The Clock is ticking fast for the 2014 Sprite Ball Star-Game which rolls out on Wednesday December 24 at the Aviation Social Centre in Accra.
The battles lines have been drawn for some of the finest basketball players who graced the court during their Senior High School days.
Undoubtedly, the Sprite Ball competition is the biggest basketball event among the youth in Ghana and continues to chalk increased interest and participation.
Young and budding talents who have had the chance of representing their various schools will play together all in a bid to showcase the crème de la crème of the country’s youth basketball generation.
BASKETBALLghana.com take a dig at the men who wear the Green Shirt at the Aviation Social Centre on December 24 during the Sprite Xpressions and January 10, 2015 for the main competition.
Sydney Larbie (Ghana Secondary Technical School, Takoradi)
A cult figure for the Takoradi-based school, Sydney Larbie left the Western Region with his head above waters having steered the side to three successive victories in the oil region.
The All Star cannot be complete without one of the finest brains to have emerged from the competition’s history.
His knack, character and personality won him several admirers. He redefined shooting efficiency and made the game look easier than ever during the maiden edition of the All-Star game in January this year.
The Central University College player is one of the biggest frontcourt men in the game today and one many would love to see again.
He broke into the team in his first year at GSTS and became an instant hit.
The fact that he was given the captain armband in only his second year bear ample testimony of the trust and faith they reposed in him.
Sydney has been missed by many crazy fans but they will have another opportunity to watch him IN action when he line up his sneakers for the exhibition match at the Aviation Social Centre.
Aaron Dinku (Achimota Senior High)
A new entrant to the All-Star Game, Dinku has paid his dues to one of Ghana’s finest Senior High School.
His demeanour, temperament and skill-set makes him an ideal candidate to wear the Green shirt on December 24. Many are thirsting for his unique blend of skills and character.
Maxwell Mod (Mfantsipim)
He plays his second All-Star Game following his heroics for Mfantsipim. A three-time winner of the national championship is no practical joke and will be required to bring his experience and expertise to bear on the Green Team.
A colossus talent, Mod is hugely regarded among his peers after winning many laurels for the country’s oldest Senior High School.
Martin Oduro (Koforidua Secondary Technical School)
Martin is another piece of interesting case. A huge figure during his time at KSTS, the youngster has blossom from strength to strength.
Now a student of the University of Ghana, he profits from Julian Morgan’s unavailability to gatecrash the squad. A real genius who made the game thick.
McMartey Lawer (Accra Academy)
Having played for one of Ghana’s A-class schools, McMartey is a class act and power play.
His understanding of the game coupled with his IQ and skills endeared him to many basketball aficionados. A real whiz kid and a master controller who commands massive respect among his peers.
Having played for the University of Ghana and currently a key member of Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), he has earned his nomination and subsequent approval.
Junior Awuletey (Pope John Senior High and Junior Seminary)
Critical component of the Pope John team which tormented opponents with ease, the big boy returns to the court with high hopes.
Quite unassuming character, he brings a lot to bear.
Francis Nii Lamptey (St Peters)
He was a big name in the game at the Senior High level. A key architect for St Peters in the Eastern Region, the youngster encrypted his name in gold as he dazzled for his school during his playing time. One chap that many would love to see on the court again.
Emmanuel Wolff (Koforidua Secondary Technical School)
Wolff was another piece in KSTS’s dominance over the past three seasons in the Eastern He was largely responsible for transforming the side. He is more than deserving of a place in the first suit. Never afraid of the big shot, Wolff is going to fit in quite nicely among the elite.
He returned from suspension to play a key role for the side as they won silver at the 2012 Sprite finals in Accra.
Benjamin Sagoe (Aggre Memorial)
Take some time off from the internet and explore the exploits of Sagoe and you will not be far from reaching the conclusion that he is an amazing talent.
The Aggre Memorial graduate was adjudged the best player during the 2010 Indomie Community Dunks- clearly underlying his unyielding potential at the community level.
With huge responsibilities on his shoulders, young Sagoe discharged his duties with perfection as he guided the Cape Coast-based giants to excel at the national level.
Another pure piece many would love to see at the Aviation Social Centre on Wednesday December 24.
Edem Quist (Mfantsipim)
A colossus for Mfantsipim during his three year stay at the school, Quist made a huge name for himself for his outstanding performances for the school. He was peerless during his playing and now a key cult figure for Zenith College Basketball Team.
