Kenya Lionesses' forward who was ropped in ahead of the championship to add to the team's depth, Reynolds was crowned the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) women’s league champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) played for an 87-53 victory against Rwanda Energy Group (REG) to be crowned FIBA Zone Five champions.
The 9-team competition was used as a qualifier for next month's Africa Women Basketball League (AWBL) set to be hosted in Cairo, Egypt next month, with the finalists qualifying.
The Antony Ojukwu-led KPA won all four of their group stage matches, beating JKL Lady Dolphins 82-72 in the opener. They went 105-43 against JKT of Tanzania, 72-42 against REG whom they meet again in the final and 70-49 against Nile Legends.
Playing Tanzania’s Vijana Queens in the quarters, the Mombasa-based side were the clear favourites and proved it with an 81-36 victory to reach the semis where they met JKL for another comfortable 74-53 victory to make it to the final.
"This was a good win for the team. Our efforts paid and teamwork was the key. I dedicated the win to my late mum, who passed on the day I arrived in kigali.It was so hard for me, but I thank God for everything. The team did wonderful supporting and playing together as a team," coach Ojukwu said after the victory.
In the final, Rosine Mcomyiza led the scores with 24, her efforts, however, went uncomplimented by any of her teammates as none hit double digits in points.
Madina Okot, who played 37.30 minutes, contributed 22 points but her presence was felt more on rebounds as she pulled down a game-high 27. Victoria Reynolds scored 23 as Morgan Taylor added a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Skipper Natalie Akinyi had a rare double-double, scoring 13 points while giving 17 assists for the win.
Kenya Lionesses' forward who was ropped in ahead of the championship to add to the team's depth, Reynolds was crowned the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) with Madina Okot winning the best rebounder award.
MVP: Victoria Reynolds-KPA
Best 3point shooter: Rosine Micomyiza- REG
Best rebounder: Madina Okot --KPA
Best scorer: Kamba Yoro Diakite--Gladiators
Fair play team: Nile Legends
Team of the tournament
Betty Kalanga---REG
Tetero Odille----APR
Kamba Yoro Diakite-- GLADIATORS
Victoria Reynolds --KPA
Madina Okot--KPA