Roshan and Shane pair up to create history in basketball

In an unparalleled showcase of skill, strategy, and exceptional coaching, St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, and Holy Family Convent, Colombo 4, have etched their names into Sri Lankan basketball history by clinching both the U17 and U20 titles at the All-Island National Schools Basketball Championship. For the first time, the same coaching team—Roshan Randima and Shane Daniel – paired up to guide both schools’ boys’ and girls’ teams to victory, making this accomplishment as much a testament to coaching mastery as to the players’ commitment.

Roshan Randima and Shane Daniel have set a new standard in Sri Lankan school sports by steering both the U17 and U20 teams from St. Joseph’s College and Holy Family Convent to the pinnacle of success.

St. Joseph’s Under-17 team

Their unified vision, tireless dedication, and sharp tactical insight propelled the boys’ and girls’ teams alike, achieving something unprecedented in the history of Sri Lankan basketball. Their synchronized coaching approach cultivated a spirit of excellence and unity that transcended individual teams and wove both schools’ athletes into a cohesive force on the court.

This victory also reflects the invaluable support from St. Joseph’s College Rector, Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi, Prefect-of-Games Rev. Fr. Samesh Anthony, and Master-in-Charge of basketball, Hemal Fernando. Their backing provided a foundation that allowed Roshan Randima and Shane Daniel to fully realize their vision for the teams.

HFC Under-17 team

In the boys’ category, St. Joseph’s College exhibited their dominance. The U20 boys team achieved a decisive 63-41 win over DS Senanayake College, while the U17 boys’ team outplayed Ananda College with a resounding 70-50 score. These victories were as much a tribute to the players’ talent as to the guiding hand of their coaches, who have enjoyed unprecedented success during their stellar coaching careers. The leadership that Roshan has shown is truly remarkable indeed and he’s ably supported by Shane.

In the girls’ division, Holy Family Convent reigned supreme. The U20 team defeated St. Joseph’s Girls School, Nugegoda, 51-34, while the U17 girls overpowered Holy Family Convent, Jaffna, with a 60-38 victory.

HFC Under-20 team

Celebrating the tournament’s outstanding players, MVP titles were awarded to St. Joseph’s College’s Charaka Perera (U20 boys) and Aaron Gerald (U17 boys), as well as to Holy Family Convent’s Kishuri Reiss (U20 girls) and Binuthi Jayasinghe (U17 girls).

Reflecting on this historic feat, the captain of the U20 St. Joseph’s team shared, “Through God’s will and grace, and with the unwavering support of our coaches, parents, fathers, and MIC, we were able to bring the title where it rightfully belongs.”

This extraordinary triumph has set a new benchmark in Sri Lankan school basketball. Their dual victories in both age categories for boys and girls represent not only the peak of sportsmanship but also the profound impact of dedicated and visionary coaching.