USSSA Ball Games II Netball: Kyantamba Hangs Noa, Namagabi, Baptist Keep Dream Alive in Gulu

By Kayiira Jackson 

Kyantamba Secondary School produced the biggest upset of the USSSA Ball Games II netball Round of 32 after eliminating tournament giants St Noa Girls Secondary School with a thrilling 25-24 victory on Monday at Gulu High School.

In one of the standout performances of the day, Kyantamba’s shooting duo of Specius Namugenyi and Nabandeke Shanitah remained composed throughout a tense contest, converting crucial chances with remarkable accuracy to edge out one of the tournament favourites and book a place in the Round of 16.

Joining them in the next stage is Kayunga District champion Namagabi Secondary School, who overcame Light High School Sseguku 22-17 in another closely contested encounter. Namagabi kept their composure in the closing stages to seal their place among the last 16, setting up a mouthwatering clash against Kibuli Secondary School.

Another blockbuster fixture saw Kaduggala Secondary School edge Greenlight Islamic Secondary School 17-15 in what many considered the match of the day at Gulu High School playground. Kaduggala held their nerve in a fiercely contested battle, while Greenlight’s normally reliable shooter, Korea, struggled to find her rhythm and paid the price.

However, the result remains subject to change after Greenlight Islamic lodged a petition with USSSA, alleging that Kaduggala fielded an ineligible player. Tournament organisers are yet to issue a verdict, leaving the final Round of 16 slot involving Kaduggala hanging in the balance.

Defending champions Buddo Secondary School underlined their title credentials with a commanding 39-10 victory over Munta Royal College, while Kibuli Secondary School squeezed past Kajjansi Progressive 23-22 in one of the closest contests of the opening knockout round.

The Round of 16 will be played on Tuesday morning at Gulu High School.

Round of 32 Results

Buddo SS 39-10 Munta Royal College

St Bernard SSS 16-26 Katende Progressive

Ngando SS 24-19 St Jerome

Dynamic SS 22-19 St Francis Busunju

Namagabi SS 22-17 Light High Sseguku

Baptist High School 29-17 St Charles Lwanga Kasasa

Kibuli SS 23-22 Kajjansi Progressive

St Noa Girls Secondary School 24-25 Kyantamba SS

Hamdan Islamic 26-17 Bulo Parents

Light College Katikamu 28-21 Lugazi Homeland College

Kawanda SS 35-11 Yomako

Blessed Sacrament Kimanya 14-25 Masindi Army

Nile Citizen 29-13 Arua Public

Merryland 18-19 Kasawo SS

Kaduggala SS 17-15 Greenlight Islamic

St Mary’s Kitende 23-16 Kyotera Parents

Round of 16 Fixtures

Buddo SS vs Ngando SS

Namagabi SS vs Kibuli SS

Hamdan Islamic vs Kawanda SS

Nile Citizen vs Kaduggala SS/Greenlight Islamic

Katende Progressive vs Dynamic SS

Baptist High School vs Kyantamba SS

Light College Katikamu vs Blessed Sacrament Kimanya

Merryland vs St Mary’s Kitende