Bayelsa State dominated the Asaba zonal finals of the 25th Milo Basketball Championship, capturing both the boys’ and girls’ titles in thrilling fashion and setting the tone for a fiercely competitive national showdown.
The Equatorial Zonal Conference, held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta state, showcased exceptional talent and teamwork from schools across the region.
In the boys’ final, Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, Yenagoa, edged out Urhobo Model College, Effurun, Delta State, with a final score of 41 to 34. The girls’ final was even more nail-biting, as St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, narrowly defeated King Amachree Academy, Port Harcourt, 44 to 43 in a dramatic finish.
Third-place honours went to Dom Domingos College, Warri, Delta State (Girls), and FAAN Secondary School, Calabar, Cross River State (Boys), rounding off a highly competitive tournament.
Category Development Executive, Charles Ikpe, praised the calibre of play on display. “This tournament is more than just basketball, it’s a platform for growth and learning. The players here have truly impressed.
As we move into the final conference and on to the national finals, I believe they will continue to make their schools and states proud.”
The Atlantic regional finals brought together schools from Benue, FCT, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Sokoto, and Plateau, all demonstrating commendable skill and sportsmanship.
Looking ahead, the tournament will progress to the Western Conference stage, where regional champions will compete for coveted spots in the national finals of the Milo Basketball Championship.
With the competition intensifying, the stage is set for more exhilarating basketball action as schools across Nigeria vie for national glory.
