In what was arguably the most electrifying display of high school basketball talent Africa has seen, Mfantsipim School and St John’s Grammar School emerged champions of the maiden Hooprave School Basketball Festival, held at the iconic Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Organized by the Ghana Basketball Association and proudly sponsored by iUNGO World, the three-day 3×3 tournament was a showcase of grit, teamwork, and raw talent, setting a new bar for youth basketball across the continent.
Girls Division: St John’s Grammar Dazzle with Dominance
The girls’ tournament featured six groups of three schools in a single round-robin format. From the group stages to the final buzzer, the intensity never dropped. After falling short in the semifinals, Holy Child and Mfantsiman Girls squared off in the third-place playoff. In a nail-biting contest, Mfantsiman edged Holy Child 7-6 to clinch bronze.
But the final belonged to St John’s Grammar, who fed off the energy of a roaring crowd to overpower Ahantaman Girls 7-2, claiming the coveted trophy and earning the ultimate bragging rights.
Boys Division: Mfantsipim Edges Keta SHTS in a Classic Final
With 24 schools grouped into six fierce clusters, the boys’ side of the competition was packed with drama and quality hoops. In the bronze medal game, West Africa SHS outclassed Okuapeman SHS 14-4 with impressive discipline and ball movement.
The final between Mfantsipim and Keta SHTS had the Bukom Arena shaking. The thrilling encounter, filled with fast breaks and precision shooting, saw Mfantsipim edge their resilient opponents 13-12. A critical stop in the dying seconds secured their place atop the podium and kept the Volta Region hopefuls from equalizing.
More Than Just Basketball
Beyond the thrilling games, Hooprave treated fans to a full festival experience—live music, dance performances, fashion shows, comedic moments, and unforgettable vibes courtesy of a top-tier DJ.
Every participating school received certificates and basketballs to keep the spirit of the game alive and prepare for what promises to be a bigger event next year.
The event drew nationwide participation, with schools from every region represented. Support poured in from I Give Foundation, Digital Narrative Consult, GES, High Skul Clique, GOC, Trust Sports Emporium, NSA, and other committed partners.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
