Basketball

Basketball news

Nix survive Scorchers scare, Gladiators haunt Flyers

written by Hugh

BBL Championship
Surrey Scorchers 66 – 76 Cheshire Phoenix (23-12, 39-32, 54-64)
Scorchers – Johnson 16, Jacdonmi 11, Wang 10; Phoenix – Austin 23, Jack 14, Neighbour 11
Bristol Flyers 71 – 93 Caledonia Gladiators (19-19, 38-39, 51-72)
Flyers – King 21, Watson-Gayle 17, Samuels 13; Gladiators – Sloan 27, Onwas 20, Adams, 16

Surrey Scorchers entertained Cheshire Phoenix as the two sides battled it out for the second time in the BBL Championship regular season. Their previous encounter – back in September – witnessed Cheshire coming out on top, behind Jamell Anderson’s 22 points (8-17 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT).

For Lloyd Gardner’s Scorcher side, revenge was on the cards, as Surrey have struggled to scrape a win amidst a plague of injuries, including high-motor guard Josh Steel, ruling him out for tonight’s game.
For the home supporters, many eyes were set on South Sudanese international Padiet Wang, whose impressive playing form – averaging 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, five assists, and 35 playing minutes in his previous two games – presents an issue for all BBL sides.

In addition, Scorchers unveiled returning American guard Quincy Taylor, who arrives to help get the Southwest side back on track. His third stint in the BBL, Taylor knows a thing or two about closing out tense games.

As for the Cheshire Phoenix, Head Coach Ben Thomas commented on his side’s two consecutive defeats heading into the Surrey match-up, explaining:

“We’re a new team – we are not happy with the start we’ve had, but we will put it right. It is going to be a battle”.

Unsurprisingly, Wang put on a show straight from the tip-off, completing a picturesque transition dunk to give Surrey the advantage followed shortly by a corner three by forward Charleston Dobbs. Phoenix responded with a confident triple courtesy of Anderson.

A Taylor three-point conversion late in the first quarter got the home crowd going. Tennessee St. alum and BBL Rookie Shakem Johnson made an impression coming off the bench, adding 8 points in little over four minutes of court time to close off the first quarter.

Speedy guard Larry Austin, Cheshire’s second leading scorer, provided a handful of crafty baskets, beginning with an all-net three-point conversion from an Anderson kick-out pass. Next, Austin turned on the jets, weaving through the Scorchers defence for a strong layup to energise a trailing Phoenix team.

A strong inside move by Cheshire centre Will Neighbour followed by a pair of Austin steals and transition layups cut the game to within single digits. With 20 seconds to go, it was an exchange of perimeter three-pointers between Dobbs and Phoenix guard Marcus Evans that capped off a thrilling end to the first-half, Surrey maintaining a slim lead.

Phoenix continued to add to its 11 steals accumulated in the first half. Austin, once again, spearheaded Cheshire’s transition offense, visiting the free-throw line on numerous occasions in the process, cutting Surrey’s advantage to just a single point mid-way into the third.

Six total visits to the free-throw line for the Phoenix helped establish a 10-point advantage over the Scorchers, emphasised by a Neighbour three-pointer – characteristic of the 6’10” big man – as the game entered the final period, the Nix up by double figures.

Despite a ruthless defensive display by Cheshire, Surrey centre Boban Jacdonmi made his presence felt in the low block, reaching double figures in scoring, while Taylor’s unselfish offense gifted him with 9 assists.
Unable to contain an energetic Phoenix offense, including a BBL career-high 14 points for newbie Maceo Jack, Scorchers were outmatched, but were cheered on every step of the way by a lively Surrey Sports Park crowd.

Cheshire’s victory also saw Austin’s first double-double this season, tallying 23-points (9-12 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

In the second game of Saturday’s BBL action, the Bristol Flyers welcomed Caledonia Gladiators, marking game one of Caledonia’s Southwest double-ticket, as they square off against Plymouth Patriots tomorrow.

