Sreekala

Sreekala.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Kerala women’s team exceeded expectations to reach the final of the recently concluded National basketball championships in Bhavnagar (Gujarat).

Kerala was without its tallest player K. Aneesha and the preparatory camp was hit by the absence of many hoopsters who had to participate in inter-University meets. However, the R. Sreekala-led side had a good run and overcame stronger and better prepared rivals to make the title clash.

Sreekala inspired teammates to punch above their weight. She led the scoring charts with 121 points from seven matches and her flawless shooting put Kerala in good stead. Sreekala won the award for the best three-point shooter in the championships.

Sreekala, who normally plays as small forward, was forced to take up the role of a shooter and she excelled.

“It was a good performance considering that none gave us a chance of progressing beyond the quarterfinals. We were without Aneesha but the others stepped in and we beat a couple of good sides on the way to the final. We could have done better against Railways, but it had a good team and enough bench strength. It was able to maintain the pressure throughout the match,’‘ said Sreekala, who represented the country in the 2024 Asian Games.

Apart from Sreekala, Susan Florentina excelled in her rebound collection and contributed 93 points from seven matches for Kerala.

“Many players in our side had little experience playing in the indoor stadiums. Most of us get a chance to play indoors when we attend national camps. We need better infrastructure to improve. KSEB is the leading club in India but we don’t have a proper indoor training facility in Thiruvananthapuram and we practice on concrete, court risking injuries, ‘‘ said Sreekala.

“We should also change the way we play the sport in India. We are too soft. We have to be strong, both physically and mentally. The other countries play more of a physical game and fouls, which draw penalties here, are overlooked in international matches. We should change our approach and attitude to excel at the international level.”

KSEB coach Aju Jacob is not surprised at Sreekala’s performance and feels her best is yet to come.

“She is an all-rounder. She has excellent game sense and leadership qualities. She is a strong playmaker and effective in driving forward and in perimeter shooting. I feel her best is yet to come. Maybe this Nationals is a turning point in her career,’‘ said Aju.