Snipers down Stanbic Shields to earn league promotion

Snipers basketball team have earned a basketball Premier League promotion from Division One after a 3-0 sweep over the Stanbic Shields in the final match of the best of five series.

The Snipers faced off against the Stanbic Shields in a fully packed Nyayo gymnasium beating them 56-45.

The crowd was electric, with fans from both teams filling the arena, eager to see if the Snipers could clinch the series or if the Stanbic Shields would fight back and keep their hopes alive.

The Stanbic Shields, knowing this could be their last chance, came out strong. Brian Laban was on fire, scoring consistently and leading his team with precision.

The Snipers, on the other hand, relied on their strategic plays and tight defense. By the end of the first quarter, the Stanbic Shields held a narrow lead, 14-13.

In the second quarter, the Snipers began to find their rhythm. Waswa Wesley, their star player, started to make his presence felt on the court. He scored from all angles, driving his team forward. 

The Snipers tightened their defense, making it difficult for the Stanbic Shields to find the basket. The Snipers outscored the Stanbic Shields 16-12 in this quarter, taking a 29-26 lead into halftime.

The third quarter saw both teams struggle to maintain their momentum. The game became a battle of defenses, with points hard to come by.

The Snipers managed to edge out the Stanbic Shields 11-8, thanks to Wesley’s continued dominance and some crucial steals and blocks from their defensive lineup. Heading into the final quarter, the Snipers led 40-34.

With everything on the line, the fourth quarter was a showcase of determination and skill. The Snipers, fueled by the prospect of promotion, played with intensity and focus. 

Wesley continued his scoring spree, ending the game with an impressive 20 points. The Stanbic Shields tried to mount a comeback, but their efforts were thwarted by the Snipers’ relentless defense. 

Despite a valiant effort from Brian Laban, who finished with 18 points, the Stanbic Shields were unable to close the gap.

Fans flooded the court, congratulating the players and celebrating this historic moment for their team. The Snipers had not only won the match but had also secured their place among the elite teams, ready to take on new challenges and prove themselves in the premier league next season.

"It’s a great joy to the team it means a lot to the boys as we prepare to honor Coach Balozi who will be celebrating one year since he was buried so we dedicate this win to him. 

"We will be honoring him next month as we look back at the great lessons he left us with and his memory is still fresh on me and the team. We are back in the premier league and we cannot wait to face the new challenges ahead," coach Ochieng of the Snipers remarked after the game.