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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Ruqqayah Musa\u00a0
\nResilience and determination defined the action at the USSSA Kampala Regional Zone Basketball Qualifiers as schools pushed through tough, rainy conditions to keep their dreams alive at Hamz Stadium on Monday.
\nDespite rainfall disrupting the schedule and preventing the completion of all group stage games, the competition pressed on with intensity as both boys\u2019 and girls\u2019 teams showcased skill, grit, and ambition in pursuit of places in the knockout stage.
\nIn the boys\u2019 category, Mengo SS emerged as one of the standout sides, registering important wins including a commanding 30-7 victory over Shree Sahajan School and a 39-17 triumph against Lubiri SS. Kibuli SS also made a strong statement with a dominant 47-11 win over Kitante Hill.
\nGreen Hill School showed resilience, bouncing back from an opening 24-17 loss to Makerere College to defeat Kyambogo College 32-21. Aga Khan edged Bishop Cyprian Kihangire 22-20 in a tightly contested encounter, while Mengo SS continued their fine form with a 22-8 win over Katwe Noor.
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\nIn the girls\u2019 competition, Nabisunsa Girls impressed with a solid 30-12 victory over Lubiri SS, while Kibuli SS cruised past Green Hill with a 36-5 win. Kitante Hill also secured a 21-12 win against Aga Khan, and Mengo SS comfortably defeated Bishop Cyprian Kihangire 18-5.
\nOrganizers confirmed that the tournament will continue on Tuesday, with remaining group stage matches set to be completed before the knockout rounds and eventual finals are played.
\nKampala Region has five qualification slots available per gender for the national championships, raising the stakes as teams aim to secure their place among the elite.
\nWith the level of competition already on display, the qualifiers are proving to be a breeding ground for the next generation of basketball stars, many of whom are showing they are ready for the big stage in the years ahead.
\nResults \u2013 Boys\u2019 BasketballMakerere College 24-17 Green Hill School
\nShree Sahajan School 07-30 Mengo SS
\nGreen Hill School 32-21 Kyambogo College
\nBishop Cyprian Kihangire 20-22 Aga Khan
\nKibuli SS 47-11 Kitante Hill
\nMengo SS A 39-17 Lubiri SS
\nKatwe Noor 08-22 Mengo SS
\nResults \u2013 Girls\u2019 Basketball
\nKitante Hill 21-12 Aga Khan
\nBishop Cyprian Kihangire 05-18 Mengo SS
\nNabisunsa Girls 30-12 Lubiri SS
\nKibuli SS 36-05 Green Hill<\/p>\n