Plaistow college’s basketball team to play in national semi-finals

Newham Sixth Form College’s men’s basketball academy are also hoping to make it to the finals of the British Colleges Sports National Cup in Birmingham tomorrow after beating some of the best teams in London. The team has won 11 out of 13 matches.

Jermaine D’Souza is a former NewVIc student who is now employed at the college in Prince Regent Lane in Plaistow as the intra-college sports activator. As part of his role, he also coaches the men’s basketball team.

He said: “Being my first year controlling the men’s team, I’ve had a very successful start. I’m very proud of the boys and we’ve bonded really quickly as a team. They knew what was expected of them and in return, they proved it on the court.

“This is the first time in NewVIc history, that the college has made it to the final four. It’s a great thing to be noticed by, and play against, other colleges in England. We’re really looking forward to the challenge.”

In the lead up to the cup final, NewVIc’s men’s basketball academy have already won the Festival of Sports tournament, which included six colleges overall. As the only team from London competing in the BCS National Cup semi-finals, they are determined to stay focused on the task at hand.

James Otto is in his second year of his level 3 BTEC extended diploma in electrical engineering at NewVIc and plays the centre position in the basketball team. He said “I feel very happy because it’s the first time I’ve gone to the finals. We’re a stronger team this year and have more experienced players.”

Prince Osazenaye is studying level 3 BTEC extended diploma in business and plays point guard/small forward, which involves driving the pace of the match. Prince said: “We feel grateful that we have made it as a team. This year we have different types of players and, as a team, train three times a week. We have learned how to support each other and also have an understanding, where we knuckle down and work together.”