“NSMQ2024: Shama SHS Beats Defending Champions GSTS to Advance to Finals of Western Zonal Championship

The clash between 2022 zonal champions Shama Senior High School and 2023 winners Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) set the stage for an eagerly anticipated contest in the Western Zonal Championship. However, Shama Senior High School’s Evergreen Shass made it look easier than expected.

Surprisingly, GSTS failed to make an impact, finishing at the bottom with only 7 points by the end of the contest. Shama SHS surged ahead with a commanding lead of 21 points after the first round, while St. Joseph’s SHS followed closely with 18 points. St. Mary’s Boys and Ghana Secondary Technical School lagged behind with 11 points each.

In a surprising turn, St. Joseph’s, St. Mary’s, and GSTS saw no improvement in the second round. Instead, they each saw their scores reduced to 7 points due to deductions for incorrect answers in the speed race.

This allowed Shama SHS to widen its lead to 27 points.

At this juncture, it was clear that the contenders had been separated from the rest. The applause from one side of the hall faded, as students from the other three schools began to quietly exit, one by one.

The clapping and cheering from the violet-uniformed Shama SHS students who nicknamed themselves the Evergreens grew stronger, making it difficult for the quiz master and coordinators to control.

At the end of the fourth and final round, Shama SHS booked a slot at the grand finale with 34 points. St. Mary’s Boys SHS came second with 20 points, St. Joseph SHS at third with 15 points, and “the giants of GSTS bottom with only 7 points.

Shama SHS will meet winners of the two contests between: Archbishop Potter Girls, Amenfiman SHS, Sefwi Wiawso SHS; and St. John’s SHS Adiembra SHS and Fiaseman SHS.