Sreekala

Sreekala.
| Picture Credit score: Particular Association

The Kerala girls’s workforce exceeded expectations to succeed in the remaining of the just lately concluded Nationwide basketball championships in Bhavnagar (Gujarat).

Kerala was with out its tallest participant Ok. Aneesha and the preparatory camp was hit by the absence of many hoopsters who needed to take part in inter-College meets. Nonetheless, the R. Sreekala-led facet had an excellent run and overcame stronger and higher ready rivals to make the title conflict.

Sreekala impressed teammates to punch above their weight. She led the scoring charts with 121 factors from seven matches and her flawless taking pictures put Kerala in good stead. Sreekala gained the award for one of the best three-point shooter within the championships.

Sreekala, who usually performs as small ahead, was compelled to take up the position of a shooter and she or he excelled.

“It was an excellent efficiency contemplating that none gave us an opportunity of progressing past the quarterfinals. We had been with out Aneesha however the others stepped in and we beat a few good sides on the best way to the ultimate. We might have accomplished higher in opposition to Railways, but it surely had an excellent workforce and sufficient bench power. It was in a position to keep the stress all through the match,’‘ mentioned Sreekala, who represented the nation within the 2024 Asian Video games.

Other than Sreekala, Susan Florentina excelled in her rebound assortment and contributed 93 factors from seven matches for Kerala.

“Many gamers in our facet had little expertise enjoying within the indoor stadiums. Most of us get an opportunity to play indoors after we attend nationwide camps. We’d like higher infrastructure to enhance. KSEB is the main membership in India however we don’t have a correct indoor coaching facility in Thiruvananthapuram and we follow on concrete, courtroom risking accidents, ‘‘ mentioned Sreekala.

“We must also change the best way we play the game in India. We’re too mushy. We’ve to be sturdy, each bodily and mentally. The opposite nations play extra of a bodily sport and fouls, which draw penalties right here, are neglected in worldwide matches. We must always change our strategy and perspective to excel on the worldwide degree.”

KSEB coach Aju Jacob just isn’t shocked at Sreekala’s efficiency and feels her finest is but to return.

“She is an all-rounder. She has glorious sport sense and management qualities. She is a robust playmaker and efficient in driving ahead and in perimeter taking pictures. I really feel her finest is but to return. Perhaps this Nationals is a turning level in her profession,’‘ mentioned Aju.