Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: YMCA Knights lifted the All Goa Basketball Men’s Team Championship title with a commanding 72 to 56 victory over Sonics in the final held at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium in Navelim. The match delivered high quality basketball and intense competition, and the final score did not fully reflect how closely fought the contest remained for most of the evening.
Sonics began with confidence and surprised the favourites through disciplined play and sharp shooting. Their effort earned them a 27 to 24 lead at the half time break. The third quarter continued in similar fashion as both sides traded baskets, and YMCA Knights edged ahead narrowly at 43 to 41. The contest appeared set for a tense finish before the champions produced a decisive burst in the closing period.
The final quarter proved to be the turning point as the Knights raised their tempo in attack and tightened their defence. They outscored Sonics 29 to 15 during this phase to pull clear and secure the trophy. Jaeden Vas led the scoring with 22 points and impressed with his defensive work, while Shaun Aranjo contributed 16 points and earned the Most Valuable Player award for his control and timely conversions. For Sonics, Calvin D’Mello scored 16 points and Yash Vedant added 12, but their resistance faded under sustained pressure.
The semi finals earlier in the tournament had already set the stage for an exciting climax. Sonics defeated Loyola HS Hoopers 45 to 40 in a contest that brought together experience and skill from different generations. Veterans such as Spencer Viegas, Daley Fernandes and Bosco Furtado played influential roles and thrilled the crowd with flashes of classic style, while Arthur D’Souza and David Moritokkal guided the team through crucial moments.
In the other semi final, YMCA Knights overcame Don Bosco Sports Academy Fatorda 64 to 58 in a gripping encounter. Shaun Aranjo shone with 23 points and received strong support from Jaeden Vas with 16. Fatorda fought hard through Aaron Ponraj, Micah Pinto and Aaryan Raut, but the Knights held their nerve to reach the summit clash and eventually claim the championship crown.
