being missed.
To the game propa:
The first quarter was tight and low scoring as both teams were cagy and taking precaution with no side wanting to open up, however Team A1 Challenge was slow on picking up their defensive rebounds which at the end of the game was one of the areas they were outsmarted.
With the quarter ending 9:5 in favor of KIU Rangers, it was clear that this was going to be a closely contested game.
As for the mid-quarter action between the second and third quarter, KIU Rangers capitalised on their great shooters on the day and the fast breaks. It should be noted that their transitional play was key to the score board, because time and again, the A1 Challenge defense was consistently caught off-guard. With the third quarter ending 47:31, Judith, Jacquei, Slyvia and Moureen of Team KIU Rangers linked up so well both defensively and offensively and one could sense the belief in their camp, having had a great run in form, this 2011-2012 season, with the play-offs not far from their reach if they continue in this rich form.
Things went from bad to worse went Angie Lokidi got a bad knock, which saw her limp off out of the court. We don't know how long she will be off but she was settling fairly well coming in the centre a position she played pretty well last season.
And Liz Bazira fouled out summed it up for Team A1 Challenge
With Larretah and Doreen, being alternated alot by Coach Hamza, one is left wondering how exactly the substituional strategy will work out for them, seeing that the haven't really played for a while on court. Whether its an issue on match-fitness, we have no idea.
However, one thing has to be said, Doreen has to become alittle tough because against teams like KCC Leopard and Magic Stormers plus afew other boogy sides, won't let her play her graceful free flowing basketball.
As for Larretah, she just needs to settle down and be clinical in her offensive conversion rate.
In the A1 Challenge team, especially in positions where there are quite a number of players vying for playing time, when given an opportunity to play, the ladies ought to take it by the throat and shine.
A little worry is the substitution strategy of Coach Hamza, some have found it alittle worrying, which can't eventually kill off the little team spirit on match day.
Having said that, there are wrongs that need to be put right, especially cover for Liz' Bazira's role. When Liz is off, it's so evident. The presence and awareness she brings to the team is huge and when she's off the conversion burden is on the Point Guard which most times is too much of a burden for Khisa Mary or Mulwana Olivia depending on who Coach Hamza or Bazira deem fit to start with.
Defensively, A1 Challenge keep looking solid, with Okot Barbra, Fredrikah being outstanding, not forgetting Carol Mugasha who completes the trio. Having said that, another unused asset for Hamza both offensively and defensively is Slyvia who is an all round player and with alot of time on her side, her game surely will get better.
Bazira Liz lead on the A1 Challenge points with 21 points to her name, though that wasn't enough to save Team A1 Challenge.
In other related news, Makerere Sparks saw off sturbborn Nabisunsa in a closely contested game in the Makerere grounds 49:44.
DMark Power last evening beat Charging Rhinos 107:65, as Slyvia Kaweesa lead the Magic Stormers past Amazon Rhino's scoring a game high 30 points.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)