MASAKA-Leo Bourque Basketball team (LBBT) on Saturday emerged overall winner of the first basketball gala organized in Masaka.
The event dubbed 5 ON 5 was held at Kimaanya basketball court attracting dozens of fans.
It was organized in honor of Late Fr. Leo Bourque, a Catholic priest who spearheaded the promotion of basketball game in the greater Masaka.
LBBT took the trophy after defeating four big teams including Muteesa I Royal University (MRU), Salama Shield, Manya Hoops and St. Bernard’s Manya SS in highly competitive games.
The team registered great success from its opening game and triumphed throughout to the final play with Salama Shield.
For over years and until this day, big teams mainly MRU and Salama shield have greatly played with the right spirit but failed to put up good results on the scores board to win their number one rival LBBT.
Although other teams failed take the trophy they were commended for their glaring and spirited performance that inspired upcoming players.
Denis Angulo and Allan Michael Lugemwa (LBBT), and Geoffrey Owori of Manya Hoops received special recognition for best players of the gala.
They exhibited true talent and provided critical support during quite chancy moments.
“We based our game on teamwork. Ball passing, excellent execution on fast breaks and falling back solidify our defense. Thanks to the team, job well done.” Said Lugemwa, the LBBT captain.
Angulu and Owori attribute their great performance to hard work and persistence.
Veteran players and different sports figures present looked at the gala as one avenue to promote regional basketball games.
Winston Ngabirano, one of the referees, said there were some funny moments and unbelievable memories that will remain for some time.
“We awarded many free throws but very few yielded points. Also some players got injured during a rough episode of rival teams.” He recounted.
The gala draw multitudes of fans but the organizers said the number of players and fans may double next time, given enough funds to hype the event.
Fr. Bourque built standard basketball courts at Kimanya and Bukalasa seminary.
NO TEAM A SCORE BOARD TEAM B
1 LBBT 43 33 MRU
2 ST,BERNARD’S 49 37 SALAMA SHIELD
3 LBBT 56 35 MANAYA HOOPS
4 MRU 51 42 ST,BERNARD’S
5 MANAYA HOOPS 40 42 SALAMA SHIELD
6 LBBT 51 45 ST,BERNARD’S
7 MRU 30 33 SALAMA SHIELD
8 ST,BERNARD’S 46 49 MANAYA HOOPS
9 SALAMA SHIELD 40 57 LBBT
10 MANAYA HOOPS 45 44 MRU
