Cape Coast HOOPS

Followers of basketball in Ghana knows all about this tournament. It is here all rivalries are out to the test as teams from the Division I league face each other in a 7 - 14 days basketball explosion. This year will not be left out as the 18th Edition kick off Saturday, 26th of July at 3PM at the Lebanon House and the final will be play Aug 13 at 3PM same venue. The draw for the tournament took place on the 22nd of this month with two group of male teams and one group for the females. See below for the Groupings. Group B seems to be the Group of Death. Two teams will qualify from each group for the semifinal stage. Keep coming back for more info on the fixture, results, photos and videos of the tournament. The league is expected to resume on August 15. All matches which were to be played between Aug. 2 - Aug 14 are set as outstanding matches.

Men (Group A)	Men(Group B)	Women
Fire	CEPS	Reformers
Flames	Wizard	CYO
Panthers	Yotive	CEPS
Warriors	Police	Police
Reformers	Hoops	Flames
		Holy Family

CEPS vs. Hoops Jul 31. 4 PM
Police vs. Hoops Aug 3. 3 PM
Hoops vs. Wizards Aug 6. 3 PM
Hoops vs. Yotive Aug 9. 4 PM

Hoops remaining twin tower, Christopher Angsomewine will be in the colors of Harcum College this coming season in the USA. The 6'10" power forward/ center is expected to add up to the already power house of the college. Harcum College was chosen from a list of four colleges whom all showed great interest in the player after seeing the video of his last game against Panthers in the Greater Accra Amateur League. In the last two season, Harcum College has signed four players into the Division I NLI most recent being sophomore guard Brandon Smalls who signed National Letter of Intent to play basketball for South Carolina State University next season joining Ryan Bogan (Longwood), Augustine Okosun (Seton Hall) and Jamal Jackson (Morehead St.). Small was an NJCAA Region 19 First-Team selection and helped the Bears to a 26-3 overall record. Chris is the second successful candidate of the Hoops-Runhouse Project being run by Hoops and Runhouse in scouting young and talented African students and exposing them to coaches in the USA. Daniel Armah was the first successful candidate and is presently sign with Casper College since February of this year. This bring to a total of five players who has been successful so far in getting scholarships to play in the USA through the Hoops Extramural Program. We encourage all ballers out there to make use of this opportunity and show what they have. Send email to contact@capecoasthoops.net or call +233-275986349

Alhaji Mohammed, the Ghanaian born 6'4 shooting guard in a latest correspondence with Hoops announced his signing of a new contract to play with Limoges next season. He averaged 19.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.6apg, 2spg (21games), shooting 59.2% from 2pt range and 33.3% from 3pt range in the Dutch 2007-2008 Div1 League while playing for Matrixx Magixx. Mohammed was named to be the guard of the year in Holland in 2007.

Cape Coast HOOPS yesterday won their game two match against Premier Panthers 45-43. The game was played at the Prisons Court, Cantoment, Accra. From the jump-ball the match was clear that it was going to be a cracker as both sides went for the kill. Premier Panthers, who came from a previous game which they won against Reformers were looking to make it two victories in a row while Hoops who earlier lost to Reformers were looking for their first win since making their debut in this year League. Hoops were able to pull a convincing victory without the help of Ifeanyi Mbah and Saheed Oladipo, both who are currently not in the country. Those leading the team to victory included MVP of the game Saykan Bestman(6'4), John Cooper(6'5), Christopher Angsomwine(6'10), Michael Dadson(6'11) and Bernard Davies(5'10). Others included Marco Namara(6'1, debut), Edvenos Russell(6'0, debut), Kay Nyenuh(5'11, debut), George Cooper(5'10) and new sensation Anas Ben Anas(6'6) who made his debut for the team as well. With this win, the boys are in high anticipation for their next games. In related development, the developmental team of Hoops known as Hoopers were also in action this weekend in Cape Coast as part of the Western Basketball Association league. They lost to Bikat of Secondi 38 to 53 but won their second match of the day against Pelican of Takoradi 45 to 42. Hoopers has won two and lost two in the WBA league. This show that both Hoops and Hoopers are still in contention in both leagues. Big up to the boys, especially Hoopers who are showing that they are the next best players to take Hoops further come next year in the apex league in Accra.
Click here for Hoops vs. Panthers video
Click here for Hoops vs. Panthers photos
Click here for Hoopers vs. Bikat and Pelicans photos
Hoopers vs Bikat video
Hoopers vs Pelicans video

