St John's College is delighted to once again be hosting the St John's College Basketball Tournament, now in its 12th year, from the 21st to 24th of February.
This year we will be hosting 36 schools (480 participants) in the U19 category and 16 schools (120 boys) in the U13 category. The tournament is now the largest of its kind in southern Africa.
More than 190 games will be played over the four days between 8am and 10pm daily, culminating in a Cup and Plate Final on the Sunday. This tournament has become the premier event of the school basketball season, and has gained appeal not only nationally, but also beyond our borders, with teams from Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe participating alongside schools from all over South Africa.
“Teams from across the country and Southern Africa bring a diversity and opportunity for our young men and boys to form new friendships.”
Last year St John’s College introduced an U13 category to the tournament because of the demand from preparatory schools wanting to participate in a tournament providing a high level of junior basketball. Participating in the tournament is a highlight for these boys in their last year of primary school. They get to play plenty of basketball and see the U19s in action, something that they can look forward to at the end of the high school career.
“Basketball has grown in popularity in schools across southern Africa over the past 12 years and a tournament like this provides a competitive environment for our players to hone their skills. It also offers the boys lots of game time, the chance to play teams they don’t usually get to play and to play touring sides,” says Mrs Ngoza Mazarura, Master-in-Charge of Basketball at St John’s College. She adds, “Teams from across the country and Southern Africa brings a diversity and opportunity for these young men and boys to form new friendships.”
Games will be played at the courts at St John's College and at the Old Mutual Sports Hall and Hall 29 at Wits. There will be refreshments available at all venues so be part of the action and join us at the courts for an exciting weekend of basketball.
For participating teams and schedules, please visit www.stjohnscollege.co.za/basketball