KSSSA Games: Agoro Sare, Kwanthanze cruise to finals
It is good news for Nyanza, Eastern and Coast regions as this term 1 school games at Machakos High School proved very successful to them.
In boys' basketball, Agoro Sare High has made history with their maiden finals after seeing off heavyweights Dagoretti High School 67-44 in a hotly contested duel that attracted huge buzz on the sidelines.
Both teams utilized their guards well to drive the show but it was the Homabay County-based side who were swift off the blocks and punished the Nairobi County opponents' lacklustre defending. The half-time score was a tight 28-22 for Agoro Sare in what was combative and aggressive from both sets of players with their respective coaches shouting instructions from the touchline.
In another exciting game, Laiser Hill Academy was stunned by the Coastal team 65-58. The 2022 National Champions came to the party with sleek basketball offensively but also astute cover defensively as the coastal boys under the tutelage of Kevin Aran put in a shift. However, interestingly the game had to go into overtime after a tie of 50-50 in regular time as both sides refused to cede ground.
With some technical adjustments working and building momentum, St Aggreys managed a score of 15-8 to close it home and send their entourage into a frenzy of dance and hugs.
Elsewhere in the Boys Rugby 15s event, Butula High School is returning to the finals for a second consecutive time following their impressive but tedious 32-23 win over Kitondo School on a far-from-perfect pitch.
Head Coach Shimenga Livondo for the Western region giants had to make some changes on style and substance with key personnel but was met by an activated Kitondo who came alive in the dying embers of the game.
A penalty kick and a drop shot almost put Kitondo back on track but a try and conversion from the champions led by captain Adrian Kwesa was all needed to take the game to fruition.
Meanwhile, in the boys' hockey semi-finals, the championship will pit Western sides St Anthony's Kitale and Musingu High School.
The Kitale-based side won 2-1 against Nairobi School whereas Musingu saw off St Charles Lwanga 4-2 in a frenetic affair buoyed by charged crowds urging their favourite teams on.
St Anthony knew fully well the danger and potential of Musingu having met them severally in the regional games and as such their bench is wary even if they have so far a good record at Machakos this far.
In ladies' handball, Eastern heavyweights Kwathanze beat Murundiko 22-17 in the semis to underscore their title mettle. Linah Ogweno and Terry Mainlyne contributed eight goals apiece despite Kwathanze being down 11-08 at the break. 
