St. Joseph’s College clinched a hard-fought victory over their rivals, St. Peter’s College, in a nail-biting finale of the 2024 Schools Under-19 All Island Schools Basketball Championship. The showdown, impeccably organized by the Sri Lanka School Basketball Association, unfolded at the St. Joseph’s College courts in Darley Road yesterday, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.

With a halftime score of 37-30 in favor of St. Joseph’s, the Josephians held a precarious lead throughout the game. The battle commenced with a razor-thin margin, St. Joseph’s inching ahead by a single point in the first quarter with a score of 18-17. Despite St. Peter’s College displaying a spirited effort, St. Joseph’s remained resolute, maintaining a 46-42 lead by the end of the third quarter.

Yet, the Peterites staged a remarkable comeback in the last two quarters, outscoring St. Joseph’s in both instances. Notably, in the third quarter, the Peterites netted 12 points while the Joes managed only nine. Similarly, in the final quarter, St. Peter’s College surged ahead with 14 points, just surpassing St. Joseph’s 13.

The spotlight, however, shone on Methika Jayasinghe, whose stellar performance illuminated the court with 19 crucial points, earning him the prestigious title of Most Valuable Player. Adding to the glory, Abhaya Gajamanage showcased an exceptional defensive prowess, bagging 17 points for St. Joseph’s and securing the accolade of Best Defensive Player in the intense final clash.

In conclusion, the 2024 Schools Under-19 All Island Schools Basketball Championship final showcased the epitome of sportsmanship and skill, with St. Joseph’s College emerging as the deserving champions. The heart-stopping encounter between St. Joseph’s and St. Peter’s College will be remembered as a testament to the dedication and talent of young athletes. As the final buzzer sounded and the confetti rained down, both teams left an indelible mark on the court, reminding fans that in the game of basketball, every moment counts, and victory is earned through unwavering determination and teamwork.