•Mutoro plans to shuffle players for the upcoming match and has emphasised the importance of tactical readiness.
•Laiser Hill's commanding performance in their opener, where they defeated Lukenya Academy 73-69, showcased their prowess in the face of a formidable challenge.
Image: TEDDY MULEI
Boys’ basketball defending champions Laiser Hill head coach, Erick Mutoro is bullish ahead of their encounter with last year's runners-up Dagorreti High.
“I’ve watched them play in the regional games and all we need is some good rest to clear our minds before the match-up on Wednesday. I am confident we will beat them,” Mutoro quipped.
Last year, the Rift Valley-based school saw off Dagoretti 45-43 to clinch their ninth national title in 17 years.
Mutoro plans to shuffle players for the upcoming match and has emphasised the importance of tactical readiness.
“I need to go back to the drawing board. I have to move some players to different positions. By tomorrow, we will have a different team,”
“We still have two more games. We need to go back and clear our minds, re-strategise and come back stronger tomorrow.”
Addressing areas of improvement from last year, Mutoro highlighted their focus on rebounding to ensure a steady defence against Dagorreti's offensive prowess.
“Defensively, I have to work on the rebounding. Last year, they out-rebounded us even though we won. Right now, I have a good team that is good in rebounds,” he stated.
Laiser Hill's commanding performance in their opener, where they defeated Lukenya Academy 73-69, showcased their prowess in the face of a formidable challenge. Mutoro was, however, quick to acknowledge their opponent, stating that they had put them through the test.
"The game was a test of our mettle. Lukenya pushed us hard, but we're pleased to secure the win," he acknowledged.
Lukenya's coach, Deng Garan, praised his team's resilience despite the loss, recognising Laiser Hill's dominance in the tournament.
"Facing Laiser Hill is a challenge, but losing by just four points proves our competitiveness," Garan remarked.
Lukenya now looks forward to taking on North Eastern and sees it as a manageable task after their fierce battle against Laiser Hill.
"Tomorrow's match is ours to take. After tangling with Laiser Hill, we're primed for victory against North Eastern," Garan said.
Elsewhere, Buruburu Girls' coach Julius Otieno is impressed with their performance in their first match, beating M-pesa Academy 57-22.
“It's good to win on the first day. It gives the girls morale going forward. We built a good lead in the first two quarters, then eased off the gas to conserve energy for tomorrow’s game."
Buruburu take on defending champions ButereGirls, a match Otieno notes he will seek to bolster the defence.
“We will take the game as it is. We will change our defence because Butere are good ball handlers. We have to stop them first in the defence because we have a good offensive line,” Otieno stated.