Uganda Women’s U16 team, Junior Gazelles, were crowned winners of the FIBA Africa Zone V qualifiers on Saturday at Amohoro Stadium.
The Ugandan youngsters completed the tournament unbeaten, twice sweeping aside hosts Rwanda as well as Tanzania, and in the process qualified for the African championship that will be hosted in the same city in August.
On Saturday, Junior Gazelles beat Rwanda, 74-49, Shilla Lamunu poured in game-high 29 points. Maria Najjuma, who was the most outstanding player at the week-long event added 20 points and pulled down tournament-high42 rebounds. Regina Ajuma also registered a double-double of 11 points and 17 rebounds.
The qualification is the first for Uganda at the U16 level.
Meanwhile, the boys side lost to Rwanda again but played better than they did in their first game.
The Junior Silverbacks lost 72-51. Waligo Muwanguzi scored team-high 14 points and pulled game-high 6 rebounds. Joseph Dralega added 10 points in the losing effort.
For the two wins over Uganda, Rwanda boys secured the ticket to the continental championship.
All Zone V U16 Qualifiers Results
Day 1: Monday, June 10
Girls: Rwanda 63-74 Tanzania
Day 2: Tuesday, June 11
Girls: Tanzania 39-58 Uganda
Day 3: Wednesday, June 12
Girls: Uganda 63-55 Rwanda
Boys: Rwanda 96-36 Uganda
Day 4: Thursday, June 13
Girls: Tanzania 54-61 Rwanda
Day 5: Friday, June 14
Girls: Uganda 78-36 Tanzania
Day 6: Saturday, June 15
Girls: Rwanda 49-74 Uganda
Boys: Uganda 51-72 Rwanda