Players to watch in the JKL Lady Dolphins-UCU Lady Canons series

Flavia Oketcho (white) of the JKL Lady Dolphins takes on Millicent Othieno (blue) of the UCU Lady Canons during the NBL finals last season| NBL image

BASKETBALL Players to watch in the JKL Lady Dolphins-UCU Lady Canons series

Ian Asabo 16:30 - 26.09.2023

The UCU Lady Canons and the JKL Lady Dolphins are set to clash in the semi-finals of the National Basketball League, a match-up worthy of being a final.

The UCU Lady Canons and the JKL Lady Dolphins are set to clash in the semi-finals of the National Basketball League, a match-up worthy of being a final.

This postseason encounter marks the fourth consecutive meeting between the two sides, with the previous three being NBL finals. This piece highlights players anticipated to impact this best-of-five series significantly.

Tracy Namugosa (UCU Lady Canons)

Tracy Namugosa is expected to provide much needed energy for the Lady Canons on both ends of the floor during this series| NBL image

Tracy Namugosa has emerged as a pivotal player for the defending champions this season as they endeavour to retain their crown.

Her invaluable presence was evident during the 93-66 quarterfinal victory over the KCCA Leopards, where she netted 29 points in the second game to secure their progression.

Throughout the regular season, she averaged 12.7 points and six assists per game in 28 minutes, aiding her team to secure the fourth seed.

Ekone Brenda (JKL Lady Dolphins)

Ekone Brenda has established herself as the league's top markswoman after clinching yet another scoring title| NBL image

Ekone, continuing her stellar form, clinched another scoring title as the JKL Lady Dolphins secured the top spot in the Women’s league with a 20-2 record.

 She amassed 398 points throughout the season, boasting an average of 19 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 2.6 steals per game. 

The Lady Dolphins advanced to the semi-finals after decisively overcoming the eighth-seed A1 Challenge in a 2-0 series sweep.

Aziidah Nabayunga (UCU Lady Canons)

Aziidah Nabayunga has established herself as undroppable for the defending champions with her significant on both ends of the floor| NBL image

Nabayunga, despite her splendid season, remains somewhat overlooked. She has been instrumental for the Mukono-based side, averaging 12 PPG, 8.6 RPG, and contributing significantly across 30.2 minutes per game.

Nabayunga’s 21 points and robust defensive rebounds were critical in the elimination game against the KCCA Leopards, steering her team to the semi-finals.

Flavia Oketcho (JKL Lady Dolphins)

Flavia Oketcho's experience and poise will come in handy in this series if the Lady Dolphins want to make it to yet another finals

The captain and leader of the Lady Dolphins, Flavia Oketcho, is renowned for elevating her game during the postseason. She averaged 11 PPG and 4.2 RPG in the regular season, maintaining her form despite limited play.

Bridget Aber (UCU Lady Canons)

Bridget Aber (white) moves past her opponent during a recent encounter with the JKL Lady Dolphins| Vision sports

Bridget Aber has intensified her game this season after being a central figure in last year’s championship-winning team.

Averaging 11 PPG and 13 RPG double-doubles during the regular season, Aber showcased her dominant form in the quarterfinal confrontations against the KCCA Leopards.

Her duel with Hope Akello may decide the series' fate and which team advances to the NBL finals.

Hope Akello (JKL Lady Dolphins)

Hope Akello has been an ever present figure for the JKL Lady Dolphins during their recent success and will be important for JKL Lady Dolphins if they want to make a fourth straight finals appearance| NBL image

Akello, a longstanding key player for the Lady Dolphins, remains pivotal this season. The centre averaged 13.5 PPG and 13.1 RPG in the regular season and shows no signs of decelerating.

Each player will be under the spotlight, with fans eagerly anticipating who will rise to the occasion and lead their team to victory in this electrifying series.

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