#NSMQ2017: Adisadel continue back-to-back dream, Mfantsipim clash with Prempeh as semis begin

The National Science and Maths Quiz for the last 23 years has whipped up interest in science, rekindled old school rivalry and in this social media age given Ghanaians something very productive to cheer about; never mind the trolls.
The thrill has not been absent in the 2017 edition, which has been graced with its fair share of upsets. Opoku Ware School, Wesley Girls, Holy Child, Pope John, Aburi Girls are among other top-ranked schools that have been “ shown their real size” in the competition by less fancied contestants.
As the competition enters its final phase this week, the stakes are high and the race towards the grand finale on Thursday is even keener. In 2016, the final was a top level clash between Cape Coast rival schools, Adisadel College and Mfanstsipim school, and one of Ashanti’s finest schools, Opoku Ware. Adisadel College fought off the strong competition and eventually clinched their first ever National Science and Maths Quiz trophy.
A closer look at the 2017 semi-final pairings shows that the quiz enthusiasts could be served with a mouth-watering grand finale line-up of schools, but as to where the chips will fall, the picture would be clearer by close of day today [Monday].
The first contest is an all Cape Coast affair featuring Adisadel College, Ghana National College and University Practice High School. University Practice was in the final in 2015, and this year, their team has been impressive.
The second contest is a big name clash between three-time winners, Prempeh College, two time winners, Mfantsipim School and the pride of the Volta Region at this level, Mawuli School. Prempeh has the highest score in a single contest in the competition so far, but they come face to face with their nemesis in last year’s quarterfinal, Mfantsipim School.
The last semi-final contest will see an all-boys affair with representation from Kumasi and Accra. PRESEC Legon would have to beat Kumasi High School and St Thomas Aquinas to have a fair shot at an opportunity to lift the trophy for the sixth time.