Cagers of De La Salle lay waste to all
This has been a winning year for the boys from De La Salle College, Mutwal, who have exerted supreme dominance to clinch the championships of three basketball tournaments.
De La Salle’s Under 15, 17 and 19 teams left their large number of supporters in raptures while their opponents from leading schools were left in shock as the boys from Mutwal snatched one tournament after another.
The Under 17 tournament was held in May and the Under 19 competition in August while the Under 15 championship was held two weeks ago. Among the top performers was 14-year-old Ishara Piyumal whose talent booked him a berth in the senior teams as well.
The Under 17 side, headed by captain Nimesh Fernando, beat Nalanda College, Carey College and Christ King College, Tudella in the first round. They then marched past Ananda College, Colombo in the quarterfinals before overwhelming Royal Institute in the semifinals.
With a spectacular 78-41 outing, De La Salle’s Under 17 unit steamrolled St. Anne’s Kurunegala in the finals. Anushka Dilan of the College was named the tournament’s Best Player.
The Under 19 team, led by Nipun Lakshitha, beat St. Benedict’s, Kotahena, St. Joseph’s Enderamulla and Royal Institute in the first round before claiming victory against Ananda College, Colombo in the quarterfinals. They then moved on to thwart Mahanama College in the semifinals.
In spite of a 17-point lead, Royal Institute was unable to beat the De La Salle boys, who stormed back to secure the Under 19 title with a 64-53 win.
Captain Nipun Lakshitha was named the category’s Best Player while Hashan Shalaka made his alma mater proud by being the Best Defensive Player.
The Under 15 team started under much pressure after losing to St. Benedict’s Kotahena in the first round. However, the team regained momentum by beating OKI, Wattala, Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda and Isipathana College, Colombo.
The Under 15 team then faced St. Thomas’ Prep, Colpetty and Kingswood College, Kandy in the semi finals. Securing victory in the quarterfinals and semifinals, the team had to face the Benedictine team in the finals.
With a new strategy and heightened determination, the team was able to follow the winning seniors by scoring 53-48. Nuwan Maduranga was named the Best Player of the segment while Ishara Piyumal was named the Best Defensive Player.
Behind this year’s achievement is the guidance of Coach Rex Clementine and former Director Rev. Bro. Ernest Tarcisius.
“For the students, basketball is a symbol of hope, ambition, discipline, dedication and achievement. Most of them come from lowincome backgrounds with some talented players coming from fishing villages. They are more than willing to practice seven days a week both in the mornings as well as the evenings,” Coach Clementine said.