Dates: 19–20 July 2025
Venue: Mandeville Indoor Sports Centre
The 2025 Basketball National League Schools Challenge tipped off with tenacious matchups, spirited performances, and the emergence of several standout student-athletes. With group standings on the line and a chance to represent their school on a national stage, players left everything on the floor.
St Benedict’s College 45 – 30 St David’s Marist Inanda
Boys Division
MVP: Bahle Mazibuko (6 PTS, 5 AST, 4 REB, 6 STL)
St Benedict’s came out composed and efficient to open the tournament with a 45–30 win over St David’s. Mazibuko was relentless on defense, turning steals into scores, while Redirile Makgoro (10 points, 10 rebounds) anchored the interior.
Key Stats:
Turnover Points: SBC 24
Fast Break Points: SBC 10
Field Goals: SBC 42%, SDM 31%
St Stithians Girls 41 – 38 Trinity College Glenvista
Girls Division
MVP: Zuri Jimerson (16 PTS, 7 REB, 6 STL, 1 BLK)
In a thrilling back-and-forth encounter, Zuri Jimerson led St Stithians with an all-round performance, including clutch steals and transition finishes. Trinity mounted a late comeback, but Jimerson’s two-way dominance secured Saints the 3-point victory.
Key Stats:
Points in the Paint: Trinity 36 – Saints 32
Garbini: 12 PTS, 13 REB
Final Quarter: 10–7 in favour of Saints
St Benedict’s College 44 – 34 Saheti School
Boys Division
MVP: Leandro Voronou (7 PTS, 15 REB, 1 BLK)
After a slow start, SBC roared back in the second quarter with a 17–2 run. Voronou’s rebounding dominance and interior presence were pivotal as Saheti struggled to find clean looks inside.
Key Stats:
Points from Turnovers: SBC 21
Bench Points: SBC 17
Saheti FG%: 27%
Sacred Heart College 69 – 5 Saheti School Girls
Girls Division
MVP: Nolitha Cele (25 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 8 STL)
Nolitha Cele delivered a jaw-dropping performance in Sacred Heart’s overwhelming win. Her full-court pressure fueled Sacred Heart’s transition game, while Cecile Lufungula and Annaelle Mwanza cleaned up on the boards.
Key Stats:
Points from Turnovers: SHC 31
FG Shooting: SHC 37%, SSG 4.5%
Fast Break Points: SHC 32
St David’s Marist Inanda 49 – 39 Saheti School
Boys Division
MVP: Matthew Horwood (17 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL)
St David’s regrouped from their Saturday loss with an assertive second-half performance. Horwood played with poise and composure, finding teammates and hitting timely buckets to shut down Saheti’s momentum.
Key Stats:
Turnovers: Saheti 29
Points from Turnovers: SDM 21
Biggest Lead: SDM +12
The first weekend of the 2025 BNL Schools Challenge delivered a dynamic mix of disciplined team play and individual brilliance. Five MVPs, five statement wins, and five schools earning respect on the court. As teams prepare for Week 2, the bar has been set high.
Special recognition to our Krispy Kreme MVPs of the Match – five young athletes who showed talent, leadership, and game-changing impact.
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