Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: DBO Panjim and DBO Fatorda have advanced to the junior boys final, while DBO Fatorda's girls team also booked their place in the junior girls final of the State Junior Basketball Championships 2025, held at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Navelim.
The tournament, organised by Panjim Basketeers Club under the aegis of the Goa Basketball Association and the Sports Authority of Goa, serves as a selection event for the Junior Nationals in Ludhiana.
In the first Junior Boys semi-final, DBO Fatorda staged a stunning comeback after trailing 6-15 in the opening quarter to defeat Sonics 49-42. Aaron Ponraj and Jude Fernandes led the scoring with 13 points each, while Kayden D’Silva chipped in with 9. Jude was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his clutch performance. Despite the loss, Daniel Rodrigues (13) and Daniel Saji (12) stood out for Sonics.
The second semi-final saw DBO Panjim edge out a determined Navy Children’s School (NCS) Vasco side 32–29 in a tight contest. Kevin De Souza top-scored for DBO with 11 points and was named MVP, while Abhinav Singh led NCS Vasco with 12.
In the Junior Girls semi-final, DBO Fatorda delivered a commanding 33-13 win over Sharada Mandir to set up a title clash with Sonics. Natalie Fernandes led the way with 9 points and was awarded MVP, while Sarah Albuquerque contributed 7. Urvi Shirodkar scored 5 points for Sharada Mandir in a spirited effort.