The event brought together top basketball stakeholders, school representatives, and the sporting community to unveil Ghana’s biggest high school 3×3 basketball and entertainment festival.

The launch was graced by the Assistant Headmistress of Aburi Girls’ SHS, past students, parents, Women in Basketball, key executives of the Ghana Basketball Federation, and other distinguished guests.

A major highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the 42 participating schools (18 female and 24 male teams), setting the stage for an intense and entertaining tournament from April 10-12, 2025 at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

What is HoopRave?

HoopRave is more than just a basketball tournament—it’s a dynamic movement dedicated to advancing high school basketball and youth sports engagement in Ghana.

Organized by the Ghana Basketball Federation in collaboration with IUNGO World and officially recognized by FIBA 3×3 Africa, HoopRave serves as a premier platform for young athletes to refine their skills, showcase their talent, and compete at a structured, high-energy level.

This festival seamlessly fuses basketball, school rivalries, entertainment, and fashion, creating an electrifying atmosphere that unites students, alumni, and passionate sports fans from across the nation.

This year, 42 of Ghana’s best high schools will compete for ultimate glory, including:

Male Teams (24 Schools)

1. Anglican Senior High School, Kumasi (KASS) – Ashanti

2. Opoku Ware School (OWASS) – Ashanti

3. Prempeh College (Prempeh) – Ashanti

4. Sunyani Senior High School (SUSEC) – Bono

5. Adisadel College (ADISCO) – Central

6. Mfantsipim School (KWABOTWE) – Central

7. St. Augustine College (AUGUSCO) – Central

8. Koforidua Senior High Technical School (KSTS) – Eastern

9. Okuapeman Senior High School (Okuapeman) – Eastern

10. Pope John Senior High School (POJOSS) – Eastern

11. Accra Academy (Accra Aca) – Greater Accra

12. Achimota School (Motown) – Greater Accra

13. Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School, Legon (PRESEC) – Greater Accra

14. St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School (Quinas) – Greater Accra

15. West Africa Senior High School (WASS) – Greater Accra

16. Labone Senior High School – Greater Accra

17. Tamale Senior High School (TAMASCO) – Northern

18. Navrongo Senior High School – Upper East

19. Wa Senior High School – Upper West

20. Bishop Herman College – Volta

21. Keta Senior High School (KETASCO) – Volta

22. Ghana Senior High Technical School, Takoradi (GSTS) – Western

23. St. Mary’s Boys Senior High – Western

24. St. John’s School, Sekondi – Western

Female Teams (18 Schools)

Each of these schools will battle for supremacy, pride, and the championship title, making HoopRave a true national festival of basketball and school spirit.

A Strong Message from the Ghana Basketball Federation President

In his address, Mr. Ato Van-Ess, President of the Ghana Basketball Federation, emphasized the significance of HoopRave as a game-changer for high school basketball in Ghana. He highlighted basketball as a tool for education, discipline, teamwork, and leadership, underscoring the Federation’s commitment to structured programs and investment in youth sports development.

“Talent exists in abundance across Ghana, but talent alone is not enough. It takes investment, mentorship, dedication, and the right environment to nurture excellence. HoopRave is not just a competition—it is a movement that will unearth and refine the future stars of Ghanaian basketball,” he stated.

He also commended the efforts of all stakeholders, including school coaches, sponsors, and partners like IUNGO World, Sporty FM, Ghana Education Service, iGive Foundation, High School Clique, and Digital Narrative Consult, for making this event a reality.

This triumph marked the Knights’ 13th win of the season and maintained their perfect record, having won all their games so far.

The match kicked off with an intense battle between the two teams, with the Knights fielding a much-changed lineup that initially struggled to handle the physicality of the experienced Reformers. The first half saw a closely contested encounter as both teams fought relentlessly for control on the court.

However, as the game progressed, the Knights’ determination and tactical brilliance allowed them to break away in the third quarter, gaining a significant advantage over their opponents.

With their confidence soaring, the Knights continued to dominate in the fourth quarter, ultimately securing the hard-fought victory.

Desmond Corbblah, a standout star of the Spintex Knights, expressed his team’s approach, emphasizing that they never underestimated the challenge posed by Reformers.

He asserted that the Knights are on a mission and remain focused on taking each game step by step. Corbblah also praised his teammates for handling the physicality of the opposition effectively, which contributed to their success on the court.

Knights’ coach Selorm Thomas acknowledged that his team faced some last-minute challenges, with key players unavailable for the crucial encounter.

He revealed that the replacements were not entirely psychologically prepared, resulting in a slow start for the team. Despite the tough competition, the coach remained proud of his players’ resilience, leading them to emerge victorious.

Reformers’ star player, Prince Samson, lamented that the momentum of their fightback in the third quarter was deflated by some questionable referee decisions.

Despite the setback, Samson expressed confidence in his team’s abilities and hinted at seeking sweet revenge if they cross paths with the Knights in the playoffs.

