The ISZN Ibex have claimed the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS) Basketball Championship, securing the school’s first national basketball title and marking another milestone in ISZN’s growing legacy of sporting success.

The victory is especially meaningful, coming just a year after the team reached their first-ever national final but fell narrowly short against Basel. This season, they returned stronger—determined to finish the job—and lifted the trophy for the first time in school history.

Turning the tables in the final

In the championship match, ISZN faced Collège du Léman (CDL), a school of nearly 3,000 students. After a tightly contested first quarter, the Ibex led by just two points, and CDL entered the break celebrating their position. What followed was a dramatic shift: ISZN emerged with renewed energy and completely took control in the second quarter, stretching the lead to more than 15 points—one their opponents never recovered from.

Depth, discipline and teamwork

The championship reflected the growing maturity of ISZN’s basketball programme. Head of ISZN Sports Karl Robbins highlighted the squad’s depth, balance and trust in one another as decisive factors. Over the course of the two-day tournament, players rotated seamlessly, maintaining intensity while managing fatigue. This structure, supported by a deep bench and cohesive playing style, proved vital to their consistency and composure.

Preparation had been rigorous. Working under coaches Eleni Kafantari and Erwin Caccavale, the team arranged friendlies against both club and school sides—including last year’s Swiss champions—to test themselves against the strongest competition available. Younger players also took on more established roles, demonstrating the programme’s long-term development and pathway for progression.

Respect and resilience

While their play was explosive and relentless, the Ibex distinguished themselves through calmness and respect toward opponents and officials. Mr Robbins emphasises that this attitude is central to ISZN’s sporting culture, where technical skill goes hand-in-hand with character formation. His approach focuses on developing both individual abilities and collective intelligence—ensuring every player contributes meaningfully to what he calls “a well-oiled machine.”

Building a centre of sporting excellence

Basketball at ISZN has evolved rapidly—from a single weekly CCA led by a teacher with mixed abilities to five dedicated sessions run by professional coaches, several among the best in the region. The school’s strong investment in coaching, facilities and student support opens doors for exceptional young athletes.

This commitment is paying off. ISZN now holds four national titles—three in cross-country and one in basketball—alongside a European title won last year. The achievement reflects not only competitive quality but also the school’s ambition to build a comprehensive programme across all age groups.

Pride and connection

Sport at ISZN plays a powerful social role, strengthening bonds across the community. Older and younger students regularly support one another at fixtures, creating shared pride and authentic school spirit. One moment from the SGIS final captured that unity: early in the second quarter, Swiss National Team player Elvis produced a spectacular block, recovered the ball and delivered a decisive dunk that electrified the team and silenced the opposition crowd—a moment that symbolised both athletic power and collective belief.

Looking ahead

As the Ibex prepare to defend their regional title in Bern on 5 December, attention is also turning to the school’s rapidly developing girls’ team, whose progress mirrors the boys’ recent rise.

Reflecting on the journey, Mr Robbins notes that “the progress we’ve seen behind closed doors is finally visible.” The continuous investment in coaching, structure and opportunity is now translating into measurable results. “Over the next 18 months,” he adds, “ISZN will be recognised as a centre of sporting excellence, cultivating some of the best young talent in Switzerland across all age groups and genders.”