Imperial Knights and DPS Sharjah crowned champions at Berry Hills IBS League Tournament 2015

Dubai, June 1, 2015: Imperial Knights and DPS Sharjah were crowned champions in the men and women categories respectively of the tenth edition of Berry Hills Indian Basketball League Tournament. Imperial Knights beat Nucaf Beatrice 74-62 in a hard fought encounter. A large crowd of basketball fans who had congregated at the Salah Al Deen Indoor Hall in Al Mamzar to witness the finals were treated to an electrifying battle. 

In the women’s category, DPS Sharjah upset Earnest Eagles 51-44. DPS Dubai beat Our Own English High School, Sharjah, to lift the Under-19 Inter School Division of the league.

Prizes were distributed by Mr. Sameer K. Mohammed, patron of IBS League Tournament and Managing Director of Jaleel Holdings, and Mr. Suneel Aggarwal, Managing Director of GRP Industries and Dr. Kedar Vartak, Managing Director of Dr. Kedar Dental Centre, Sharjah. The trophies, individual prizes and merit certificates were given to the teams that finished First, Second and Third in the league.

“The Berry Hills IBS League Tournament, which promotes sports culture among the children and create awareness among them on engaging in physical activities and following a healthy lifestyle. We are keen on promoting and highlighting sports activities at corporate level as well. A strong sports culture create have a positive impact in terms of productivity and fitness. Our strategy is in line with the approach of the country’s prudent leaders, who constantly stress the importance of sports and ensure to providing all means of support to the sports enthusiasts,” said Mr. Sameer K Mohamed. 

“The 40-day long Tournament, began on April 17, 2015, featured a total of 36 teams competing during the season. A total of 82 matches were played during the Tournament, in which around 450 players and coaches represented various clubs and institutions. Out of the 36 teams, 10 teams played in the Men’s matches, four teams in the Women’s matches, nine teams in the Under-19 Inter School Boys’ matches, eight teams in the Under-13 Boys matches and five teams in the Under-13 Girls matches. The matches for Men, U-13 Boys and U-13 Girls competed for the Berry Hills Trophy, while the Women’s teams and U-19 Inter School Boys teams played for other trophies,” said Mr. G Vijaykumar, Honorary Secretary of the IBS-UAE. 

During the finals, Imperial Knights started the game with a 28-16 lead and never looked behind after. Shankar Viswanath netted 11 points which include 3-three points and Shashi Kumar scored 9 points from the post in the first quarter. Knights tightly marked Beatrice's semi-final hero Aaron who couldn't open the account in the first quarter. Knights added 16-13 run in the second period and enjoyed a 44-29 halftime advantage. 

Special Trophies and Gift Vouchers were presented to the Most Valuable Players (3 Nos), the Most Promising Players (3 Nos) U-13 Promising Players (8 Nos), Top Scorers (3 Nos); the Best Post Players (3 Nos), the Best Defensive Players (3 Nos) and the Best 3-Point Shooters (3 Nos). Ten teams for the Men’s matches were divided into two Pools - 20 league matches plus Semi Finals, Losers Finals and Finals. 

The men’s team players in the League Tournament were current and former Indian national, state and university players, and currently employed in the UAE. The Women’s team players were mostly from various colleges, universities and schools in the UAE; and young Physical Education teachers from various schools were also part of the Tournament. The U-13 Boys and U-13 Girls matches were open to all nationalities playing under the banner of clubs or institutions in the UAE.

The U-13 Boys included eight teams, which were divided into two Pools - 12 league matches plus Semi Finals, Losers Finals and Finals. The Pool-A included DPS-Dubai, NIMS-Dubai and NIMS City Sparks. Pool-B: Indian High School-Dubai, DPS-Sharjah, NIMS-Sharjah and Model School-Abu Dhabi. The U-13 Girls category will have five teams: Round Robin League - 10 league matches, two Semi Finals and Finals. The players are from DPS-Sharjah, DPS-Dubai, GEMS Our Own School-Dubai, Indian High School-Dubai and Ibn Seena English School-Sharjah. The Women’s category will have four teams: Round Robin League six matches plus two Semi Finals and Finals. The teams included Earnest Eagles, DPS-Sharjah, Arabian Gazelles and Dubai Angels.