Anambra State U-15 Boys team yesterday defeated the U-15 Boys team of Niger State by 38-16 to capture the gold medal for that category at the ongoing National School Sports Festival in Ilorin.

The two teams tried to out dunk each other in the explosive encounter.

Niger picked silver while Rivers won bronze.

In the U-15 Girls category, Niger out-dunked others to win the gold, while host Kwara and Anambra states won silver and bronze respectively.

A basketball referee, Oyeleye Bolayemi, who officiated at the event, expressed delight at the standard of the competition this year and commended the organisers of the Nigeria School Sports Federation event.

"The standard of the basketball competition at the festival has continued to grow, while our students in schools are appreciating the game more," Bolayemi said.

"Technically, the quality of the game has improved and it shows that Nigeria has a bright future in basketball if these talented kids are well nurtured," he added.

Meanwhile, the President of NSSF, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammad, has expressed delight at the standard of the competition, especially as age cheats were kept at bay.

"We are happy to maintain integrity and transparency in the competition," Mohammed said, while commending sponsors Sterling Bank, Nestle Milo, the National Sports Commission and the Kwara State Government for their support.