Build up to historic 2012 Milo Junior Ball Finals: Last five in waiting!!

The grand-finale of the 2012 Milo Junior Ball is days away and after assessing the chances of the three schools, we delve deep and check out what the last five brings to the table.

Garrison Basic School (Accra)

They have been twice unlucky in the Greater Accra Regional qualifiers and must quickly put the disappointment behind them in their quest to end the voodoo.

Before their shock Greater Accra finals defeat to unassuming Kalvary School, they were touted as one of the favourite to finish top of the podium.

Despite the setback, they still possess quality in depth and that means they have a super chance of ensuring the title remains in the capital.

They must eschew complacency which many pundits argue accounted for their defeat in the finals. Confidence should obviously be low but head coach Isaac Essel must do a lot of pep-talk in the dressing room to challenge for the title.

Forwards Christopher Dogbe and Samson Nartey both provide power in the paint and efficiency on the glass while Felix Yanney adds athleticism and firepower. If the mentality s right and they start well, they could be a train which will be difficult to slow down.

It all falls in their court and how they approach the tournament-knowing another complacent tactics will prove disastrous for them.

Akosombo International School (Koforidua).

Bridesmaid in the Eastern region, the failure of Akosombo International to realize their potential and deliver against eye-popping performances from winners Roman Catholic Junior High School will surely make them sit.

They made their first appearance in the regional qualifiers and never disappointed with fine performances at the centre court of the Koforidua Secondary Technical School (K.S.T.S) and they will not like to rub their noses into the dirt for the second time.

There is a sneaky feeling that they can fire on all cylinders if sensational kwadwo Attafuah finds his rhythm. The irrepressible youngster will pull the strings. They have great intensity in Seth Eshun and Derrick Kyei.

They have to really prove themselves against the big teams away from the comfort of their home floor and also have to find the shots and plays to break down zone defences effectively and the 13-year-old is the player to spearhead that challenge

His passing, understanding of the game, sublime piece of skills and the character on the court was without doubt.

The level of experience that he’s garnered in his debut season will prove consequential in their quest to make a huge impact at the grand-finale in Accra on April 13.

One of the aims of Akosombo International is to improve offensively, a department they struggled in the final game against Roman Catholic Junior High School.

Ghana Lebanon and Islamic School (Accra)

A team with absolutely nothing to lose, Ghana Lebanon and Islamic School can relax and play knowing that they could sneak up on the rails with all eyes on the big boys in the game: Kalvary, Mfantsipim Basic and Roman Catholic Junior High School .

After placing fourth in the Greater Accra Regional qualifiers on March 17, there is some amount of relief on them to play their normal game freely without the burden of expectation.

But in a competition which has produced some major upsets in the past, the side cannot be underestimated under any circumstance especially with brothers Mohammed and Ahmed Hallab, Abdul Malik Alhassan, Fuad Lamptey, Ridwan Ajaj and Jaleel Abubakar in full swing.

Catholic Jubilee Junior High School (Cape Coast)

Making their second successive appearance in the grand-finale, Catholic Jubilee will be one of the side’s to watch as they come into the championship with huge prospects.

Having secured a breathtaking title in the Central Regional qualifiers in 2011, Jubilee lost the plot on their title defence against an improved Mfantsipim side a year on and settled for silver, which was enough though to seal their qualification to the finals in Accra.

Teams that dare to criticize or write them off could be made to eat humble pie and should therefore be seen as one of the favorites for the title.

With Augustine Abbey and Yaw Acheampong, they have two of the most productive and dangerous players around and they can be a devastating duo. They have a great mix of experience and youth on their roster.

Base Ordnance Depot (Accra).

With hard-nosed and talented players, a great team ethic, a promising coach and some of the noisiest fans around, it’s no surprise that Base Ordnance Depot made it to the finals. Unfortunately for the Burma-camp based side, they will pitch their strength against the some of the finest sides drawn from three regions which means it would be considered a surprise if they progress.

Justice Ansong leads the team in the front court while in Paul Tawiah, they have one of the top performers expected to light the tournament. He offers such a great inside-outside threat and could hold the key.

Admittedly it’s going to be tough for them but they will be highly respected and are more than capable of beating anyone if the play to their full potential and get a bit of luck. Their ability to dictate tempo and play hard defense will be critical.

Wish the Super-8 all the best ahead of the 2012 Milo Junior Ball Championship slated for the El-Wak Stadium in Accra on Friday April 13.

See all fans in Accra. 

Editor-In-Chief,

Patrick Akoto