Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
NAVELIM: Top powerhouse teams Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda; Don Bosco Oratory Panjim A, Sonics, and NCS Vasco have stormed into the semi-finals of the State Junior Basketball Championships 2025, being held at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Navelim, on Tuesday.
The tournament is being organised by Panjim Basketeers Club under the aegis of Goa Basketball Association (GBA) and Sports Authority of Goa, and also serves as the official selection platform for Goa’s junior boys and girls teams for the 75th Junior Nationals in Ludhiana this September. The tournament commenced with Lourdes Basketball Club defeating Ponda Basketball Club 56-9 in the Round of 16, with Benson Fernandes scoring 13 points and being named MVP.
In the quarter-finals, DBO Fatorda overpowered DBO Panjim B 31-4, led by Jude Fernandes (11 points, MVP) and David Xavier (7 points). Sonics outplayed Sunshine Worldwide School 39-17, with Daniel Saji (10 points, MVP) and Daniel Rodrigues (7 points) shining through. In a tight clash, NCS Vasco edged past Lourdes BC 22-18, thanks to a stellar 14-point effort by Abhinav Singh, who was named MVP. Meanwhile, DBO Panjim A cruised to a dominant 58-11 win over Brown Ballers, with Kevin De Souza scoring 17 points and earning the MVP title. The semi-finals promise to bring intense competition as these four teams battle for a place in the State finals.