Wesie Female Basketball: Hoops Dreams emerged winners, qualifies for the National Championship

The Regional Wesie tournament ended in grand style on Saturday, 28th of October 2023 at the basketball court, Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, Oyo State.

After the Wesie 3v3 female tournament that was held on March 2023, the organization decided to bring the Regional full court female basketball tournament back to Ibadan, Oyo State. Seven teams participated and were grouped into two.

The teams in group A consisted of four teams across the southwest region namely FOBA representing Ogun state led by coach Tope Olude, Mc Spencer from Lagos State led by coach Spencer, Book ‘N’ Ball from Osun State led by coach Taiwo Ajibola and Pacers Basketball Academy from Ekiti State led by coach Chukwudi Robinson.

Group B on the other hand consisted of three teams, namely Hoop Dreams from Oyo State led by coach Emmanuel Dayo, Ravens from Lagos State led by coach Godspower and lastly Vision Basketball Academy from Ondo State led by coach Atinuke.

The Hoop Dreams and FOBA edged out of Group A as the winner and runner up respectively, while Ravens and Books ‘N’ Ball came out victorious in Group B as the winner and runner up respectively.

The Hoop dreams defeated Books ‘N’ Ball sparingly to secure a place in the finals with the scoreline 34-25. Raven Academy on the other hand had a shambolic performance and lost to FOBA Academy 30-50 to lose out in the chance to get their first gold medal as a team full of young and upcoming players who is yet to make an appearance in the tournament.

The Raven Academy lead by tournament veteran Bello Aanuoluwapo, displayed a beautiful performance by defeating Books ‘N’ Balls to win the bronze medal at the tournament. In the words of team captain Bello Aanuoluwapo, she described the win as “a win for the team and not for me cause we put our hearts and sweat into the game”. She further explained that this was the team first ever medal together in the tournament as a young team.

The final game of the tournament between the Hoop dreams and FOBA had a lot of moments, from the blocks to the transition, to the ecstatic perimeter shootings, It was a beauty to behold. Due to weather conditions, the game could not continue and the Hoop dreams were declared winners after leading the game 26-15 halfway through the 3rd quarter.

With that triumph, Hoops Dreams will be taking part at the Wesie National Championship later this year

Dignitaries such as the Director of Sports in Oyo State, Mr Tunde Popoola and Prof Yemi Awosika of the Yemi Awosika Foundation were there as lovers of the sport to grace the tournament with their presence.

The Wesie organization is an organization focused on grassroot female basketball. Their aim is to provide young girls with the opportunity to make their mark in the society by enhancing their creative minds and lifestyle through basketball. Good luck to Hoop dreams and FOBA as they represent the Southwest region at the Nationals.

Adebanji Daniel Similoluwa