Caledonia, who entered the game with a 2-2 record for the season, looked to rookie David Sloan, who came off the back of a 36-point display in Caledonia’s road victory over the Leicester Riders last week.
Tragically, Thomas Bell III, one of Bristol’s most prolific players so far this season, took a knock in the opening minutes, and did not return to the floor having sustained a hip injury. We wish him a speedy recovery!

With six lead-changes in the opening quarter of the matchup, it is safe to say both teams started strong. The Gladiator guard duo of Sloan and Jacksonville St. alum Darian Adams got things started for the visitors, while VJ King‘s perimeter shooting paired with Malcolm Delpeche‘s high-flying dunks and defence got the home court fired up.

Virtually neck-and-neck, both sides continued to trade baskets. Corey Samuels, a fan-favourite in Bristol, found his shooting range early, coming off the bench to amass nine points with just a single miss recorded.

A very physical back-and-forth fixture, Jeremiah Bailey blossomed for the Gladiators in the first half, leading the team with 13 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. As for the Flyers, King persisted to get down-hill, treated to a handful of free-throws while also collecting eight rebounds.
Yet another nail-biter, the halftime whistle sounded with Caledonia ahead sporting a single-point lead over Bristol.

An early burst for Caledonia, featuring a three-point sink by
Prince Onwas and a Sloan transition lay-up off a Bailey steal, put the Gladiators firmly in front, forcing a Flyers timeout.

Striking again, Caledonia’s Sloan displayed his shooting prowess, knocking down consecutive perimeter shots, helping to increase their lead significantly over Bristol, up 15 mid-ways into the third quarter.
A massive chase-down block by King reignited the SGS College Arena, but it was Caledonia centre Patrick Tape that began to put on a show, notching double-figures in points, without a miss from the floor.

Despite some push-back by the Flyers with well-worked buckets from Jelani Watson-Gayle, the Gladiators maintained an efficient shooting performance, Onwas putting on a huge performance off the bench, putting up 20 points (8-8 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 1-3 FT), seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.

An incredible performance by Caledonia, the Gladiators dominated the second half of play, culminating in a 22-point victory, as they prepare to take on Plymouth Patriots in tomorrow’s fixtures.

30th October 2022 0 comment

Basketball

London Lions to play at Wembley Arena with all proceeds donated to local charity City Harvest

written by Hugh

On Tuesday 1st November, the London Lions will host their next home fixture in the EuroCup at the OVO Arena Wembley, with all attendance fees being waived in favour of donations for the London-based food distribution charity, City Harvest, with just a single donation of £1 providing up to four free meals for children supported by the organisation.

The Lions will welcome Montenegrin side Budućnost VOLI and will look to build on their historic win over Aquila Basket Trento last week when they became the first UK team in 18 years to win in the prestigious European competition. Their involvement in the EuroCup this season marks a historic moment not just for the London-based side, but also a potential turning point for the growth of British basketball as they became the first UK team to be included in the EuroCup since 2007. The Lions play their next game in the competition away to Spanish side Gran Canaria tonight.

The partnership with City Harvest marks the latest initiative from the team as the Lions aim to make an impact not only on the court but also in their community. City Harvest rescues nutritious surplus food from manufacturers, suppliers, producers and retailers, and delivers, for free, to 375+ London charities feeding those facing food poverty. City Harvest aids nutrition and sustainability by providing life-changing support to communities in every London borough through food donations and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from waste.

Alongside this, the Lions and world-renowned artist, Alvaro Barrington have come together in partnership with Serpentine Galleries, CONSUL and the Tower Hamlets City Council to create a unique basketball court located at Weavers Adventure Playground in Bethnal Green. The renovation will represent the first of an annual initiative from the London team to renovate other inner-city courts. The project aims to bring people from all walks of life together to the court for a celebration of sport, art and community – with a launch event happening on Friday 28th October, to be attended by representatives from the mayor’s office, players from the Lions, children from Weavers Adventure Playground and representatives from the local community.

Sarah Calcutt, CEO of City Harvest comments on the new partnership:

“City Harvest is delighted to be the new charity partner of the London Lions. As part of the fabric of London, City Harvest thrives on connecting key players with areas of need. We supply free food to many youth groups and schools running fit and fed programmes. These free community sessions encourage young people to channel their energy into sports and teamwork to develop key skills, agility and their overall health.

