Shijas Backer’s 24 points led the way for champions in the competition’s final, which yielded a 77-68 result at Hartland International School on Friday.

Despite forming just two weeks earlier due to the tournament’s style of mixing and matching players, Team Fire looked like a squad that had plenty of experience together.

From tip-off, their passing was crisp, unselfishness high and ball movement aplenty. Team Ice began with a zone defence that only played into Team Fire’s hands as they probed for open looks both inside and out.

Point guard Backer, who earned the tournament’s Most Promising Player award, took full advantage of open perimeter looks and splashed a handful of 3-pointers, while adding fast break layups in transition.

Fire’s captain Belal Abiad finished with only two points, but helped orchestrate the plan of attack both from the bench and on the floor.

“We had our ups and downs, but as you saw in the last quarter, we started to get the ball moving from side to side and the guys knocked down some big shots,” he said. “Everyone on the team, my hat goes off to them, they did really, really well. It was a definite team effort.”

Team Ice were paced by Lloyd Edjuto, who had a game-high 34 points in a losing effort. His performance in the final added to the resume he built during the two weeks of play as he walked away as Player of the Tournament.

“It was really competitive,” Edjuto said. “Our rotation was kind of short because a couple of our guys weren’t here. We played as a team though, we were just unfortunate.”

The tournament had its highest amount of players and teams, which helped a worthy cause as the proceeds went to Snehasadan Home for Homeless in India to help children in need.

Rakesh Rathore, founder of the tournament, began the competition in memory of his son who died at the age 10.

“We create a platform where people can come and enjoy the game and perform with players who are better and more skills. That’s why we’re at it and inspired,” Rathore said. “Seeing all these players coming in every year, seeing the numbers increasing, it’s amazing.”