Abu Dhabi’s second weekend of games belonged to the International School of Choueifat (ISC) as they went a perfect three-for-three and featured a two-time MVP.
Karthik Raj led the ISC U16 team to wins in both of their contests, first defeating Al Bateen 57-9 and then Al Ain English Speaking School (AAESS) 40-21 at New York University yesterday.
The dynamic point guard followed his 23-point effort in the opening victory with 19 points, four rebounds and five steals later in the day.
Despite the physical toll of playing a doubleheader, Raj delivered two performances worthy of earning him player of the game honours.
“You just have to relax and rest a bit” Raj said.
“Even in the second game, about the fourth quarter I started cramping up. I just let my team take over from there and they handled it really well.”
Raj has welcomed a larger role for ISC in the NSL after playing the team which reached the semi-finals of the High School Basketball Championship in February.
“It was a really good experience there, just seeing everyone play to their best,” he said.
“All the teams were really good so it helped me a lot to improve as a player.”
While Raj was impressing for the ISC U16 team, the player who considers him a mentor spurred the U14 squad.
Khalifa Al Khoori nearly outscored 21st Century Private School himself with 15 points in the 33-18 victory over the Centurians.
“It feels good, it’s all because of my coach. I give him full credit,” the Emirati said.
“It was a very good game, the other team played properly, but we just listened to our coach and executed properly.”
Stefanita Buzatu had a long day coaching all three ISC teams, but it was well worth it as he was pleased with the all-round success they achieved.
“All the teams played very well and my best players did very well,” Buzatu said.
“It’s a better second week for them and I think they will feel comfortable because I believe in them. If they play like today, they’ll have a chance.”
Though the Centurians were tripped up in U14, their U16 team finished the weekend strongly with wins against the Philippine Emirates Private School (PEPS) and Al Bateen.
In the game of the day, the Centurions received a stat-stuff performance from Maynard Hernandez to outlast the Red Hawks 46-39.
“We won this game by heart, not by points or assists or rebounds,” Hernandez said. “We still need improvement, but what’s sure is we play as a team and we play with heart.”
The point guard looked comfortable and in control on the court, tallying nine points, six rebounds and six assists.
“Basketball is like my sanctuary,” he said. “When I play, it’s like I’m in a whole other world and I can disregard all my problems.”
The Centurians later capped the afternoon with a 61-23 win against Al Bateen. Louis Jaramillo earned top individual honours this time as the centre cleaned the glass to the tune of 21 rebounds, adding to his four points and four steals.
With victories in each of their three games so far in the tournament, 21st Century hold the lone spot atop the U16 standings.
In U14, The Model School bounced back after last weekend’s loss by beating Al Bateen 60-23.
Azaan Mujeeb recorded a double-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds and six steals to give his team their first win.
