Eastern Regional Milo Junior Ball Competition ends

Roman Catholic Junior High School clenched the 2012 edition of the Eastern Regional Milo Junior Ball Competition by beating debutant Akosombo International School 19-17 in a highly exciting contest at Koforidua over the weekend.

The Catholic school, which was the losing finalist last year enjoyed tremendous home support to beat rivals Pentecost Junior High School at the semi-final stage before seeing of the highly impressive Akosombo in an epic clash.

Despite the victory, the day surely belonged to Akosombo's Kojo Attafuah who displayed amazing individual brilliance at the day's championship.

His passing and understanding of the game got many to be on their feet throughout the competition.

The Catholic school needed an extra-time verve to edge out their opponent in the thrilling contest with star man Emmanuel Tamakloe, grabbing the headlines with the winner with three seconds remaining in the game.

It was a wonderful game, perhaps the most entertaining of the tournament. No disrespect to others.

Of course it was a bit sloppy with a combined 15 turnovers, but it had suspense, anger, joy resilience and competitiveness.

The Catholic school bench and part of the crowd at the centre court of the Koforidua Secondary Technical School celebrated all efforts by the team.

Akosombo trailed by five points but took the game to overtime after a three-pointer and an easy lay-up for the debutant.

In the extra-session, the Catholic school again led the way but Akosombo International remained focussed.

With five seconds left to play, the Roman Catholic's Emmanuel Tamakloe put his team up by hitting a contested jump shot.

It was a heartbreaking game for the Mauves and Yellows but with the kind of talents that were on display for the side, they will live to fight another day.

Defending champions Anglican Junior High could only settle for the third spot.

The likes of KOVOC, Madona, Koforidua Riss, Pentecost and Souls Harbour participated in the competition.

By their feat, Roman Catholic and Akosombo International School will represent the region in the grand-finale in Accra April 13 at the El-wak Stadium.

The 2012 Mil Junior Ball Championship is being sponsored by Nestle Milo- the food drink of future champions and powered by Rite Multimedia-leaders in basketball development promotion in Ghana.

GNA