By Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
Bayelsa State representative, Belary Schools on Thursdayclinched the top prize in the male category of the zonal qualifier of the 20th Nestle Milo Basketball Championship for secondary schools at the Indoor Sports Hall of Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin City.
Balery School who had earlier trailed their opponent, St. Augustine’s Seminary, Ezzamgbo of Ebonyi State from the first to third quarter, eventually won the game with final scoring points of 45 against 43.
The very interesting encounter which saw both teams displayed wide range of techniques saw Bayelsa State contingent replying an 11 point deficit to clinch the all-important slot to get a cash prize of one hundred thousand naira as the Ebonyi state team emerged second and received seventy thousand naira respectively.
In the female category, St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata also from Bayelsa State emerged winner after dispatching Idia College Girls College of Edo State 27 points to 9 points.
The Bayelsa State Female team also received cash prize of one hundred thousand naira, with the Edo State representative receiving seventy thousand naira.
Presenting the first place trophies to the winning teams from Bayelsa state, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Philip Shaibu congratulated the winners describing their performances as very impressive.
Shaibu said the Edo State Government is determined to improve sports in the state, adding that sports can be used as a tool to improve the lives of young people.
Also, the Edo State Deputy Governor as part of efforts to encourage the performances of the athletes gave the sum of #50,000 each to the second place teams of both categories: St. Augustine’s Seminary, Ezzamgbo, Ebonyi State and Idia College, Benin City.
