Accra , Jan. 09, GNA - Mfanstipim School produced a sterling performance to retain the Sprite Ball Basketball title at the expense of Keta Senior High in an entertaining finals of the Sprite Basketball Championship.

The championship which marked the 5th edition since its commencement, produced joy, anxiety, revenge, sorrow, dominance and agitation over officiating as the Cape-Coast based school produced another unrivalled performance at the Aviation Social Centre, Accra in front of a packed enthusiastic crowd of spectators and fans. Mfanstipim School remains the undisputed kings of the game in the country and makes them the most successful male team in the five-year-old competition.

The champions won six games on their way to the finals including victories over arch-rivals Armed Forces and top sides like Aquinas and Keta Business School (Ketabusco).

Their semi-final clash against Koforidua Secondary Technical School (KSTS) was a delight to watch as the action swung from one end to the other in a fast flowing trend amidst great defensive network from both teams. A momentary loss of concentration cost the Koforidua-based side as a quick fast break was easily tapped in by captain Edem Dumenu just a second before the buzzer was blown to earn them a win by a narrow margin of 67-66. Keta Senior High are counting their lost for the third time in the finals, after numerous free throw misses made them pay in the end against a determined and resolute opponent.

This was the third time in four years that the Volta Region based school have been in the finals and once again they fluffed their defensive to go home empty handed.

Koforidua Secondary Technical School (KSTS) took bronze after they beat the Ashanti regional champions, Prempeh College in the game for the third and fourth place match.

In the girls division, Sacred Heart School was dethroned as champions as Kumasi-based Yaa Asantewaa Girls produced a comeback performance to beat the highly fancied Tema Senior High for gold in an enthralling 41-40 victory. The Port side was cruising to victory until a moment of brilliance from their opponents handed them the famous win with 10 seconds remaining. Twice –champions Sacred Heart settled for the third spot after victory over Akosombo International School.

The two-day competition was watched by a huge crowd of basketball fans.

Among the dignitaries who watched the event were the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Nii Nortey Duah and the Senior Marketing and Operations Manager, Coca Cola, Mrs. Linda Larbi as well as Benjamin Baafi, Chairman of the Greater Accra Basketball Association and some other officials from the game’s fraternity.

The 2012 Sprite Ball Championship was sponsored by Sprite - 'Your thirst' and supported by Indomie Instant Noodles. It was powered by Rite Multimedia-leaders in basketball development and promotion in the country.