JKL Lady Dolphins, a professional women’s basketball club based in Kampala has cemented their fourth National Basketball League (NBL) title on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
The Lady Dolphins etched their name in the books of history following their previous three champions won in 2018, 2019, and 2023.
The Lady Dolphins cruised to the championship after a 68-56 victory against the UCU Lady Canons in Game 6 of the women’s NBL playoffs 2024 finals at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
Henry Malinga, JKL Dolphins head coach, said that it was a tight series as the Lady Canons won the first two games before the Lady Dolphins responded outstandingly.
Racheal Namasiiko, the commissioner for women, said that the Dolphins opened a 14-point (22-8) lead in the first quarter of Game 6.
“The UCU Lady Canons improved in the second quarter but went into the long break trailing by 12 points,” said Namasiiko.
She said that coming from the locker room, the JKL Lady Dolphins held on to guard their 11-point (58-47) lead going into the final period of the game.
Nickolas Natuwereza, the UCU Lady Canons head coach, said that despite the fight from his team, the JKL Lady Dolphins sealed a 12-point victory before being crowned the 2024 NBL women’s champions on the winners’ stage.
Brian Tukasigura, the Federation of Uganda Basketball Association communication officer, said that Hope Akello from JKL Lady Dolphins came up as the MVP, Brenda Ekone also from JKL Lady Dolphins came up as the top scorer, whereas Mercy Batamuliza from JT Lady Jaguars was the best rebounder.
He said that the season accolades went on as follows: JKL Lady Dolphins came up as the overall champions, UCU Lady Canons as the runners-up, and JT Lady Jaguars in third place.
Henry Malinga said that as the celebrations continue, the JKL Lady Dolphins are already looking to the future with hopes of defending their title next season and possibly making a mark in the upcoming regional competitions.
