The 2012 Royal Bafokeng Jr. NBA/WNBA Season Finale

On Saturday, October 20, 2012 the second season of the Royal Bafokeng Jr. NBA/WNBA League came to a close and the champions were crowned. The 500+ game season tipped off in April, with 720 of the best players from 18 schools, nine middle schools and nine high schools (boys and girls). The top teams in the Middle and High School Boys and Girls Divisions competed against each other in four championship games as part of a full-day basketball festival, featuring the Atlanta Hawks Sky Squad dunk squad, dance performances, and a concert featuring some of the top musicians in South Africa. It was an event that players and fans in Phokeng won't soon forget. Excitement filled the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace Court Complex as a capacity crowd looked on as eight teams fought their hardest to acheive the same goal. Ultimately, four teams lifted up their championship trophies, received their medals, were congratulated by Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi, and set a new standard for basketball in Phokeng.

The undisputed star of the day was Zanele Pholose of Thekwane Middle School (Girls) who exploded with 32 points in the final game against Keledi. Deservedly, Pholose was named the Most Valuable Player of her championship game. The full list of the 2012 Royal Bafokeng Jr. NBA/WNBA League Champions is as follows:

Middle Schools

Thekwane Girls – Keledi Girls: 49-39 (Champions – Thekwane; MVP – Zanele Pholose)

Mafenya Boys – Keledi Boys: 41-40 (Champions – Mafenya; MVP – Neo Mokgosi)

High Schools

H.F Tlou High – Bafokeng High (Girls): 14-12 (Champions – H.F Tlou; MVP – Fikile Shongwe)

Tshukudu High – President Mangope High (Boys): 38-31 (Champions – Tshukudu; MVP – Tshepang Lefaso & Max Morapedi)

Over 1,500 young basketball fans who cheered their teams throughout the day quickly realized that the 2012 Royal Bafokeng Jr. NBA/WNBA Finals was not just about basketball, but was a must-see event filled with entertainment. Featuring the Atlanta Hawks Sky Squad and some of the most popular and influential artists in the South African music industry, the unforgettable entertainment line-up ensured that no one went home disappointed. Three dance crews selected during the pre-event community auditions put on outstanding performances that had the crowd on their feet. In addition, award winning dance troupe “Canvus” wowed the crowd with a spectacular routine. Fans were also treated to the incredible aerial displays of the Atlanta Hawks Sky Squad and were kept mesmerized throughout the day. As daylight dimmed and the stadium lights came on, the event concluded with a concert by multiple SAMA (South Africa Music Awards) winners Professor, DJ Mzi, and Soul T. For the youth of Phokeng this was the perfect way to wrap up the Finals and another Royal Bafokeng Jr. NBA/WNBA season. See you next year.