“We thank everyone for supporting us by making a donation so we can continue to offer nutrition to children who would otherwise not eat. So many families are struggling to feed their children right now, please help us to help them.”

Lenz Balan, Vice President of 777, owners of the London Lions, added:

“We are very excited to welcome City Harvest as our new charity partner. Fans will instead be able to get a ticket for the game by making a donation to the charity to help provide food for people in need. We are focused on making an impact not only on the court but also in our community and hope that the fans will help get behind this initiative. The game at the OVO Arena Wembley will mark a momentous occasion as it’s just the second EuroCup game to be played in the UK since 2007.”

25th October 2022 0 comment

Basketball

LONDON LIONS VS LEICESTER RIDERS | 89 -78

written by Hugh

REVENGE WAS SWEET FOR LONDON LIONS AS THEY COMFORTABLY BEAT LEICESTER RIDERS 89-78, IN A REMATCH OF THE BBL PLAY-OFF FINAL, ON FRIDAY EVENING.

Tomislav Zubcic came off the bench to lead Ryan Schmidt’s team with 20 points and five rebounds, while Sam Dekker added an 18 point, 11 rebound double-double as ten Lions got on the scoreboard.

In a contest that Lions never trailed in, the home side built on an early 12-2 run to inflict defeat on the reigning champions in the first game of their title defence. Kosta Koufos opened the scoring for the Lions on the way to a team-high eight first points, and a pair of baskets from both Dekker and captain Ovie Soko helped the home side take a ten-point lead with just three and a half minutes gone.

Back-to-back Koufos baskets saw Lions’ domination continue and Croatian forward Zubcic hit a triple before British pair Morayo Soluade and Devon Van Oostrum also scored from downtown to keep Lions comfortably ahead.

Van Oostrum converted from the foul line as Riders’ coach Rob Paternostro collected a technical foul, leaving Lions 28-18 ahead at the first break, and Soluade’s second triple kept the hosts’ double-digit lead intact after two second period minutes.

Dunks from Soko and Dekker got the crowd on their feet before Luke Nelson made it 41-25 with 4:34 on the clock. Nelson’s step-back three and a Kareem Queeley dunk saw Lions maintain their lead, and although Riders’ Patrick Whelan scored the final four points of the first half, the hosts led 47-35 going into the locker room.

Dekker’s dunk opened the second half, but Marc Loving replied with five straight points before a nice step-back from Kubic follwed by a Nelson drive and a Vojtech Hruban triple saw London regain the initiative.

Zubcic’s triple sent Lions into the final break with a 70-59 lead and Dekker kept the hosts ahead by double digits after three fourth period minutes with three-from-four foul shots.

Josh Sharma converted an alley-oop off Nelson’s assist before scoring a lay-up, and Riders never got closer than nine points down the stretch before Koufos wrapped up the scoring.

Loving led all scorers with 21 points for a Riders team who were out-rebounded 44-28.

Images & Video – https://www.thelondonlions.com/match-report/london-lions-vs-leicester-riders-89-78?mc_cid=b124315e0a&mc_eid=74f480b8be

3rd October 2022 0 comment

Basketball

LONDON LIONS VS B.BRAUN SHEFFIELD SHARKS | 86 – 73

written by Hugh

Former Toronto Raptor Sam Dekker led the way with 22 points, as London Lions made a winning start to the BBL Championship season with a robust 86-73 victory at B.Braun Sheffield Sharks, on Friday evening.

Dekker did most of the damage in the first half, adding four rebounds, as many assists and two steals in under 25 minutes of action. Big man Kosta Koufos, another NBA veteran, added 18 points and eight boards for the Lions, whilst Aron Best finished with ten points for the team.

Captain Ovie Soko scored Lions’ first competitive points of the season when he converted a pair at the charity stripe, but in an even first period it was Dekker who impressed with five points before Luke Nelson’s triple that gave the London side an 18-14 first period lead.

