School Games: Basketball holders Laiser Hill survive, Tigoi Girls crash out

The holders had a bright start, beating Lukenya 14-9 in the first quarter before fading off in the second quarter to lose 29-18.

However, they reclaimed their momentum in the third quarter, crushing Lukenya 25-10 to take a 57-48 lead.

They then crumbled again in the fourth quarter, with Lukenya threatening their win but they held their nerve to triumph 71-69.

Head coach Geoffrey Mieno praised his boys for the win.

“We were doing very well until the sixth minute in the fourth quarter but we played horribly afterwards. I’m, however, delighted the boys managed to hold on to the last minute,” said Mieno.

Mieno warned his rivals against underrating them especially after losing their first match against Dagoretti.

“Never doubt us even when we are down. We are ready for the semis,” Mieno added.

The champions will clash with Friends School Kamusinga, who lost their last match to St. Mary’s Yala despite forcing the match into overtime after rallying from behind to force a 63-63 draw in regular time.

Lukenya on the other side, which is one of the teams tipped to stop Laiser Hill in this year’s competition, will face hosts St. Mary’s Yala in the other semi-final.

In girls’ semis, reigning champions Butere will clash with hosts Barchando while former champions Kaya Tiwi will be up against St. Brigid’s.

Butere and Kaya Tiwi remained perfect, beating St. Brigid’s and Loreto 75-48 and 55-23 respectively, in their last group stage matches.

In other matches, Barchando edged Eastern region’s Ikutha Girls 50-49 in a closely contested tie, while Olympic defeated Takaba Girls 55-24.

Hockey will have a new champion after reigning national champions Tigoi girls relinquished their title after falling 3-1 to St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale in a thrilling clash.

The Vihiga-based school needed to win the match to proceed to the semis, but the East African champions St. Joseph’s had other ideas.

St. Joseph’s will now play Eastern region representatives AIC Nyayo, who beat Mwiki 3-0, in the semis.

Another semi-final clash will see Ng’iya and Nyamira Girls renew their rivalry. Ng’iya has stopped Nyamira for the last two years, and this will be a perfect opportunity for the 2023 national champions Nyamira to get revenge.

In the boys’ category, Friends School Kamusinga held their nerve to beat St. Charles Lwanga 1-0 to storm the semis.

The former champions will now face hosts Kisumu Day, who beat Mbooni Alliance High School 1-0, in the semis.

St. Anthony Boys Kitale, who demolished Mbooni 6-0 in their last pool A match, will face Ringa Boys in another semi-final clash.

Rugby 15s will also present interesting battles after familiar faces stormed the semis. And after seeing off Menengai in their last match, reigning East African Champions Kisii School will now battle for a final place with St. Mary’s Yala.

Kisii thrashed Menengai 6-3, while St. Mary's Yala whitewashed Kwale Boys 39-10.

In another match, Kakamega School demolished Mangú 59-3 to set up an exciting clash against Upper Hill, who earlier on sent former champions All Saints packing with a 33-19 win.

Head coach Amos Wamanga believes his side can continue their brilliant form to lift the title.

“Kakamega is back and we are taking each game at a time with our focus on the title. Upper Hill will be a very tough match but we will give everything on the pitch,” said Wamanga.

In the girls’ category, Kinale will square off with Mbagathi Girls while St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale will battle for a final place with St. Maurice Mwira Girls.

Handball also presents interesting match-ups with record champions Musingu clashing with last year’s runner-up Highway after losing their last match 25-24 to St. Joseph’s Boys Kitale (JOBO)

Jobo will play St. Austin Matuu in another semi-final clash.

In the girls' category, Moi Girls Kamusinga will face Karai Girls while hosts Nyakach will play the 2023 champions St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale.