Sonics and Knights Crowned Goa All-Star Games Champions

In the women's section Sonics beat YMCA Infiknights 30-26, while in the men, YMCA Knights outclassed Lourdes Basketball Club 56-53.

Panjim, 16th July 2023: Across two engrossing and gripping finals, Sonics triumphed over Infiknights, and YMCA Knights secured victory against Lourdes Basketball Club, in the women’s and men’s sections respectively.

This marked the culmination of the season-opening Goa All-Star Games, played at Don Bosco Oratory, and organized by YMCA Knights Basketball Club.

The women's finals showcased a gripping clash between the Sonics and the YMCA Infiknights, resulting in a 30-26 triumph for the Sonics.

Sonics

Sonics’ size, in particular, stood out, against their smaller rivals. The Sonics' captain Bhawna led her team with an impressive 13 points, while centre Shimi added 9 points. Bhawna was named the tournament MVP. The YMCA Infiknights put up a valiant effort, with Amisha leading the charge with 11 points, closely followed by Charmaine with 6 points. The game was a closely contested affair throughout, with each quarter displaying intense competition. However, the Sonics managed to maintain their composure and clinch the win.

In the men's finals, the YMCA Knights emerged victorious with a narrow 56-53 triumph over the Lourdes Basketball Club. YMCA Knights' Flobert Monteiro was the standout performer, contributing an impressive 21 points. Monteiro was deservedly named tournament MVP. Shaun Aranjo and Abraham Menezes both added 11 points to their team's tally. Lourdes Basketball Club fought tooth and nail, with captain Jeshua Pinto leading the charge with a stellar 28-point performance, supported by Jordan Dias’s 11. Meanwhile, Lourdes’ Micah Pinto was named the upcoming player.

YMCA Knights Club

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with each team displaying their prowess in a battle that saw Knights take the lead, only to see Lourdes clawing back against the odds. But the more experienced Knights showcased their resilience, executing crucial plays throughout the game.

A veteran’s men’s match was also held between Roy’s Knights and Shane’s Jordans, which was easily won by the former 44-25.

Among side events, YMCA Knights’ Flobert Monteiro also won the three-point competition, while teenager Bosco was named winner of the inaugural #EkNumber trickshot contest, powered by Ekalavyas.

Finals Results (16-7-23)

1. Women: Sonics (Bhawna 13, Shimi 9) bt YMCA Infiknights (Amisha 11, Charmaine 6) 30-26 [5-6, 4-0, 8-5, 13-15]

2. Men: YMCA Knights (Flobert Monteiro 21, Shaun Aranjo 11, Abraham Menezes 11) bt Lourdes Basketball Club (Jeshua Pinto 28, Jordan Dias 11) 56-53 [11-13, 19-7, 15-15, 11-18]