Takoradi Polytechnic’s 49-46 win over University of Cape-Coast (UCC) over the weekend in Zone E qualifiers of the 2016 Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges (UPAC) Basketball Championship ended one of the most impressive individual title runs in Ghana basketball history.
T-Poly’s win over the host institution did not only end the dreams of UCC lifting the UPAC Championship trophy but also ended coach Lawrence Ampiah’s medal streak. The soft spoken coach has amassed an impressive haul of medals in several competitions in a short period of time.
In January, Ampiah was at the helm to direct young basketball gems of St. Augustine’s College to win the College’s first ever national title by claiming the prestigious Sprite Ball competition. The win was an unexpected one considering St. Augustine’s, after finishing second in the competition’s maiden year in 2007, had only a quarter final appearance to show for its’ efforts.
However, under the guidance of the astute tactical directions from the coach, “AUGUSCO” won the 2016 Championship by trouncing eternal rivals Mfantsipim School 37-22 in the final.He was named Best Coach of the Tournament.
Two weeks later, Ampiah was back in action this time with the University of Cape-Coast basketball teams at the 24th Ghana Universities Sports Association (GUSA) Games which was held at the University of Education-Winneba.
He and Coach Appak guided the institution’s ladies team to a gold medal in the women’s basketball competition and a bronze medal in the men’s division behind University of Professional Studies and University of Ghana.
His medal streak ended this past weekend at the hands of Takoradi Polytechnic who piped UCC to the win and an appearance in the quarter finals of third UPAC Championship which left him very disappointed.
Preliminary qualifiers for UPAC continue Friday April 1 at Accra Polytechnic where the host, who double as two time champions and defending champions, will be in action against Valley View University, Blue Crest University College and Zenith University College.
The 2016 UPAC Championship is headlined by Rexona, supported by MTN, CAL Bank and Fanyogo in partnership with Basketballghana.com, TV3, YFM and Ghana Sports Newspaper.
