FIBA Africa Zone 4 Weekly News

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Gabon

Youzou Elite Basketball

The Gabonese Basketball Federation officially concluded on Saturday, the Youzou Elite Basketball championship ". The women and men's finals took place at the Léon Mba National High School gymnasium. This brought together lovers of Gabonese basketball all over the territory.

In the women's opener, Relais women basketball thrashed JSBE 65-37. The prediction of victory made by the Relais captain, Jessica Abagha Ada, two days before the final, therefore came true.

We  fought very hard, we trained for months. Our goal was to win this competition this time, no matter how difficult it was. We did not give up.

As for the confrontation between Gladiator and Espoir, two teams who know each other very well, it turned to the advantage of the Gladiators who dominated their opponents from start to finish. The final score was 60-53 for Lin-Francis Kobangoye and his teammates.

In terms of distinctions, the MVP trophy in the women's category went to Yoga Kétchateu from Relais while in the men's category, Gains Mervin Mewourou m'Ella from Gladiator who won this trophy.

Cameroon

In a thrilling conclusion to the Cameroon U18 Basketball Championship, Be Dreamers Basketball Team and Kadji Sports Academy emerged as the champions in the girls and boys categories, respectively. The championship staged at the Bafoussam council Sports Hall, witnessed fierce competition and country's most talented youngsters battling for recognition.

Be Dreamers Basketball Team displayed exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the tournament, culminating in a hard-fought victory in the finals. Their path in the championship was marked by several impressive performances, with the side consistently demonstrating strong defensive strategies and offensive prowess, beating every opponent with a plus 20 score margin.

In the final, Be Dreamers of Yaoundé were pitted against the determined FAP Basketball U18 team from Yaoundé. Despite an impressive start from FAP, Be Dreamers overcame the adversity to secure a convincing 66-49 win. The team's center, Emedie Falone, was a standout player, leading her team with both points and rebounds. Her leadership on the court was complemented by the efforts of the entire team, who worked cohesively to outmaneuver their opponents.

Coach Franck Djomaha, reflecting on the victory, praised his players for their dedication and resilience.

This championship is a testament to the hard work and commitment of these young women. They have shown incredible determination and have truly earned this title. It's true we have this new project BE DREAMERS but this championship crowns a work of over 2 or 3 years. For the rest we continue with the Cameroon Cup on August 04 against this impressive team of F.A.P that has been our biggest challenger already at the level of the central region but also at the national level and we hope to continue with a great final and lift this trophy too

he stated.

In the boys category, Kadji Sports Academy (KSA) for their maiden participation claimed the championship title with a commanding performance. Known for their rigorous training sessions and tactical acumen, KSA dominated the competition, showcasing both individual talent and a strong team dynamic.

In the final Kadji Sports Academy faced the highly skilled Vikings of Douala in a fixture that kept fans on the edge of their seats. KSA's ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident as they executed key plays in the closing moments of the game, ultimately securing a narrow 80-76 victory.

Star player, Aliyou Bayero, delivered a standout performance, earning the Most Valuable Player award for his contributions throughout the tournament. His scoring ability and defensive tenacity were instrumental in KSA's success.

Coach Gael Eden, the youngest coach of the championship expressed pride in his team's achievement, emphasizing the importance of discipline and teamwork.

I feel really happy to be champion of Cameroon U18. Preparation for this competition was tough but this is my first year of participating and we won. I am grateful he remarked.

The Cameroon U18 Basketball Championship not only highlighted the talents of young athletes but also underscored the growing popularity and development of basketball in the country. The success of both Be Dreamers and Kadji Sports Academy reflects the strength of youth basketball programs and the potential of Cameroon's future basketball stars. As the celebrations continue, the achievements of these teams serve as an inspiration to aspiring basketball players across the nation. With the support of coaches, families, and communities, the future of Cameroonian basketball looks promising, paving the way for more exciting tournaments and opportunities for young athletes.

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[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FecaBasket, FegaBasket]

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