12-year-old sisters leave crowd yearning for more

FOOTPRINTS paraded the youngest players ever in the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) league in their 46-23 loss to leaders Kenyatta University “Oryx” in a match played at Railways Club. The 12-year-old sisters—Karen and Anisa Leonard mesmerised—the fans while showing agility and remarkable ball artistry against their bigger opponents. Despite the loss, the duo, who learnt their fundamentals in the U.S. left the court with their heads held high. Kenyatta University were pepped by league’s top scorer Betty Kananu, who posted 11 for the winners.

“Despite their tender age, they have something to offer and we expect them to improve with every match in the league,” said their father and coach John Leonard, a former Barclays Bank Eagles forward. Onform KU Oryx also blanked MKU Thika 40-26 to remain the only unbeaten ladies side as the second leg games got underway. Kananu bagged another 15 and Ayen Marial hit 13 in the victory. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUATS) stunned KCA University (KCA) 36-32. Strathmore had 22 points from onform Maunela Biel as they crushed Barclays Bank Eaglets 51-20 while Safe Spaces hit Emyba 32-26. In the men matches, leaders Equity winning streak continued as they thrashed Legacy 57-37.

Strathmore University whipped MKU Nairobi 79-47 and Kenya Polytechnic nipped Heroes 47-41. Barclays beat Little Prince 45-39 in another match while Daystar University beat JKUATS Karen 45-34 and went on to beat Our Lady Queen of Peace 58-34. In other results, MKU Thika pounded King Deaf 73-38; Kenya Poly rallied to beat Daystar 45-43, Woodley Knights 46-34, Baraka Xtreme whacked Old Pirates 61-41, Zetech humbled Upper Hill School 55-43, FOB Kenya fell 68-49 to JKUATS Karen while Heroes hit Our Lady Queen of Peace 38-30.