Sharma opened the second period scoring to extend Lions’ lead before Sheffield fought back to open a four point lead. Scores from Bekker and Best tied the game but it was Lions who had the last word in the first half, as Dekker was sent to the line after being fouled on a three-pointer. Dekker sunk all three shots to take his first half tally to 17 points give the visitors a 40-37 lead going into the locker room.

Dekker’s jump shot started what proved to be a strong third period for the visitors, and Koufos wrapped up an 8-0 run to open the quarter and give Lions a double-digit lead. Sheffield’s Nichols broke the run but Koufos was proving unstoppable in the paint, with his and-one giving the Lions a 55-41 lead with five minutes gone.

Image and full report – https://www.thelondonlions.com/match-report/london-lions-vs-b-braun-sheffield-sharks-86-73?mc_cid=89f0a5491e&mc_eid=74f480b8be

24th September 2022 0 comment

Basketball

Great Britain U18 rosters for FIBA European Championships confirmed

written by Hugh

After a busy few weeks of preparations, Great Britain can confirm the Men’s and Women’s rosters that will represent their nation at the FIBA Under-18s European Championships.

Craig Nicol’s U18 Men’s side will compete in the competition’s ‘A’ Division in Izmir, Turkey, from 30 July where they’ll compete against some of European junior basketball’s best sides, in a pool alongside France, Israel and North Macedonia.

Kenrick Liburd will take his U18 Women’s side to Sofia, Bulgaria, for the ‘B’ Division tournament from 30 July, where they’ll be part of a five-team pool alongside Croatia, Luxembourg, North Macedonia and Portugal.

Information on fixtures, where to watch the action and to follow the standings can be found on FIBA’s websites for the Men’s and Women’s competitions.

Both squads have had preparation games in Ireland and Serbia, while the Women will take part in the Pauline Prior Tournament this weekend along with the GB U16 Women.

Looking ahead to his Men’s side getting their tournament underway against France (11:45am) on 30 July, Coach Nicol said: “It is a great opportunity for these guys to showcase what they’re capable of as a national team and compete in the ‘A’ Division. They’ve been working really hard and gearing up to playing some of the best teams in the world.

“The guys are really hard-working and the way they’ve managed to gel over the course of our preparations has been really impressive and a great testament to them. We’ve seen big steps forward from the group, with marginal gains every day, and some individuals have really improved a lot over the last few weeks as well.

“We just want to compete as best we can in the Championships. We know we’re playing the best teams in Europe so we’ll take each game as it comes, do our best to compete and play hard and the guys will hopefully do enough to get some wins along the way.”

Coach Liburd’s Women’s side get their campaign in Bulgaria underway against Luxembourg on 30 July (11:45am) and he said: “Our preparations have been good. We had a good opportunity to play against power and strength and size in Ireland U20s, then going to Serbia to face opposition our own age without one of our stronger personalities, we learnt a lot and different people got opportunities to step up and we tried a few different things.

“This is a group that we expect to have an opportunity to win the thing. We want to be challenging for the highest honours and as a minimum giving ourselves a chance of making that Division A competition. The goal of our GB youth programme is to get the players ready to be senior internationals and the only way you do that is by playing the best people so nothing shocks them.

“We’re really excited about the opportunity. We’ll be taking it one game at a time and making sure we are as good as we can be for the first game against Luxembourg and then continue to improve through the group.”

Reading Rockets’ Isaac Round, who has been selected as part of Nicol’s Men’s squad said: “Our trips to Serbia and Ireland provided great tests to measure how we matched up against some top European talent. We’ve progressed very well over the past month, team chemistry has been excellent and we’ve been able to learn some valuable lessons leading up to the tournament.”

Issy Bunyan, who has represented Cardiff Met Archers in the WBBL for the past two seasons playing under the guidance of GB legend Stef Collins, is included in Liburd’s squad and expressed her excitement for the challenge that lays ahead: “I’m most looking forward to getting on the court with these girls. It’s a really good group and a pleasure to play with them! I’m really excited for the tournament to start. It will be a great experience and one I hope will stay with me forever.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to play in the WBBL. I think the pressure that comes with that has helped me grow as a player and taught me many lessons. Playing WBBL is something I am really proud of and has offered me the biggest opportunity to improve as a player.