Yes, Alhaji Mohammed, a professional basketball player who hails from Ghana has contacted Hoops. Mohammed who currently plays guard position for Matrixx Magixx in the Dutch Professional league acknowledge the good work done by Hoops in exposing Ghana basketball and talents for the world to see. He previously played for the University of Louisville in the USA. He also stated that he is willing to work with Hoops in getting young players outside. He wants the young ones to be dedicated and take serious their training as it will lead them to places. He urge the Hoops team to remain in contact with him and keep him updated on their progress. He is also the brother of Nazr Mohammed (6'10", 250lbs) who plays Center/power forward for Charlotte Bobcats in the NBA You can watch highlights of A.M. in the Dutch league by clicking here

The Dreamers were back in tournament action this weekend at the UCSB Team Camp. This is the largest team camp in California and is exceptionally well ran and organized. Specical thanks to Bob Williams and Matt Stock at UCSB. The 1 Dreamers went 2-4 during the weekend, losing the 4 games by a combined 12 points. Ibrahim Salih (Ghana) and Francisco Luano were the team MVP's for the weekend with their overall play.. Jon Velez (Puerto Rico) played several good games and Georges Massoda (Cameroon) is emerging as one of the top young big men on the West Coast.

June 13
Yotive vs Warriors: Yotive did not show giving Warriors the maximum points
June 14
Warriors vs Braves of CEPS : game postponed due to rain
June 18
Flames vs Fire : Flames abandoned the game during the third quarter as they were down by 4 points claiming bad officiating.
June 21
Police vs Panthers : the Police team won 42-37

As promised here is a little update on IB. During his first week in America he has been very impressive with his work ethic both on and off the court. According to his coach, Ibrahim Salih (Ghana) has incredible work ethic and strength around the basket. They have played their first match which they lost to to a very good San Luis Obispo team by a 48-43 score.

Other Ghana League results

On June 7, the team 'Fire' and the team 'Panthers' tied the score 6

Ghanaiana Male First Division 2008 started yesterday with the game between newcomer team Cape Coast Hoops and strong team Reformers. Despite the help of some import players like Mbah Ifeanyi (206-F-90), the Hoops felt 74-76. Two other games were played yesterday, and the Round 1 will be completed today. The full list of the male teams at the start is as follows: 1. REFORMERS2. POLICE3. FIRE4. BRAVES OF CEPS5. YOTIVE6. WIZARDS7. WARRIORS8. FLAMES9. PREMIER PANTHERS10. CAPE COAST HOOPS

Courtesy: Africa Basket Website

HOOPS power forwards for the USA

Two of Cape Coast HOOPS power forwards, Emmanuel Bassaw and Desmond Amadi, both 6'9" have been granted US Visa to enable them fly to the USA. Both players and the team are in high spirit on getting the news. Both will be playing in the collegiate league in the USA. We will keep you updated. Note that so far the HOOPS Extramural Program has connected four players from Ghana and Nigeria for the USA. More players are on departure list and we will update you on them as well at the appropiate time. The program is open to all basketball players both in and outside the country. HOOPS on Fire, Baby!!! Make money to be able to get real estate and pay your mortgage.

