The tenth anniversary edition of Ghana’s preeminent high school basketball competition-Sprite Ball Championship- came to a close on December 30, 2016 with Opoku Ware School (OWASS) winning the boys division and Wesley Girls High School winning the girl’s division.
Both schools made history with their respective wins with OWASS becoming the first school from the Ashanti Region to win the boys division and Wesley Girls becoming the record winners in the girls division with its latest win.
Basketballghana.com’s Yaw Adjei-Mintah trims the 240 roster in the boys division to five as his best picks in the Championship. The small ball lineup features three players from the winning team and one player from beaten finalist Mfantsipim School and fourth placed Pope John Senior High School respectively.
Point Guard: Sanisa Merdi (Pope John Senior High)
After helping the Eastern side place third in the previous edition, the live wire floor general’s vision and leadership was key in getting a not so talented side out of a tricky group that featured former winner PRESEC-Legon and past then reigning champions St. Augustine’s College in the quarter final.
Shooting Guard Emmanuel Opare (OWASS)
This was the slightly built but nimble playmaker’s third and final stint in the Championship and he made it count by displaying calmness and awareness far beyond his years. His impressive and consistent performances throughout the tournament earn him a spot here.
Small Forward Emmanuel Agyapong (OWASS)
“The Ghost” was not seen when it mattered most as OWASS placed fourth in the last edition but made himself an enigmatic, juggernaut for opponents with his blend of powerful drives, handles and dead eye shooting beyond the arc.
Power Forward Kofi Aboagye Acheampong (Mfantsipim)
Of course the Championship’s Most Valuable Player has to be in here. Playing his final game in the Championship didn’t end the way he wanted but the versatile third year player bagged the most coveted individual award for his tremendous efforts.
Center Harris Amuzu (OWASS)
The soft spoken athletic frontcourt player was the go to guy for the Kumasi side as his three point play gave OWASS the win. His constant energy on the boards was crucial in the final stages of the game.
That little boy Sanisa Merdi of Pope John.if he had get even just one player to help him he will win a championship but I trust him yaw
That boy Sanisa Merdi of Pope John’s chaiii
He is very very dangerous in a tournament
He is going to win I trust him
#MERDIWILLMADEIT
I’m not surprised Sanisa merdi is playinging this good. I’ve known him for quite sometime now and I know for a fact that he’s quite good. The chap works really good. Keep your head up Sani, you know we’ve got your back.
#Spriteball
Sanisa Merdi has to be trusted. The point of death he can make the team survive.
Sanisa is a good player who needs a little help and more courage…..the sky is never the limit you can go beyond.
All I knew about ball growing up from my city was this Sanisa boy…He really deserves a crown
Merdi adey feel De courage and strength DAT u put in De team hayaya Charley de spirit ball trophy is is coming to pojoss vhim
Sanisa is one of the best in the youth as far as basketball is concerned . Trust me on this as far as God is his helper he will not fail us. Us meaning Ghanaians
Sanisa Merdi.This guy is very talented.He’s got a lot to offer.Watch out for him.
#SPRITEBALL
#MERDIWILLMADEIT
SANISA. HMMM, THAT GUY, THAT POJOSS GUY AM AFRAID OF HIM WHEN IT COMES TO BASKETBALL ? HE PLAY ANKASA. ONE THING THAT MAKES ME LIKE HIM MORE IS THAT,HE FEAR GOD, AND ALWAYS PUT GOD FIRST IN ANY STEP HE TAKES. KEEP IT UP DEAR GHANAIANS ARE REALLY PROUD OF YOU ????