EAIS and Roman Ridge Crowned ISSAG 2026 Basketball Champions: A Historic Double Victory

The International Schools Sports Association of Ghana (ISSAG) culminated its 2026 basketball season with a landmark championship finale on Saturday, January 31, 2026. In a display of dominant talent and mental fortitude, East Airport International School (EAIS) claimed its maiden boys’ title, while The Roman Ridge School (TRRS) secured the girls’ championship with a commanding performance. This comprehensive report details the finals, the path to victory, standout athletes, and the broader significance of this achievement within Ghana’s international school sports ecosystem.

Introduction: A New Era for ISSAG Basketball

The 2026 ISSAG Basketball Championships represented a pinnacle of interscholastic competition among Ghana’s international schools. After rigorous zonal qualifiers, the final tournament brought together the top two teams from each of four competitive zones. The finals, held on a single day, delivered high-stakes drama, breakthrough victories, and the crowning of two new champions. For EAIS, the boys’ title marked a historic first. For TRRS, it was a triumphant validation of a new team philosophy centered on psychological resilience. This article provides a detailed, SEO-optimized breakdown of the event, designed for educators, sports enthusiasts, and anyone interested in youth development through athletics in Ghana.

Key Points: Quick Summary of the 2026 ISSAG Finals

Boys’ Champion: East Airport International School (EAIS) won its first-ever ISSAG boys’ basketball title.
Girls’ Champion: The Roman Ridge School (TRRS) captured the girls’ championship.
Boys’ Final Score: EAIS defeated SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College (SOS-HGIC) 24–17.
Girls’ Final Score: TRRS defeated Akosombo International School (AIS) 19–2.
Boys’ MVP: Star Poku-Asante (EAIS).
Girls’ MVP: Petra Adjei Kumi (TRRS).
Boys’ Bronze: Ghana Christian International High School (GCIHS) beat TRRS 20–18.
Girls’ Bronze: GCIHS beat Alpha-Beta Educational Center (ABEC) 17–5.

Background: Understanding ISSAG and the Tournament Structure

What is the International Schools Sports Association of Ghana (ISSAG)?

ISSAG is the premier sports federation for international schools in Ghana. It organizes competitive leagues and championships across multiple sports for institutions following diverse curricula, including British, American, and International Baccalaureate programs. The association’s core mission is to promote healthy competition, sportsmanship, and holistic student development beyond the classroom. The annual basketball championship is one of its most anticipated events, serving as a critical talent showcase and a unifying activity for the international school community.

The 2026 Qualification Pathway

The 2026 season followed a structured qualification model. Schools were initially divided into four geographical zones. Each zone hosted its own qualifying tournament, with the top two boys’ teams and top two girls’ teams from each zone advancing to the national finals. This system ensured representation from across the country and intensified the competition at the final stage. The article notes that the finalists emerged “after last week’s zonal qualifiers,” highlighting the busy and competitive nature of the ISSAG calendar.

Analysis: Decoding the Championship Victories

Boys’ Division: EAIS’s Methodical March to the Title

EAIS’s journey to the championship was characterized by controlled, team-oriented basketball. Their path through the knockout stage demonstrated consistent execution:

Quarter-Finals: EAIS overcame Angels Specialist School International (ASSI).
Semi-Finals: They defeated Ghana Christian International High School (GCIHS).
Final: They secured a 24–17 victory over SOS-HGIC.

The final scoreline indicates a defensively-minded game. A 24–17 result suggests a lower-scoring, tightly contested affair where every possession was valuable. EAIS “controlled the sport from begin to end,” implying they established and maintained a game plan focused on limiting opponents’ opportunities and capitalizing on their own. Their first-ever title underscores the program’s rapid development and effective coaching.

The Poku-Asante Factor: Twin Towers and a MVP Performance

The engine of EAIS’s success was undeniably the trio of Star Poku-Asante, his twin brother Sunny Poku-Asante, and Keifa Agyeman Badu. Star Poku-Asante was named the Boys’ Division Most Valuable Player (MVP), a recognition of his all-around impact on both ends of the floor. The presence of twin brothers often creates unique on-court chemistry and strategic flexibility, which EAIS leveraged throughout the tournament. Their combined contributions were “decisive” in key victories, proving too much for ASSI, GCIHS, and ultimately SOS-HGIC to handle.

Girls’ Division: TRRS’s Psychological Breakthrough

TRRS’s championship narrative was not just about basketball skill but a profound mental shift. Their route to the title was staggeringly dominant:

Quarter-Finals: A stunning 30–0 shutout victory over International Community School (ICS).
Semi-Finals: A solid 11–6 win against GCIHS.
Final: A commanding 19–2 victory over Akosombo International School (AIS).

