It was a busy afternoon of DASSA basketball action at Kings’ Al Barsha on Wednesday as GEMS Wellington International School made the short journey along Hessa Street for Under 10’s and Under 11’s matches.
The fixtures were perfect preparation for Kings’ who are set to host the U11 Large School Games at the school in Dubai next weekend, with 16 schools from across the Middle East in attendance.
U11A
Kings Al Barsha’s Under 11’s A side came into the afternoon’s first match on the back of a narrow win over Victory Heights Primary School before the half-term holidays, while GEMS Wellington convincingly overcame Raffles International School in their first match on the season.
In the first half both sides tried hard to impose their dominance on match, with a number of good chances for both teams under the basket resulting in an even spread of the points at the half time whistle.
In a tight encounter it was always going to be the team who found their feet under the basket who were going to come away with the win and as the second half progressed both sides began to find their rhythm in attacking positions.
It was the visitors who emerged victorious in an end-to-end contest after some slick play by both sides. After 24 minutes of energetic basketball, GEMS Wellington came away with an important DASSA Division One win.
Next week sees GEMS Wellington host Horizon School on Tuesday with Kings Al Barsha playing the same side on Wednesday.
Final Score: Kings' Al Barsha 10 – 13 GEMS Wellington International School
U10A
In the second match of the day the school’s Under 10’s sides took to the court and it was GEMS Wellington who won the tip off to begin proceedings. The team in claret and sky blue were hoping to follow in the footsteps of their Year 6 team by securing back to back victories.
The match started off in scrappy fashion, with only a single basket to show for either sides efforts in the opening five minutes. As the first half progressed both teams started to get in to their stride and as half time approached the game was much more free flowing with chances being created and points being scored by both teams.
In the second half it was once again the visitors, GEMS Wellington, who began to assert their authority on the match. A few missed chances from Kings allowed the Wellington boys to regain possession and capitalise with some excellent scoring moves.
With just two minutes remaining in the match it was GEMS Wellington who were to complete the best move of the afternoon. A number of good passes resulted in an excellent three-point effort from the edge of the area by Omer which glided into the basket after coming off the backboard perfectly.
A good exercise for both sides but GEMS Wellington’s clinical finishing meant it was the WIS boys who came away with a second DASSA win of the day.
Final Score: Kings' Al Barsha 7 – 15 GEMS Wellington International School