Don Bosco High School, Naigaon clinched the under – 12 girls, Palghar District Level, Basketball Championship on Saturday, 3rd February, 2024. The team, primarily consisting of the juniors, inspired and encouraged by the vice-principal, and sports in-charge, Fr. Joaquim Fernandes, were ecstatic to win.

The team dominated the match, defeating ACES School, Tarapur in the quarterfinals with a 30-0 record. In the semifinal, they defeated Isaac Newton School 16-0. In the Finals, they defeated St. Xavier English Medium School (ICSE) 6-0.

Pranjal Valanthra, Rachel Okoh, Merit Victor Amadi, and Desire Uka formed the core of the team’s offensive. The coach, Abraham Thomas stated that on both ends of the court, Rachel Okoh is possibly the most influential player in the team. “She can reach any area on the floor in single coverage with her remarkable agility, power, and ability to shoot over almost every defender. She manages the defence and blocks nearly all shots,” he said.

Rachel Okoh has received the MVP title for girls under the age of twelve and is eligible for a monetary incentive for the academic year, 2023-2024. “I’m happy to have brought joy to my parents and honour to my school; I’ve worked really hard for this,” Says Rachel Okoh.

Each team member received a medal and a certificate of achievement.

Coach Abraham Thomas was pleased with the girls’ desire to put in a lot of preparation time as well as their passion and agility during the game. “The game has advanced over the past few months, and the team is really focused, with each player putting in her best effort,” he said.

Fr. Anthony Fonseca, the principal, commended the coaches and the team for their unwavering work ethic and for elevating the school’s reputation.

By – Dorothy Fernandes