When the final buzzer sounded on Sunday afternoon at St John's College, the noise from a packed crowd said it all. Four days, more than 200 games, more than 760 players from across the country and beyond, and it came down to this. Michael Mount Waldorf School had beaten the defending champions, SAHETI School had claimed the U15 title, and Maritzburg College had written their name into history as the first-ever winners of the newly introduced U19B section.
The U19A final was what everyone had been waiting for. Northwood School came in as defending champions, and they showed early why, taking the lead and looking composed at the end of the first quarter. But Michael Mount Waldorf had other ideas. They got on a run in the second quarter, took the lead, and didn't let go. Final score: 68-55. Shalako Mda was the heart of it all, finishing as tournament MVP and top scorer with 88 points across the four days. Coach Igor Lunneman was named Coach of the Tournament.
SAHETI School were just as convincing in the U15 final, beating Hilton College 65-51 in a performance that reflected the quality they had shown all week. Alessandro Messina was the tournament's standout junior player, taking home the MVP award and the top scorer honours with 60 points. His coach, Wandile Tshabalala, was recognised as U15 Coach of the Tournament.
Maritzburg College's 61-36 win over St Peter's College in the U19B final rounded off a successful debut for the new section, which was introduced this year to give more players exposure to tournament basketball at this level. Yazisizwe Masemola was named MVP, and Sacred Heart College's Jordan Kock was the section's top scorer with 78 points.
It was not without its challenges. Day 3 was repeatedly interrupted by lightning and heavy rain, sending players and spectators scrambling for cover more than once. But the organisers kept things moving, the players kept their focus, and Sunday's programme ran on time, a significant achievement given the circumstances. The tournament made use of additional indoor facilities at Emeris Sandton and the Brixton Multi-purpose Centre, which were invaluable in accommodating the scale of the event.
For the 14 U13 prep schools involved, the tournament offered something different altogether. No logs, no knockout rounds, no trophy at the end, just basketball. They were among the most competitive and most vocal participants, and their enthusiasm and passion for the game bode well for the future of basketball in this country.
Saturday evening brought a different kind of energy, with our media partner YFM hosting the Social Experience in the Basketball Village featuring artists Young Midi, Rarri, LordKez and Shakes X Les, a fitting way to close out a packed day of court action.
"It is an honour to have hosted these talented teams from across Southern Africa, and this year's tournament reminded us once again that this event is about far more than basketball. The quality of competition was exceptional, but what stood out most was the sportsmanship and the way these young men conducted themselves on and off the court," said Dale Jackson, Executive Headmaster. "We encourage our players to embrace the connections and experiences that come from a tournament like this, and to carry those lessons well beyond the final buzzer. None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners, and we are deeply grateful for their continued belief in what we are building here."
Ola Leepile, Chairman of the Parents' Basketball Committee, echoed that sentiment in his closing address. "Over the past few days, we have witnessed not only incredible athletic performance but also sportsmanship and a general high standard of basketball. It takes many different parties to put together an event of this nature and magnitude, and I want to thank everyone who played a role. Here's to basketball, friendship, and an even better festival next year."
The tournament would not have been possible without the support of our partners. We are grateful to our headline sponsor, Standard Bank, whose long-standing relationship with St John's extends well beyond this tournament. Busamed came on board as associate sponsor for the first time this year, and we hope this is the first of many tournaments together. Energade kept the boys fuelled as our official hydration partner, while media partner YFM brought the energy both on and off the court. SuperSport Schools ensured our players' performances reached audiences far and wide. We also acknowledge the support of Avis, Clover, the NBA, and Tuscan Manufacturing, who made it possible for the Mangaung Knights to compete on this stage.
The 2026 St John's College Basketball Tournament, brought to you by Standard Bank South Africa in association with Busamed, has drawn to a close. It was four days of outstanding basketball, fierce competition and memorable moments, and already, the countdown to 2027 has begun.
View the Gallery of all the photographs from the St John's College courts here.
2026 TOURNAMENT HONOURS
U15s
1st SAHETI School
2nd Hilton College
3rd King Edward VII School.
All Stars: Lungelo Dube, St Benedict's College; Ben Enslin-Payne, King Edward VII School; Atandile Mhlobiso, Hilton College; Jack Masekwameng, SAHETI School; and Sakhumuzi Fipaza, St Charles College.
MVP & Top Scorer: Alessandro Messina, SAHETI School, with 60 points.
Coach of the Tournament: Wandile Tshabalala, SAHETI School
Most Spirited Team: St John's College
U19Bs
1st Maritzburg College
2nd St Peter's College
3rd St John's College (2nd team)
All Stars: Antonio Mabhena, Crawford International Lonehill; Dylan Munyika, Sacred Heart College; Tiri Pasipanodya, St John's College; Jared Osbourn, St Peter's College; Buhlebethu Zuma, Maritzburg College
MVP: Yazisizwe Masemola, Maritzburg College
Top Scorer: Jordan Kock, Sacred Heart College, with 78 points
Coach of the Tournament: Joe Ntsele, Maritzburg College
Most Spirited Team: YUT Academy, Mauritius
U19As
1st Michael Mount Waldorf School
2nd Northwood School
3rd King Edward VII School
All Stars: Ama Ntsubane, St John's College; Mercedie Umba-Ngoy, King Edward VII School; Syamthanda Tshabalala, Northwood School; Luka Amerseder, Michael Mount Waldorf School; and Tadiwa Mangezi, King's School Linbro Park
MVP & Top Scorer: Shalako Mda, Michael Mount Waldorf School, with 88 points.
Coach of the Tournament: Igor Lunneman, Michael Mount Waldorf School
Most Spirited Team: St Charles College
