Raptors are Young Lions champions

Dumisani Ncube | Tuesday October 17, 2017 12:14

Raptors started the game in aggressive style, which instilled fear in their opponents who later recovered as both teams fought tirelessly for the cup. The fierce nature of the game resulted in a number of fouls.

In the dying minutes of the game, Raptors led 11-8. The game got intense with an interruption towards the end.

Soup A Star tried to stage a late come through scoring three pointers, but their efforts were futile.

But the Raptors held on to win the inaugural Young Lions cup.

The win means Raptors will now represent the country at the regional competition, organised by the International Basketball Foundation (IBF) later this year, which will feature 3x3 teams.

Dates and venue for the tournament are yet to be communicated.

Serowe side, Grenades won the Young Lions women’s cup after they beat Mad Reapers 12-5.

“This initiative was handed to us by the IBF and we saw it as an opportunity to introduce 3x3 to the young players. During the month-long tournament, we noticed that there is a lot of talent outside Gaborone. We will continue unearthing the talent especially outside Gaborone,” Botswana Basketball Association (BBA) public relations officer, Thabang Maranyane said.

The tournament attracted over 230 players registered on the FIBA website. Teams from places such as Francistown, Kang, Lobatse, Serowe, Maun and Gaborone took part.