The KBF playoffs are living up to the hype. Big teams are winning, small teams are upsetting big teams and it is open season for just anyone. That aside, KPA teams are playing on a different level. The ladies team which finished top in the regular season is still dominating in the postseason. With veterans like Hilda Luvandwa leading the team, KPA are headed for the championship.
Their guard play is what most opponents should worry about. Kenya Lionesses’ star Natalie Akinyi is playing at an all time best. The Okumu twins, Selina and Celia, are also playing great basketball for KPA and they provide superb wing play and size at the SF and SG positions. KPA are also lethal from the three point line, they have Becky Nkatha and Carol Akinyi who can light up with ease. The front court led by Vilma Akinyi, Ritah Aluoch and Medina Okot is big enough to offer great rim protection. It will be hard for any other team to match that.
Having Kenya’s best defensive coach, they should be able to take care of business in that department led by Rachael Wandago, a guard who has has come alive under Ojukwu’s wings. If we were awarding the DPOY award she would win it hands down.
KPA swept Strathmore Swords on Saturday after the Madaraka side failed to show up for game 2. In what seemed like light work for the dockers, the semifinals might come with a few challenges. They will face the winner of storms vs UON Dynamites series in a thriller. Either way KPA will be the favorites in the semis.
The men side faced Eldonets from Eldoret and from what we saw in game 1 and 2, the dockers are playing at an very efficient level. KPA have a blend of young and old legs on their side. They have the playoffs experience and right now they have the personnel to win.
Nick Ogol leads the front court with the help of Job Byron and Martin Kitong’o. These are formidable bigs who have been there and done that. The back court is solid with Lennox Wanje giving them that much needed ball security.
At the wing they have Ken Wachira who we all know can knock those shots down.
Coached by Sammy Kiki, Mike Opel and Samuel Ochola, KPA have enough to carry them to the championship.
Images courtesy FIBA