HOOPS has once again being instrumental in helping another Ghanaian baller to have his dreams of playing basketball in USA realised. This time, Ibrahim Salih. Salih is an ultra athletic wing player with an NBA ready body. An excellent student and a leader among his peers, Ibrahim is a great addition to our extramural program. Salih will arrive in Los Angeles on June 6th along with Bebe Vargas (Dominican Republic), Waldo Estevez, Kelvin Coplin (Dominican Republic), Zsolt Lakosa (Hungary), Adam Hajer (Hungary)and Francisco Luano (Angola). These are other students athletes who were selected from other countries around the world to take part in a special program organized by Tom Mott of the USA. We are living the dream of promoting young talented African ballers to play over seas. We will keep you updated on the progress of Ibrahim as he takes America by storm. We are still looking for young talented players for our program. Contact us if you have what it takes. HOOPS on Fire, baby!!!

HOOPS win friendly against Buduburam Settlement All-Stars 73 - 62 (27/05/08)

This past weekend, a friendly was played between the team and a selection of players from the Buduburam Settlement where the team is currently camping and training in preparation of both the Accra League and the WBA League. This match was organized to have some of the new boys blend with the other boys in the team. Although our opponents seemed as a mis-match they were also not willing to lay down and be slaughter. They did all they could to stop the onslaught of the much dominant players in size and skills. Players who represented in this encounter for HOOPS included Mbah Ifeanyi 6'9, Atsu Atakps 6'9, Saheed Oladipo 6'7, Fred Yeboah 6'5, Saykan Bestman 6'3, Bryant Davies 6'1 and new Italian born point guard, Emmanuel 5'11. Final Score 73- 62

We promised to update you on Daniel as he excel in the USA. Dan is the first recruited player of the HOOPS/RUNHOUSE Extramural Program. Latest reaching us states that he just finished the semester passing 13 hours with a 3.8 gpa, meaning he did very well in classes for his short time there. He is now working on campus in the maintenance area. So he will be doing some manual labor around campus to earn some money this summer. He is staying with a team mate who's mother works security on campus, so he seems to be doing ok and in good hands for the summer. Coach Gary said "I think after watching him play with us since he has been here, that he will be a very good player for us. I like the way he plays. He loves to rebound and seems to always know where the ball is going. He is a good passer and team player. We will continue to work on his outside shot so that by the time he leaves here he will be able to play on the perimeter more." Thanks Coach for the update.

Last Saturday, the 17th of May saw live fireworks at the Victoria's Park Court with the hosting of a 3on3 JV basketball tournament which was organized by the HOOPS Basketball Club. It was deem necessary to have the youth coming together on this day to exhibit their talents. In all, five teams represented; namely, TUPEE, KINGS, TOPS, KNIGHT, and last but not the least TEAM ZILLA. Each team comprised of three players. The event started with a three points competition which was won by "Majestic" of Aggrey Memorial School. Than followed the main event with the battle of the titans as all boys went straight for the hoop in the 3on3. The games where played on round robbing basis and each game lasting for 5 minutes with a minute over time if needed.

Teams	Win	Lost	Rank
TOPS	4	0	1st
TEAM ZILLA	3	1	2nd
TUPEE	2	2	3rd
KINGS	1	3	4th
KNIGHT	0	4	5th

After a long draught from active games, the JV are back and hot as ever. These boys are very hungry for games and have been in training for some time now. One of the reason of their slow campaign is that most of the players are in boarding schools and are only available for games when they are on vacation. Notwithstanding, they are always available for practice during weekends and when ever they are available in town. The past few weeks, they have been training for a series of friendly matches to be held with their peers in Accra and Takoradi. Upon a short notice, the JV were ready to take on the challenge of playing Saint Augustine in their back yard. They were also excited that they were meeting the present senior secondary school champ of the Central Region. St. Augustine is known for putting out academic scholars and their present team is not to be under rated. The AUGUSCO boys were comprised of only SSS3 students whom are presently also writing their West African Examination (WAEC).

