JKL Lady Dolphins Captain Oketch targets strong first round finish
JKL have won eight of their ten games and are currently fourth on the table with 18 points.
Flavia Oketch. File photo
National Basketball League
Wednesday 8
Women
Nabisunsa v Angels – Lugogo Arena (7 PM)
Lady Dolphins v UPDF – YMCA Wandegeya (7 PM)
Men
Rockets v Canons – Lugogo Arena (9 PM)
UPDF v Dolphins – YMCA Wandegeya (9 PM)
JKL Lady Dolphins captain Flavia Oketch has said the team is focused on finishing the first round with a win when they face UPDF Lady Tomahawks on Wednesday at YMCA Wandegeya.
“We have worked hard as a team and we want to finish the first round strong with a win. Every game matters and we are ready to give our best,” Oketch said.
JKL have won eight of their ten games and are currently fourth on the table with 18 points. They enter the match in good form, having won four of their last five encounters, including victories over KIU Rangers, Pearl Queens, Victoria She Crocs, and Angels.
Oketch has been key for JKL, leading the team with 38 assists (3.8 per game) and showing strong leadership on court. Evelyn Nakiyinji has also stood out with her scoring and shooting efficiency, while Ritah Imanishimwe has contributed in both attack and defence. Tamasha Nsubuga has been consistent in scoring, and Brenda Ekone has added depth to the squad.
“UPDF is a strong side but we believe in ourselves. If we stay focused and play as a team, we can get the result we need,” Oketch added.
UPDF Lady Tomahawks sit 10th with four wins and six losses. They have struggled for consistency but remain dangerous, especially in physical matchups.
A win for JKL will keep them in the top four and close the gap on JT Lady Jaguars, KCCA Leopards, and UCU Lady Canons. A loss could see them come under pressure from teams like Magic Stormers and Pearl Queens.
At Lugogo, Nabisunsa Girls take on Angels Basketball Club in a battle near the bottom of the table. Nabisunsa have only one win this season, while Angels are yet to win a game. The match gives both teams a chance to recover and build confidence, with Nabisunsa holding a slight edge due to their greater experience.
In the men’s league, Kampala Rockets face UCU Canons at Lugogo. UCU are eighth with four wins and five losses and will be aiming to stay in the playoff race. Kampala Rockets are struggling in 10th place with just two wins. UCU are favourites, but the Rockets will be desperate to cause an upset.
At YMCA, UPDF Tomahawks take on JKL Dolphins in another tight contest. Both teams are near the bottom with two wins each. This is a crucial game, as the winner will move away from the relegation zone. UPDF have shown slightly better scoring form, but JKL can compete if they defend well.
Namuwongo Blazers and City Oilers remain the teams to beat, while KCCA Panthers and Rezlife Saints continue to push for top positions.