The intense matchup between Spintex Knights and Reformers of the Ghana Prisons Service showcased the high level of competition in the Accra Basketball League.

As the regular season comes to a close, the Knights’ remarkable 100 percent start leaves them as a formidable force in the league, while Reformers remain a resilient team eager to make a comeback in future encounters. Basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the playoffs, where these fierce competitors may have a chance to renew their thrilling rivalry on the court.

Credit: Graphic Sports

This win marks the third consecutive victory for the debutants in the league, having previously defeated Ghana Airforce and Tema Youth.

The Knights dominated the game from the outset and extended their lead in the second quarter with a score of 32-20 in their favor.

They continued to widen the gap in the third quarter, ending it 46-29 before sealing the victory in the final quarter with some exquisite passing and accurate shooting.

Coach Selorm Thomas attributed their outstanding start to the season to the team’s desire to prove themselves against experienced competitors.

He also acknowledged the added pressure of being a target in the league as a result of their impressive start, but remained confident of continued success in their next match.

Speaking on their impressive double-digit wins, Coach Thomas revealed that he had not set any specific scoring targets for his team, but emphasized their focus on winning each game.

He said: “I think the whole mindset is to come out and prove ourselves, we want to show that we belong in the big league so that is what is motivating us. I think we are that good but to say we are untouchable will be a reach. Our start is giving us pressure but we have to always come out and show that we are the best”.

Star player, Treasure Botchway, expressed his team’s readiness for the match, given that their last game against Ghana Police was rained out. He further stated that their objective for the season is to qualify for the Basketball Africa League.

Credit: Graphic Sports

Old rivalries were renewed as the select side of Ghanaian basketball players hosted their counterparts from Nigeria.

The visitors led 11-9 at the end of the first quarter. However, Ghana came back strongly in the second quarter to lead 21-17.

Team Ghana did not relent as they maintained a 4 points lead (25-21) at the end of the third quarter.

With everything to fight for in the last quarter, Team Nigeria came back strongly to reduce the point gap.

Yet it was not enough as Team Ghana won 33-32 at the final whistle.

On a night that also saw last minute replacements, Ghana Immigration also defeat Team France 33-30 in the first game, fans at the Bukom Boxing Arena were also treated to musical performances led by Edem and mouthwatering fashion shows spearheaded by Elikem The Tailor among others.

Yaw Sakyi, CEO of the Rite Sports Africa organisers,  hailed the second edition of the one-day basketball extravaganza a huge success and hinted at plans to expand it next time.

“Obviously we all saw the quality of competition put up by all four teams in the two basketball games, says a lot about the talent haul available and we are delighted to have offered them the platform to showcase their skills,” Mr. Sakyi said.

“We look forward to an even bigger event next year with more fans in attendance, more entertainment and even keener competition.  The Africa Basketball Festival is here to stay,” the Rite Sports Africa chief stated.

Credit: Ghsportsnews

Presented by Rite Sports Africa, fans attending will not only watch two mouthwatering basketball games but will also enjoy the best of Ghanaian music and fashion.

West African rivals, Ghana and Nigeria square off in the the first basketball match whilst European powerhouse, France face the might of the world’s number one basketball nation, USA in the concluding fixture.

But that will not be all the fun spectators are assured of at the plush Bukom Boxing Arena.

There will also be a fashion show by Big Brother Africa and Ghanaian movie celebrity, Elikem The Tailor, Beautiful Beneath, Edzi Woman, Fine Fits and many others.

Music lovers are not left out with performances by popular Ghanaian rapper, Edem as well as Episode and many more lined up to whet fans,’ appetites.

Follow @RealABF on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more.

In March this year, Ghana defeated Nigeria in football to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. It is therefore safe to say that the football debate for 2022 was settled. Ghana lead.

Before a verdict is passed on the debate over which nation makes the best jollof, the two countries will meet on the basketball court at the second edition of Africa Basketball Festival on Friday December 23 at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

The Africa Basketball Festival is a lifestyle event that merges the game of basketball with fashion and music.

This year’s event has select sides from Ghana, Nigeria, France and USA playing. Team USA engage Team France while Ghana meet Nigeria.

Fans are expecting Nigeria to parade a crack team to win this duel to ensure Nigeria have one against Ghana for 2022. Both Ghana and Nigeria have a good basketball culture with Nigeria ranked ahead of Ghana. Nigeria is ranked 19th in the world and number one in Africa while Ghana has a good and robust youth program but not competitive at the national team level.

The night will also see a fashion show with some exciting Ghanaian brands including Decathlon Ghana, Elikem The Tailor, Edzi Woman, Beautiful Beneath, She Stitch and Fine Fit. Patrons will be entertained with riveting performances by Ghanaian hiplife and hiphop artiste, Edem, dancehall sensation Epixode and a host of others.

