St Aloysius’ College are the NBL champions

BASKETBALLERS from St Aloysius’ College were jumping with joy after being crowned Dynamik National Schools Champions of the National Basketball League (NBL).

The boys’ Under-17s side from the school in Islington beat Myerscough College in a fierce battle to the final buzzer, winning 79-75 at the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester.

MVP and team captain Manie Joses played a huge part in his team’s victory with a double-double, contributing 17 points and 12 rebounds.

After the game the power forward said: “I’m proud of us. This was our final game of this season. We were not the favourites to win but we proved we were the better team in what was a tight game. Bringing the cup to St Aloysius in our final year in secondary school is very rewarding.”

Ending the game with 18 points and 10 rebounds, Remy Udeh also stamped his name on the court with a double-double to help St Aloysius over the line.

He said: “The game went well, we put our all into this game as a team and everyone had a good performance. I’m very happy lifting this trophy, I think we deserve it.

“I played well this game, my teammates encouraged me throughout and my confidence was high. Overall I’m happy with my performance.”

What makes this victory even more special is that these same players, and coach William Akuffo, are also part of the Islington Panthers team that enjoyed a year unlike any other, winning the Under-16s National Cup and the South 3 Conference of the NBL, and with it promotion to the Eastern Premier.