St Bonaventure’s Year 7 Basketball team have rounded off an amazing season by becoming Basketball Champions of London.

The NBA (National Basketball Association) and England Basketball organised the tournament  in which 113 schools from all over the Capital participated eager to be crowned winners.

The St Bon’s team won their final match yesterday with a magnificent  35-10 win over Harris Academy in South Norwood.  12 year-old Megane Stanley was voted Most Valuable Player of the tournament.  

PE Teacher Paolo  Ancora said: “The team really deserved the win  based on all their hard work over the past seven months, especially their commitment coming in early in the mornings.” He added: “The Year 7 team are currently still unbeaten in all competitions, amassing an impressive 34 wins with no losses since September. To say I am proud is an understatement.”

The final was held yesterday, March 22, at Evelyn Grace Academy in Brixton and was attended by the eight finalist schools. Current WNBA player Allison Feaster was there to impart her wisdom and coach the youngsters throughout the day. A shooting contest and a NBA Clinic also took place and all the students thoroughly enjoyed their festival of basketball.

In the final itself,  the sports-hall was packed with spectators, dignitaries and pupils  and the atmosphere was amazing. After their NBA style call out where each player was introduced to the crowd, the St Bon’s team performed their team chant, and the game was on. The team sprinted out to an 8 point lead with baskets from Nikodem Dziubaltowski and Demi Dada. Harris Academy were stunned and tried to rally back, but Samzel Quaye, Ronin Botor and Jahni Weddeburn had them locked up with their tireless defence. The game was becoming stretched nearing half-time, both teams were tiring. St Bon’s inaccuracy was giving their opposition possession and hope, but aggressive defence combined with great rebounding, especially by Sujan Surendran kept St Bon’s ticking over. In the third quarter St Bon’s re-focused their efforts, which was epitomised by a spectacular block by Gabriel Omoregie.

The Year 7 team then scored several key baskets and Marc Mendoza along with Alfie Grech took control of the game By the time the final buzzer sounded, the crowd were jubilant and the St Bon’s team ecstatic.

Mr Ancora and Mr Onireti are bursting with pride and Mr Ancora added: “They are an exceptional group of young men and are dedicated, hard-working and full of  team spirit.”