Gateway triumphs over Royal and Ananda to clinch U-17 cager title
View(s):The journey to the top began with a string of commanding victories in the first round, as Gateway triumphed over Mahanama College (67-31), S. Thomas’ College (55-49), St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa (64-36), and Loyola College, Negombo (87-63).
Standing (from left): Tevan Sella, Samuel Tsung, Ashane Thevarapperuma, Jehan Ranawaka, Navindu Waduwawela, Anujitha Samarasundara, Akain Vitanachi, Areeb Fareen, Nethum Mandilu Seated (from left): Fawzan Tariq (Basketball Coordinator, Boys), Jayanthi Somesekaram De Silva (Head of Sports, Gateway Colombo), Dulain Thevarapperuma (Captain), Dr. Harsha Alles (Chairman, Gateway Group), Jithen Kulatunga (Vice Captain), Tharindu Fernando (Head Coach), Suranji Peiris (Basketball Coordinator, Girls)
At the knockout stages, Gateway advanced to the semi-finals as Colombo International School forfeited their match. In a thrilling semi-final encounter against Royal College, Gateway displayed remarkable resilience and composure under pressure, securing a hard-fought 57-50 victory to earn a spot in the final.
In the grand finale, Gateway delivered a champion’s performance, exhibiting remarkable skill, teamwork, and defensive solidity to overcome Ananda College. With a commanding 68-52 victory, Gateway firmly established itself as the best Under-17 team in Division ‘A’. The team’s stellar performance was further underscored by individual accolades as Ashane Thevarapperuma was named the Most Valuable Player and Dulain Thevarapperuma received the Best Defensive Player award. Sudam Liyanage of Ananda College was recognised as the Best Offensive Player.
Ashane and Dulain Thevarapperuma with their trophies
Gateway Colombo’s triumph at the Sri Lanka Schools’ Basketball Tournament 2024 is a testament to the school’s dedication to nurturing young talent and fostering a culture of excellence in sports. This latest victory adds to the school’s proud legacy in basketball, continuing their success from last year’s All-Island Under-15 Division ‘A’ Championship. The team’s achievements have been bolstered under the expert guidance of head coach Tharindu Fernando, who has recently been appointed as the head coach for Sri Lanka’s Under-16 team.