Emerging basketball talent lit up the court this week during a major schools tournament.
Latchmere School in Kingston triumphed at the inaugural Jr. NBA 3v3 primary school finals held on June 5, at the University of East London’s SportsDock, becoming the first-ever winners of the new competition. Their Year 5 and 6 team edged out Southbank International 14–11 in a closely contested final.
The final was filled with tension as Southbank International sank a three-pointer with just a minute left, nearly levelling the score, but Latchmere held firm to secure victory.
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Mr C Matthew, PE coach at Latchmere School, said: "I am so proud of the team’s commitment and how much each of them have trained both inside and outside of school.
"The way they performed today was just superb, they dug in so well and they should be extremely proud of this moment. Well done to them."
Standout players included siblings Lyric (Year 5) and Liana (Year 6).
Lyric said: "Today was very exciting and I am so happy that we won. It’s a pleasure to play with my sister because we know each other well and it helps us play together.
"The whole team did a great job, and we really enjoyed the tournament."
Nearly 350 teams took part in the city-wide tournament, which uses a fast-paced 3v3 format on a half-court with a single hoop and 12-second shot clock.
Polly Irvine, children and young people engagement and activations manager at London Marathon Events, said: "Congratulations to everyone who took part today, it’s been brilliant to see the first-ever Jr. NBA 3v3 primary school tournament come to life, with so much energy, enthusiasm and talent on display.
"It’s been a pleasure to witness how much these young players have developed over the course of the programme, not only in their basketball skills, but in their confidence, teamwork and communication as well."
Manorfield Primary in Poplar finished third after a close play-off against Queen's Park school Salusbury Primary. As part of their prize, Latchmere School will receive a new basketball hoop to encourage even more pupils to take up the sport.
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