The 2009 Kodai Open Boys basketball tournament took place on the 9-10 October. Ten teams participated, traveling from areas such as Madurai, Batlagundu, Dindigul, and as far away as Chennai. The covered courts were buzzing with excited players, students and staff. The atmosphere was electric as the students readied to support their three teams participating in the contest.The tournament opened with the KIS senior team taking on NSVV MHSS, while another KIS team—known as the “X” team, put together just the day before—taking on MCTM Chennai. Both Kodai teams played hard, with the KIS “X” team exhibiting a strong, solid team effort despite having never practiced together. Still, the more experienced MCTM team defeated them 41-28. On the other court, the KIS senior team trailed NSVV the entire game, but never gave up. With just minutes left on the clock, and with the support of the students and staff in the stands, KIS took their first lead of the game. NSVV came back with a three pointer to regain the advantage, but the KIS boys battled harder. Key baskets by Nihal Chowdhury and Abishesh Dhakhwa helped KIS forge ahead and eventually come up on top, 24-22, in a thrilling finish. Defensively, the senior boys were stellar in the 2nd half, holding their opponents to just 9 points, which is the total amount of points scored against them in just the first quarter! Worawit Singsomdee was the team’s leading scorer with 12 points.
The next game featured the KIS super senior team, who handled their first opponent with ease. Asef Ahmed led the team with 23 points as they put away the Government Boys HSS team, 37-5. Meanwhile, in the final two games of the night, American College HSS Madurai downed NSVV Boys HSS 67-39, while the Kodai senior boys met MCTM Chennai. MCTM outsized the Kodai boys, but again, the senior team showed determination and heart, playing hard to the very end. Worawit Singsomdee was the high scorer again with 10 points, and Nihal Chowdhury added the other 6 points in the 42-16 defeat.
Saturday afternoon featured two semi-final games that would determine the evening’s finalists: MCTM Chennai vs. MSP Solai Nadar MHSS Dindigul, and the KIS super seniors vs American College HSS Madurai. MCTM Chennai and MSP Solai Nadar played a tight game, with MCTM Chennai eventually coming out on top 65-59. On the inside court, the KIS super seniors again showed their skill and teamwork as they battled their opponent. Several players were in foul trouble early, but they settled down and cruised to a 71-42 victory. Varun Varadaraj racked up 18 of those points.
That evening, the final game of the tournament took place between the KIS super seniors and MCTC Chennai. Chennai got off to a quick lead. KIS responded, but the Chennai time out stifled the attack and KIS never recovered. MCTC was nearly perfect with their shooting, exhibiting an outstanding performance. The final score was 65-41, with Asef Ahmed contributing 14 points to the cause.
The tournament ended with KIS PE teacher and tournament organizer Mr Marvin Ambrose celebrating the finalists and congratulating the champions. The students showed their appreciation for the three teams who represented them honourably by singing the Kodai School song. Well played, Kodai boys! We’re proud of you!
Beth Dagitses
PE department