“Our team can do a lot of damage at the Championships! It’s a great bunch of girls who I believe in. We are going into the tournament with high expectations and will play for each other and GB.”

Great Britain Under-18 Men’s Squad to compete in FIBA Under-18 European Championships ‘A’ Division (30 July – 7 August)

12-player Roster:
Ifeoluwadara Adeyemi, York Knights
Benjamin Brown, Manchester Magic
Joseph Buchanan, Barking Abbey
Lane Campbell, Leicester Riders
Nedas Cholevinskas, Baltic Stars
Latrell Davis, First Baptist Academy, USA
Matthew Goodwin, Manchester Magic
Benjamin Michaels, Ipswich
Isaac Round, Reading Rockets
Dijarn Russell-Walters, Nottingham Hoods
Louie Tucker, Sunrise Christian HS, USA
Enoch Wangoy, Manchester Magic
Reserve list:
Marcus Myen King-Danchie, Florida Coastal, USA
Tyrese Perry-Huggins, Ipswich

Coaching and Support Staff:
Head Coach – Craig Nicol
Assistant Coach – Will Maynard
Assistant Coach – Dan Gayle
Team Manager – Damien Plumer
Physio – Aynk Vigneswaran
S&C Coach – Chris Wanford

Great Britain Under-18 Women’s Squad to compete in FIBA Under-18 European Championships ‘B’ Division (30 July – 7 August)

12-player Roster:
Isobel Bunyan, Cardiff Met Archers
Natalie Charity, Nottingham Wildcats
Leia Edwards, Sierra Canyon High School, USA
Olivia Forster, Ipswich
Louisa Gibbins, Bristol Flyers
Fatmata Janneh, Barking Abbey
Katie Januszewska, Leicester Riders
Clementina Odom, Barking Abbey
Carys Roy, Cardiff Met Archers
Grace Strickland, Barking Abbey
Violet Stutz, City of London Basketball Academy
Charli Wroe, Manchester Mystics

Reserves List:
Miriam Carrasco-Menendez, Oaklands Wolves
Erin Powell, Leicester Riders

Coaching and Support Staff:
Head Coach – Kenrick Liburd
Assistant Coach – Karen Burton
Assistant Coach – Lauren Milligan
Team Manager – Paula Charity
Physio – Dave Hall
Strength and Conditioning Coach – Jon Fortesque

22nd July 2022 0 comment

Basketball

Nate Reinking confirms 12-man roster for Larissa showdown

written by Hugh

Great Britain’s 12-man squad for the Thursday’s FIBA 2023 World Cup Qualifier against Greece has been confirmed.

GB have been in training camp in Larissa this week ahead of their final away fixture of Group B against the European heavyweights, Greece, on Thursday 30 June (6pm BST).

GB enter this window in unprecedented form, having won 12 of their past 15 games – a run that extends all the way back to the 2018-19 season and includes wins over the European heavyweights of France, Greece, Germany and Montenegro.

Speaking ahead of the confirmation of the final 12-man roster, Men’s National Team Head Coach Nate Reinking said:

“This is a huge opportunity for these guys and I think they’re taking advantage of this. Practice has been great with the roster coming into camp and doing everything they can to grasp our philosophies and show that they can produce.

“Come tomorrow night and come Sunday, when their numbers are called, these guys are going to be ready to step up and that is what it is all about. They’re all fighting for a roster spot in the future and they know this is an opportunity for them all to show what they can do.”

“I’m extremely excited for tomorrow’s game and then to bring it back to Newcastle on Sunday in front of a sell-out crowd will be awesome. This roster has worked extremely hard to grasp a lot of concepts and develop and grow together over the last few days and we’re excited to put that to the test tomorrow.”

Jaiden Delaire, Callum Lawson and Patrick Whelan’s inclusion in the squad sees the trio in line to make their senior GB Men’s debuts as neither of the three has won a cap previously. On the other end of the spectrum with 110 caps to his name, Olympian Dan Clark edges closer to snatching the all-time GB Men’s caps record, whereas Myles Hesson and Gabe Olaseni move closer to their milestone 50th caps.