Cape Coast HOOPS are once again on top; this time in a one day basketball tournament which was organize by the Western basketball Association and the newly establish Central Basketball. This time the boys were home and knew that they would have to defend their ground by winning unlike what happened in the Western version. WBA represented with their male and female teams. Other teams were All-Stars, a collection of players from various universities and Accra, HOOPERS, the new D-Team of HOOPS. From the showcase of players at the venue all knew they were in for an explosive day of basketball Cape Coast as not seen before. HOOPS defeated both the WBA and All-Stars teams to win the day. Read more

Once again Mr. Jack Whitehead of the RUNHOUSE Recruiting Service located in Philadelphia, USA has shown he is living up to his promise of developing the sport in Ghana, by making a second donation to the team within a month period on behalf of RUNHOUSE. They first donated two indoor/outdoor basketballs which came at the time the team really needed a original regulatory ball size. Since that donation players ball handling skills has increase as they are training with international standardize balls. The present gifts came at the right time as well. Items included are four Official NBA Basketball nets, two Fundamental basketball training dvds by Magic Johnson, Nike sweat bands and most important of all a Panasonic PV-DV400D digital palmcorder which will help in the recording of team games. If you could remember it was through the RUNHOUSE/HOOPS Project Daniel Armah was eligible to travel to the USA to feature for a college on full scholarship. Presently more players are short listed for receiving similar opportunities. What they have to do is show what they have. Thanks RUNHOUSE and keep running things.

Oguaa Hall of the University of Cape Coast celebrated their hall week with a 3 on 3 basketball tournament which was held at the hall premises. This is a yearly event which is highly anticipated by both students of the university as well as basketball lovers who are interested in part taking in the tournament. This year was no exception to the fun and activities of the hall week. For the basketball event four teams registered to slug it out with each other. Each team consisted of a maximum of five players each. Read More

12th West African Universities Games Ends with UNILAG winning the men's baskeball final. Read our blog for photos and videos

The Western Basketball Association organized a one day tournament on Good Friday as part of this year Easter festivities in Takoradi, Western Region. Five teams took part namely, Knights, T-Poly and Westside from Takoradi, Unicorns from Sekondi and HOOPS from Cape Coast, Central Region. Two ladies teams, Giants and Angels from Takoradi also graced the occasion. HOOPS won their first game against Knight 37 - 26 but lost in the semi final game against T-Poly 47 - 54. Nonetheless boys were able to put together themselves from the semifinal defeat by winning the third place match against Unicorns 49 - 26. Read more.

Back: (50)Alinko, 6'9",(32)Taiwo, 6'6",(25)Saheed, 6'7",(40)Kwesi 6'2",(23)Emi, 6'9"
Front: (7)Romeo, 6'0",(16)Mario, 5'11",(3)George, 6'0",(52)Yam, 6'0"

The camp of HOOPS located at Abura in Cape Coast opened this week Monday with two additional players namely, Mbah Ifeanyi (6'9)aka Alinko and Oladipo Saheed (6'7). Both players where glad to be in Ghana and to be a part of the HOOPS family. The most experience of the two Alinko, seen on the left in the photo was among the top 100 Athletes Selected for NBA Basketball without Borders in Africa and also a participant of the 2007 FIBA U19 World Championship. His experience will help the team alot as we prepare for the upcoming Accra League which will be held in Accra. HOOPS is still living up to the promise of bringing da best out to perform and big-up the sport here in Ghana. Keep posted as we will bring in videos and photos from these stars. Read More

The Western Basketball Association (WBA) was inaugurated on Saturday, 9th March 2008. Highlighting the inauguration was a tournament held to grace the occasion. Team representing in the tournament included from Western Region, Dream Team and WBA, from Central Region, HOOPS and DONS from Winneba; from Accra, After 7 Senior basketball Club and from the Ashanti Region, Slizzers. the games where played at the military barracks in Takoradi while the final was played at the GSTS grounds. The two teams which made it to the final was Dons and Slizzers. At the end, Slizzers came out victorious.