Usano Sura Secure NSBL’s 20th Edition

Kutubu’s Usano Sura emerged as the 2026 National Souths Basketball League (NSBL) 20th Edition Champions after a gritty 32-30 win over the formidable Kemele Mendi Menjals in the men’s thrilling Grand Final on Monday, May 18th, at Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex. 

Usano and Menjals boasted talented basketball players, blending youth with experience. As expected, the decider lived up to the hype, with both sides locking horns and battling for the crown and leaving everything on the court from the opening quarter to the last quarter. 

The boys from Kutubu (Usano) led the first quarter 8-7 and extended the margin to 16-15 at half-time. Usano maintained their momentum at the end of the third quarter with a 24-21 points and defended their lead at the conclusion of the final quarter with a hard-fought 32-30 victory. 

Experienced point guard and captain, Anderson Hewe, stuffed the statistics sheets alongside emerging point guard Kevin Kaia, including the support of Ben Martin, Charlie Bradley, Hunter Bobola Jnr, Millard Gelam, and Esau Horo, as well as the bench players.  

Emerging coach, John Fred, was at a loss for words with the final result, praising the players for getting the job done and crediting captain Anderson Hewe’s strong leadership on and off the court in guiding the young side throughout the four-day tournament. 

Skipper Hewe thanked the sponsor, the players for their tireless efforts, and the loyal fans for their unwavering support in making the NSBL’s 20th edition a memorable event with a championship trophy. 

“I sincerely thank our day-one sponsor, Sipi Kai, for always having the trust and confidence in me to lead Usano Sura,” Hewe said. 

“Our team is built on discipline, trusting each other, and having self-belief. These are the values that drive us to give our best on the court. 

“I told the boys to play with freedom and confidence, and I would step in when they needed me to control the game. 

“When the game hung in the balance and the pressure was building up, I stepped up to manage the game, and we were able to win by 2 points. 

“I give credit to our coach, the players, sponsor, team management, and the faithful fans for their continued support.”

Usano Sura won their first NSBL title in 2023 after so many failed attempts and retained the cup in 2024. However, they did not participate in the NSBL tournament last year but made their return this year and walked away with the coveted NSBL title.  

PC: Wepio Media Agency