CIV U19 Beats Ghana's Best Team
Aviation Social Centre - A sparse crowd at the game venue watched on as Ghana's best basketball club side lost to the Ivorian national U19 side headed to the FIBA U19 World Championship in Czech Republic scheduled between 27th June - 7th July. The Ivorian team were in town for two days to get their visas for their contigent from the Czech embassy in Accra.
The game which started out quite physical ended with a 65-54 score line in favor of the Ivorian team. Braves seemed to have a hold on the game in the first half. However, the Ivorians' patience in execution on offense caused the not so well organized Braves defense a lot of problems often leading to open jumpers. The world Champioship bound team showed impressive skills in breaking Braves' full court presses, an ability that is a must have when venturing into a tournament with the likes of the USA and many countries that have superior basketball skill and knowledge. The Ivorians preparedness plus the lack of organization in Braves' game and a bad shooting day for Dodzie appropriately sums up the events of the day.
Many in the basketball community have shared opinions to the effect that this lose should be considered a wake up call to all involved in basketball in Ghana. Many expressed worry about the fact that our level of basketball is still quite low, condsidering our best team (who have not lost only two games in 10 years) got beat by a U19 side. Others were also of the opinion that Braves played very well, only that the Ivorians were a better team and that the lose should only be used as a motivation to work harder to improve our overall game.
well written. this was long coming. wish they could had played against an all star team instead
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