Peak Tigers

August 6th, 2015; at the Comets Foundation Basketball Finals for the male category, “Swish 2015” it was tagged. It was always tagged ‘Swish’, Aslan had just made an impressive three-point shot and the crowd was going wild at Star Centre, Abuja. The score boards showed a lead of 66 to 57; TIGERS to BADGERS; and the time was running fast in the fourth quarter of the game. “Regroup and attack their basket!” the Badgers’ coach shouted to his boys amidst the din in the hall of students, officials, parents, teachers and general spectators. The game continued immediately, Maga stole the ball but got fouled while trying to drive into the badgers’ territory. Before long, the game switched sides with James scoring quick successive two-point shots, and Raja’s half court three-point shot. Suddenly, the Tigers found themselves in a fight for the trophy as they tied 70-70 with the clock count down at two minutes. Meshack scores a two-point, and TJ replies; 72-73. Josh scores a three-point and James does so too. Barely thirty seconds left when the commentator booms; “Oh! It seems the Badgers are not going out without a fight!” Tensions are rising among the players and the crowd, both cheer teams try to urge their school mates on and the students in the crowd raise their voices in high ecstasy as Odia gets a rebound for the Tigers. He passes to Aslan who tries a layup but misses, still Josh gets the ball back to him and he gives Josh an alley-oop in the nick of time, scoring a two-point shot. “And the Tigers get the glory!” roared the commentator. At the sound of the timer going off and the referee’s whistle, the students of Peak International College rush out at Aslan and Josh, carrying them on their shoulders high above the crowd; heralding them champions of Swish 2015 as they brought the Peak Tigers to glory, defeating Maryland Badgers 77-76 in the HighSchool Basketball Championship, courtesy Comets Foundation International.