On November 16th, the U19 Girls Basketball Team returned to the Hiranandani Foundation School International (HFSI) tournament with one goal: defending their championship title. After experiencing victory for the first time last year, the team carried the momentum of that high through the academic year, fueled by the lessons and chemistry built during their ISSO games in September, they came back stronger, more unified, and ready to take another trophy home.
The girls dominated both their group stage games against B.D Somani and OIS JVLR, with the score being 23-12 and 23-10 respectively. However, these games were not the most challenging, and in the semis, the girls faced HFSI, a much-improved team that had the support of a home crowd. The game against HFSI started with tension, as the home team seized an early 8-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. HFSI’s aggressive and physical style caught Ascend off guard, leaving the girls frustrated with missed foul calls, and for the first time in the tournament, Ascend found themselves on the back foot. Adjusting their strategy, the girls relied on their faster pace and swift transitions, stationing a player near the basket to claw their way back. By the end of the third quarter, Ascend had narrowed the gap, trailing by just three points. Aanya Vora’s incredible three-pointer tied the game at 15-15, forcing overtime.
With momentum on their side and a better understanding of HFSI’s vulnerabilities, Ascend powered overtime with precise layups, decisive baskets and a newfound understanding of HFSI’s vulnerabilities, securing a 23-17 lead.
In a déjà vu showdown, Ascend faced OIS OGC in the finals—a repeat of last year’s thrilling finals that resulted in the win. The girls rose to the occasion, determined to end the tournament with the same triumph as last year. Having faced OGC multiple times before, the girls knew exactly who to mark, exploiting their opponents’ weaknesses while countering their strengths. From the jump ball, Ascend took control, combining stellar defense and seamless teamwork to secure a smooth 30-21 victory. The girls easily delivered the best performance of the tournament, if not the academic year.
The following day, on November 17th, the U19 Boys Team entered the HFSI tournament with high stakes. After the girls’ victory, the boys were motivated to claim their own title. Following last year’s disappointing final loss and an unfortunate defeat in ISSO, they were ready to redeem themselves and bring the trophy home.
The first match against the home team, HFSI, was an opportunity to set the tone for the tournament. Despite knowing it wasn’t the toughest matchup, the boys knew they had to win to set the tone of the tournament, winning 19-15. Their next game was against Oberoi OGC, a team that had beaten the boys multiple times, nevertheless, they remained confident, starting the match strong, with an impressive 12 point lead going into the third quarter. They were able to create many turnovers, and steals, and
out play them on the fast break. The boys set the tone early in the game, playing a fast paced game, ultimately winning 44-25.
After a long break, they were finally ready to play the semi-final against Edubridge, knowing they needed to win in order to go to the finals. The scorching heat and long break caused fatigue, and soreness, but the boys played strong, able to get a lead, and maintain it, ultimately winning the semi final 26-13. The boys were ecstatic, and finally back in the finals, unbeaten till this match.
In the finals, the boys faced Oberoi OGC in a rematch from the group stages, and Oberoi promised to be ready this time. The boys knew that they needed to forget what happened in the first game, and maintain their concentration for this one, not getting too overconfident. As the match started, the tension could immediately be felt; one team proving themselves, while the other defending their honor. The match started, and the boys found themselves in a stalemate. Every time Ascend scored, Oberoi scored, which frustrated the Ascend players. Finally, Ascend was able to score some three pointers to finally take the lead. Well into the third quarter, Oberoi was showing signs of recovery. Ascend knew that now more than ever they needed to prove ourselves, and persevere through the conditions. Finally, within the last 2 minutes, they pulled away with a 6 point lead continuing playing, with the match ending at 35-23 in Ascend’s favor.
With both teams displaying exceptional skill and resilience, the girls reclaimed their championship title, and the boys achieved redemption. Individual accolades included MVPs Aanya Vora and Yajat Daga, Best Defender Shyanna Shetty, and Best Shooter Aarav Chokhani, highlighting a triumphant tournament for Ascend.