The full 12-man roster for the Greece game can be found below. You can catch GB in action against Greece at 6pm BST on Thursday 30 June, live on FIBA’s streaming service, Courtside 1891.

Great Britain Men’s National Team Roster vs Greece – FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifying – June 30 2022Jamell Anderson                     F          31        6’7”                  Manchester Giants (GBR)                  4
Kavell Bigby-Williams             F/C      26        6’11”                Indios de San Francisco (DOM) 8
Dan Clark                                F/C      33        6’11”                Manchester Giants (GBR)                  110
Jaiden Delaire                         F          21        6’9”                  Stanford University (USA) 0
Myles Hesson                         F          31        6’6”                  Kagawa Five Arrows (JPN) 45
Kyle Johnson                          G         33        6’5”                  Hamilton Honey Badgers (CAN) 83
Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye      G         25        6’3”                  Heroes Den Bosch (NED) 10
Callum Lawson                       F          26        6’6”                  Valur (ISL) 0
Gabe Olaseni                          C         30        6’10”                Darussafaka (TUR) 42
Devon van Oostrum                G         29        6’3”                  Club Melilla Baloncesto (ESP) 40
Carl Wheatle                           F          24        6’7”                  Pistoia (ITA) 17
Patrick Whelan                        G         25        6’5”                  Leicester Riders (GBR) 0

Coaching & Performance Staff:
Head Coach: Nate Reinking
Assistant Coach: Marc Steutel
Assistant Coach: Jamie Smith
Assistant Coach: Andreas Kapoulas
Head Performance Analyst: Adam Sewell
Team Manager & Head of Delegation: Chris Morris
Head Sports Therapist: Tom Cresswell
Physiotherapist: Aynkaran Vigneswaran
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Rich Clarke
Team Doctor: Karen Barclay

*International Caps are accurate as of the start of the June 2022 FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifying Window.

30th June 2022 0 comment

Basketball

London Lions confirmed to play in the EuroCup next season after a record-breaking run

written by Hugh

The London Lions basketball team has been confirmed to play in the EuroCup next season – becoming the first BBL team to do so since the Guildford Heat in 2007. This involvement comes after a momentous season not just for the London Lions, but for British Basketball as a whole. The Lions broke records in the FIBA Europe Cup this year, becoming the first British team ever to make the second round of the competition after achieving an impressive 5-1 record in their first-round group. The London-based side then subsequently defeated Danish outfit the Bakken Bears in the next stage, making further history as the first UK team to win in the second round of the FIBA Europe Cup.

The Lions’ performance in Europe last season provides a mere glimpse of what the team wish to make a regular occurrence in every campaign – competing with Europe’s elite teams. Their landmark inclusion in this season’s EuroCup means the team has an opportunity to make history again. Over their recent run, the Lions have enjoyed record crowds at the Copper Box Arena as the popularity of basketball continues to grow in the UK. This trend is only set to continue in their next campaign with the passionate fans being a key factor of the side’s recent success. The competition will see the Lions facing potential European heavyweights such as Hamburg Towers, Extra Frutti Bursapor and fellow newbies Paris Basketball.

General Manager Brett Burman comments:

“This is a great opportunity, not just for the Club, but for London basketball as a whole. Being able to compete on this stage, one of the highest in the basketball world, is an honour and an opportunity that we have been waiting for. We are committed to bringing the highest level of competition to this city and showing the basketball world what we, the London Lions, are about. There are big things in store with the Club; our staff, ownership, and myself are ready to showcase this to London and UK hoops as a whole.

“We have unfinished business, and that starts with winning trophies and championships. 7DAYS EuroCup brings on an exciting slate of regular season matches from October through March, and it is up to us to navigate those waters in order to be prepared to compete at the highest level throughout both our domestic (BBL) and international leagues.”

Adam Weiss, Vice President of 777 said:

“We appreciate the opportunity to show the ascendancy of British basketball is real and sustained on one of the biggest stages in Europe. The London Lions are as much a cause as a basketball club. We emanate from the culture of East London and enter EuroCup with the community behind us.”