The 30–0 quarter-final result is exceptionally rare and speaks to an overwhelming defensive and offensive performance. The final score of 19–2, while less extreme, still represents total control against a quality opponent in AIS. The key, as articulated by TRRS captain Petra Adjei Kumi (the Girls’ Division MVP), was overcoming a psychological barrier.

Captain Petra Adjei Kumi: The Mindset Revolution

Post-semi-final, Captain Adjei Kumi provided a powerful insight into the team’s championship mindset. Her quote is a masterclass in sports psychology:

“We are going to win it [the tournament]. I’ve realised that when you play in ISSAG, for our team it’s all about the mental strength. We don’t have the physique and talents to win every tournament that we’ve played. We’re always held back by the mindset that these girls are bigger, have won all their matches and all that, but we are here with a new mindset, a new team, playing for everybody to see what a real basketball team is.”

This statement reveals that TRRS entered the tournament aware of perceived physical disadvantages compared to past champions or other schools. Their victory was a conscious choice to reject a limiting narrative (“held back by the mindset”) and replace it with one of collective identity and purpose (“playing for everybody to see what a real basketball team is”). Petra Adjei Kumi’s leadership and MVP performance were the tangible results of this shifted mentality.

Practical Advice: Lessons for Schools and Young Athletes

The 2026 ISSAG championships offer transferable lessons for coaches, school administrators, and student-athletes aiming for similar success.

For Coaches and School Programs

Build System Over Star Power: EAIS’s victory was a team effort led by a clear star, but their ability to advance through multiple rounds indicates a sustainable system, not just one player’s heroics. Develop set offenses and defenses that all players understand.
Prioritize Mental Skills Training: TRRS’s story is the ultimate case study. Integrate sports psychology, visualization, and team-building exercises focused on resilience and positive self-talk into regular practice schedules. This can be as important as physical drills.
Defense Wins Championships: The low scores in finals (24-17, 19-2) are a testament to elite defensive focus. Drills that emphasize communication, help-side defense, and rebounding should be a cornerstone of any championship-caliber program.

For Student-Athletes

Embrace Your Role: The Poku-Asante twins and Keifa Agyeman Badu formed a cohesive unit. Understand that team success requires accepting specific roles, whether you are the primary scorer, defensive specialist, or playmaker.
Control the Controllable: As Captain Adjei Kumi noted, you cannot control the physical attributes or past records of opponents. Focus your energy on effort, attitude, and executing your team’s game plan.
Leadership is Multifaceted: Leadership can come from the MVP scorer (Star Poku-Asante) or the mentally tough captain (Petra Adjei Kumi). Identify your leadership style and wield it confidently to uplift your teammates.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 ISSAG Basketball Championships

What does ISSAG stand for?

ISSAG stands for the International Schools Sports Association of Ghana. It is the organizing body for sports competitions among international schools in Ghana.

Which schools won the 2026 ISSAG basketball titles?

The East Airport International School (EAIS) won the boys’ championship, and The Roman Ridge School (TRRS) won the girls’ championship.

Who were the MVPs of the 2026 ISSAG finals?

The Boys’ Division MVP was Star Poku-Asante from EAIS. The Girls’ Division MVP was Petra Adjei Kumi, captain of TRRS.

What were the scores of the championship games?

The boys’ final score was EAIS 24 – 17 SOS-HGIC. The girls’ final score was TRRS 19 – 2 Akosombo International School (AIS).

How do schools qualify for the ISSAG finals?

Schools are divided into four geographical zones. The top two teams in the boys’ and girls’ divisions from each zone’s qualifying tournament advance to the national finals.

What is the significance of these wins for EAIS and TRRS?

For EAIS, it was their first-ever ISSAG boys’ basketball championship, marking a historic milestone for the school’s athletic program. For TRRS, it was a victory achieved through a deliberate shift in team psychology, proving that mental strength can overcome perceived physical disadvantages.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Trophy

The 2026 ISSAG Basketball Championships concluded with two deserving champions whose stories will be remembered. EAIS etched its name in the record books with a disciplined, team-first approach led by a phenomenal trio. TRRS provided a masterclass in the power of mindset, with Captain Petra Adjei Kumi embodying the belief that psychology is a critical component of elite performance. Beyond the trophies, the event highlighted ISSAG’s vital role in fostering competitive spirit, camaraderie, and personal growth among Ghana’s international student body. These championships serve as a powerful reminder that in school sports, the development of resilient, strategic, and unified young people is the ultimate victory. The legacy of January 31, 2026, will be the inspiring narratives of two teams that redefined what was possible for their schools.