Sumale beat sister team to claim title

By NAOMI KALATE
THE Sumale Basketball Association of Sembirigi in Southern Highlands beat sister team Kaputa Souths in the 17th National South’s Basketball tournament yesterday in Lae.
The match was close over the first two quarters before Sumale pulled away in the final two frames to earn a 43-20 win at the Sir Ignatius Stadium court.
Sumale coach Peter Kumine, a former basketball player, said he was proud of the effort from the women’s team because they had kept their form and executed the game plan.
This is the achievement for the club after the men’s team lost in the quarter finals.
“Despite the men’s team missing out, we came out first in the women’s and I am proud of that.
“We had challenges in terms of the cost to travel to Lae but thanks to our sponsors we were able to make it here.
“Come next year I know the boys will do better. They have the height and the skills. All I need to do is try to focus on the discipline aspect of it,” Kumine said.
Sumale women’s captain and guard Maria Kayomo said the reason for herside’s strong showoing at the tournament was there focus on defence and working hard off the ball which many other sides did not place too much emphasis on. She added that her side were efficient and had enough skills to execute their plays with a good degree of success.
“This is our first time to take part in such a competition and is challenging but in the end it all pays off especially in winning the women’s title in the tournament.
“We are very happy and we look forward to next year,” Koyamo said.