Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, win both categories at the inter-school basketball tournament in Mokokchung
MOKOKCHUNG — Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, emerged as the champions in both the boys' and girls' categories at the 2nd Inter-High School and Higher Secondary School Basketball Tournament, which concluded on August 7 at the BAMD Basketball Court, Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung.
Organised by the Basketball Association Mokokchung District, under the aegis of the Nagaland Basketball Association, the three-day tournament brought together school teams from across the region to display their skills and sporting spirit.
In the girls' final, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, defeated defending champions Queen Mary Higher Secondary School 29-19 to claim the title. In the boys' final, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, overcame Eden Academy, Mokokchung, 57-42 to secure the championship.
The final day opened with four semi-final encounters. In the girls' first semi-final, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, defeated Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School 32-11 to book a place in the final. In the girls' second semi-final, Holy Cross Higher Secondary School defeated Queen Mary Higher Secondary School 31-22 to advance to the championship match.
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In the boys' first semi-final, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, edged past Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School 55-49. In the boys' second semi-final, Eden Academy defeated Holy Cross Higher Secondary School 36-21 to secure its berth in the final.
The tournament also recognised outstanding individual performances. In the girls' category, Sanenienla of Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School was named Most Promising Player, while Mehrin Beck of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, was adjudged Player of the Tournament.
In the boys' category, Adikhum of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, received the Most Promising Player award, and Imkongakum of Eden Academy, Mokokchung, was selected as Player of the Tournament.
Speaking as the chief guest, Commandant of the 12th Assam Rifles, Mokokchung, Col. Bhanoo Phatak described basketball as a tremendous sport that imparts important values beyond the court.
He said the game teaches players to trust their teammates, recognise the right moment to act, and work together as a unit, while also instilling discipline.
He highlighted that discipline plays a vital role in sports, particularly in knowing when to take action and when to rely on teammates. Such lessons, he noted, extend far beyond the basketball court and contribute to the overall development of young people.
Col. Phatak officially tipped off the championship final, after which the closing proceedings and prize distribution took place.
In the boys' category pool-stage standings, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, topped Pool A with an unbeaten record of three wins, followed by Holy Cross Higher Secondary School with two wins and one loss. Government High School, Changki, finished third, while Clark Memorial Higher Secondary School placed fourth.
Pool B was topped by Eden Academy, which also remained unbeaten with three wins. Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School finished second with two wins, while Queen Mary Higher Secondary School and Christian Residential Higher Secondary School finished third and fourth, respectively.
In the girls' category pool-stage standings, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School topped Pool A with two victories, followed by Queen Mary Higher Secondary School and Christian Residential Higher Secondary School. Holy Cross Higher Secondary School topped Pool B, with Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School securing the second semi-final berth.