Africa Basketball Festival is organised by RITE Sports with support from the Beyond The Return Office, Caveman Watches, France Embassy Ghana, De’lish Restaurant and Ghana Basketball Association.

Follow @RealABF on facebook, twitter and instagram for more

Credit: RITE Sports

As Ghana prepare to receive travellers to the country this December, RITE Sports are staging the second edition of the Africa Basketball Festival, a lifestyle event that merges the game of basketball with music and fashion on Friday December 23, 2022 at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra from 5pm.

In 2019, the maiden edition of the Africa Basketball Festival saw a game between Accra All-Star vs Tema All-Star along with other exciting activities.

After a 2-year break as a result of Covid-19, the 2022 edition of the Africa Basketball Festival, in partnership with the Beyond The Return Office, will have four countries playing in the basketball game- Ghana, Nigeria, France and United States. Even before the debate on Ghana Jollof vs Nigeria Jollof is settled, the two West Africa nations will engage this time on the basketball court. Who wins?

Top and budding fashion brands will showcase their apparels on the Red Crapet on the court while some of Ghana’s top entertainers will serve patrons with back to back hits, as well top Ghanaian DJs will entertain fans with the best trending songs.

“As Ghana has become the destination for party lovers every December for the past four years, we have noticed none of the events organised during the festive season has sporting elements and as leaders in basketball promotion in Ghana, we saw the need to create a platform for basketball lovers to enjoy the beautiful game while enjoying some good musical performances by top artistes and also catch the new trends in fashion during the fashion exhibition,” said Yaw Sakyi, CEO of RITE Sports.

“This event will take place in Ghana for a couple of years but will travel through the African continent in future,” he added.

“The Africa Basketball Festival will in the coming years add many African teams for the basketball game, fashion brands from different countries and musicians from different countries to entertain fans,” the Rite Sports chief affirmed.

Follow @RealABF on facebook, twitter and instagram for more

Credit: RITE Sports

The revamped structure was recently unveiled at the school’s campus in Apowa, a suburb of Sekondi-Takoradi in Ghana’s Western Region.

St. Mary’s Boys SHS’ new court has a predominantly blue colour paint scheme with areas inside the three point arc having variations of Ghana’s National Flag colours- red, green and yellow.

The GBBA logo is imprinted at the free throw line while St. Mary’s Crest is imprinted in the center circle; GBBA President Ato Van-Ess and Iungo World Representative and former Pro basketball player Jerry Johnson were present at the event.

CITI Sports can report Iungo World- a social media sports platform founded to promote athletes-provided the basketball stanchions for the court.

St. Mary’s Alumni funded the painting of the court while the GBBA provided technical support as part of its plan of action to aid improve basketball court count in Ghana.

The court opening was a huge draw that had members of St. Mary’s Alumni and the student body show up for the event.

The Knights, Ghana’s sole representatives in the tournament, defeated SEWE 102-91 in their first game, lost to Basketball Africa League qualifiers SOA 81-86 and edged Abidjan-based Africa Sports 76-57 in their final game to finish third.

The Knights received a giant gold trophy and a bronze medal in recognition of their efforts.

The eight-team tournament was contested by teams drawn from four West African nations namely; hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Benin and Ghana.

All games were honoured at the Palais des sports Treichville in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Good test

The Head Coach of the Knights, Selorm Thomas said playing against professional teams in an international competition was a good test for his players.

He was hopeful that the experience gathered by his players would be put to good use in the Accra Basketball League.

The captain of the Knights, Elvis Pobi Siaw said his side entered the tournament as underdogs but punched above their weight during the competition.

He was hopeful that with more of such competitions, his side would become a force to be reckoned with on the African continent.

A co-founder and financier of the team, Dr Eric Opoku-Antwi urged corporate Ghana to support local basketball teams in order to develop the sport to an elite level.

Credit: Graphic Sports

Ghana’s leading basketball portal reported a signed deal between the 6 foot 10 inch athletic defender and Northern Happinets a few weeks back but the deal was confirmed recently.

Brimah joins Happinets from Belgian side Filou Oostende where he spent majority of the 2021-2022 Season after arriving late to the Belgian league a few weeks after concluding the 2020-2021 Season with Puerto Rican side Mets de Guaynabo.

With Oostende, Brimah helped the team win its 11^th Belgian Pro League title in a row and play in the Belgian Cup Final but missed out on winning the title.

Speaking in the wake of the announcement, former Indiana Pacers player Brimah stated, “I am looking to fighting for Akita in the B League.”

Joining Happinets marks Brimah’s first venture into the Asian market in his professional career; he has played three seasons in the NBA Gatorade League and on the 2018 title with Austin Spurs.

22 teams compete in the B League with 11 teams in the East and 11 teams in the West; Akita finished 6^th in the East standings last season with 31 wins and 23 losses. Happinets exited the playoffs at the quarterfinal stage.

Credit: Basketballghana