Dechenchholing Higher Secondary School (HSS) and Yangchenphug HSS won the Thimphu thromde intra-school youth basketball championship that ended yesterday.

Taking the lead right from the start and dominating the game, Dechenchholing girls beat Yangchenphug 29-20.

As the two prepared for the finale after defeating five other teams in the league rounds, the finale saw a huge turnout, with supporters of Dechenchholing HSS occupying most parts of the indoor basketball stadium at the Swimming Pool Complex.

The quick-footed and skilled Tandin Wangmo made all the difference for team Dechenchholing. While the opponents struggled to contain her, the 16-year-old dived in through the queue of defenders to score and lead her team. Their height also played a part in their win as they got most of the rebounds.

Tandin Wangmo won the Most Valuable Player award. Ugyen Kelzang Phuntsho of Yangchenphug won the most valuable player award in the boys’ category.

Ugyen Kelpzang Phuntsho said, “It’s a proud moment for me to win the award. This would keep me motivated.”

In the other final, boys from Yangchenphug defeated Nima HSS 38-56. After their girls’ team failed to secure the champions trophy over Dechenchholing girls, the boys showed the winning play since the beginning. The boys almost doubled the lead at the end of second quarter 33-19.

Nima HSS won three free throws in the dying seconds. However, they could convert only one as the consolation. The finale ended 38-56 in favor of Yangchenphug boys.

Bhutan Basketball Federation organised the tournament to develop the sport from the grassroots and to select potential players for the national squad.

A total of 14 teams took part in the tournament that began on September 3.

Nima