NBL Playoffs: Focus turns to Women’s Semifinals

Women’s NBL Playoff Semifinals: JKL Lady Dolphins vs. UCU Lady Canons | JT Lady Jaguars vs. Magic Stormers

• Game 1: Wednesday, October 1 – YMCA
• Game 2: Friday, October 3 – YMCA
• Game 3: Sunday, October 5 – YMCA
• Game 4: Wednesday, October 8 (If Necessary) – Lugogo
• Game 5: Friday, October 10 | Sunday, October 12 (If Necessary) – Lugogo

Following the conclusion of the National Basketball League Playoff Semifinals in the men’s division last week, focus now turns to the ladies with the last four standing set to start their journey to the finals this week.

Defending and four-time champions JKL Lady Dolphins and eight-time champions UCU Lady Canons are joined by JT Lady Jaguars and Magic Stormers.

The Lady Dolphins and the Lady Canons will face off in the battle of champions, with the former entering the five-game series as clear favourites.

Boasting of the league’s top scorer and multiple-time MVP Hope Akello, the best point guard Evelyn Nakiyingi, seasoned scorers in Brenda Ekon and Rita Imanishimwe, and experienced wings in Zainah Lokwameri and Agatha Kamwadda, the Lady Dolphins are loaded.

However, the Lady Canons have been improving throughout the season. Shilah Lamunu has been modelled into a potent point guard, Sylvia Nakituuka has grown into a real threat with her outside shooting, Zoe Atek is growing into a versatile, reliable wing, and Matrina Anyango is quickly learning how to play around the basket.

In the other bracket, the Magic Stormers, who shocked KCCA Leopards in the first round, go into battle with JT Lady Jaguars as underdogs again.

Jr Gazelles graduate Angela Auma took charge of the series against the Leopards offensively and will most likely be depended on by the Stormers again alongside Daphine Adong in that back court. Kur Ajah and Joy Nekesa will form the foundation of the front court with help from She Cranes star Christine Nakito and the experience of Jesca Namugala will count for something.

Key to the Stormers’ game has been their effort on defense, which is founded on the man in charge of the team, John Omondi, a defensively minded coach.

For Sudi Ulanga, the head coach of JT Lady Jaguars, the work is cut out. First is taking care of the basketball, as the Stormers can pick up from 90 feet with the full-court press to put Shakira Nanvubya or Rhoda Nagitta under pressure.

In the half-court, the Stormers’ zone will be waiting to take away Sarah Ageno and Bai Sangari’s production around the basket. A little more efficiency from Aziida Nabayunga, Brenda Kayaga and Maimuna Nabbosa, coupled with the mystery of Sandra Wangeshi could come in handy.