23rd June 2022 0 comment

Basketball

London Lions women’s team complete a domestic clean sweep

written by Hugh

The London Lions women’s team have completed a domestic clean sweep following their triumph in the WBBL Play-Off finals at The O2 on Sunday 15 May. The final was played in front of a capacity crowd of over 15,000 people who cheered the dominant Lions onto victory over Sevenoaks Suns. The win marks the latest achievement in what has been an astonishing season for the London Lions women’s team, with the WBBL Cup, Trophy and Championship already secured before the game on Sunday. Beyond the momentous win for women’s basketball, yesterday’s accolade also cements a historic moment for women’s sport, with the Lions arguably positioned as one of the most successful female teams in British sport.

The Lions, who have won all 34 domestic games this season with an average margin of 40 points started quickly, with Shanice Beckford-Norton shining scoring a three to extend the Lions lead to 12-7 at the end of the first quarter. The Suns fought back to take them within six points of the Lions at the end of the third quarter, but after having failed to score for almost five minutes in the fourth quarter, the Lions amounted an unassailable lead. The domestic clean sweep was secured with the final score being 70-45 to the Lions.

The team, as always this season, had a plethora of stand-out performers in the game as five Lions players scored double figures, with Shanice Beckford-Norton scoring 15 points, MVP Kennedy Leonard 13 and Holly Winterburn adding 12.

The win at The O2 marked the perfect end to an invincible domestic season for the London Lions women’s team as they made the domestic clean sweep a reality.

21st May 2022 0 comment

Basketball

London Lions retain the WBBL Trophy – beating the Sevenoaks Suns 72-36

written by Hugh

The London Lions women have won their first silverware of the season after they beat the Sevenoaks Suns 72-36 in the Betty Codona WBBL Trophy Final, with the score being 33-23 at the halftime break, the Lions started to assert their dominance in the last two quarters, with the score standing at 56-29 at the end of the third quarter and winning the last quarter 16-7 to secure a 72-36 win and defend the WBBL Trophy they won last year.

Holly Winterburn produced a stand-out performance, securing 16 points, six rebounds and five assists to gain the MVP award, Johannah Leedham-Warner also contributed 14 points for the Lions. The Lions remain unbeaten so far this season and have an opportunity to gain four titles, the league, cup, trophy and play-offs, if they follow their current trajectory.

General Manager Brett Burman comments on the fantastic performance of the London Lions team:

“This season has been a momentous one for the team and the WBBL Trophy win is the latest achievement for us. The morale in the team at the moment is extremely high and they came into the final full of excitement and enthusiasm and the performance in the final showed this. Holly performed magnificently in the final, but it was the whole team performance which was the most impressive .

“We hope that we can continue this form and winning those four titles is our ultimate goal this season.”

22nd March 2022 0 comment

Basketball

London Lions progress to the BBL Trophy final, beating the Bristol Flyers

written by Hugh

The London Lions have already had a momentous season, breaking records for British teams in Europe and they achieved another milestone last night, beating the Bristol Flyers 85-81 at the Copper Box Arena and 166-142 on aggregate in the BBL Trophy semi-final second leg.

The Lions came into the game with a 20 point advantage on the aggregate score, after beating the Flyers 81-61 in Bristol in the first leg. The progression into the final was never really in doubt as Dirk Williams top scored with 22 points and Will Neighbour added an additional 17 points from the bench.

The Lions will now look to defend the trophy they won last season – setting up a final with Cheshire Phoenix on Sunday 20th of March at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow where they will look to avenge a defeat suffered when the same two teams met in 2002. The Lions have beaten the Newcastle Eagles, Manchester Giants and the Bristol Flyers in their road to the final, as they have an opportunity to add their first piece of silverware of the season on March 20th.

General Manager Brett Burman comments on the fantastic performance of the London Lions team:

“This season has been a momentous one for the team and the win in the semi-final is the next achievement for us. The morale in the team at the moment is extremely high and they can’t wait to play the final in Glasgow and look to bring the trophy back to the Copper Box Arena once again.

“We hope that our fans can travel up to Glasgow to cheer on the team and we are ready to perform in the final!”

11th March 2022 0 comment

Newer Posts

Older Posts