Category: Elite U14

THE YEAR 2023 SUMMARY

Year 2023 – A Remarkable Chapter in Our 4-Year Journey

As we bid farewell to 2023, a year etched in the annals of our club’s history, we reflect upon the incredible milestones that have made it arguably the most successful in our four-year journey.

National League Triumphs:
The year kicked off with resounding success as our U18 squad secured a coveted spot in the National Cup final after a fierce battle against Milton Keynes. Facing the London Legends in a thrilling final played in Manchester, our boys emerged victorious, clinching the title of National Champions. Simultaneously, our Division 2 side, under the guidance of Coach Daniel Szatkowski, achieved promotion to Basketball England’s top tier – Division 1.

Our talented junior teams continued the winning streak, with two squads making it to the Final Four event in Manchester. The U14s and U18s showcased their prowess, promising a formidable future for our club.

In the realm of girls’ basketball, our debut season in the National League saw our young squad earning promotion to the U16 South Premier League, marking a monumental achievement for our girls’ side.

EYBL Campaign:
Our foray into the European Youth Basketball League (EYBL) was nothing short of spectacular. The U20 team, under the strategic leadership of Oskar Striuga, embarked on a journey to Levice, Slovakia. The team exhibited commendable resilience against top-tier opponents, ultimately securing a remarkable 7th-place finish.

On the other side of the spectrum, our U13 squad, masterfully guided by Coach M. McKelvey, ventured to Budapest, Hungary. Displaying an upward trajectory in skill and passion, our young players faced off against formidable teams from across Europe. With standout performances from L. Bowman, D. Onuoha, and Z. Milovidov, the unthinkable was achieved – the U13 EYBL CHAMPIONSHIP! This triumph not only resonates within our club but also echoes across the European basketball community, marking a historic milestone for our organization.

Individual Achievements:
Our commitment to player development was further exemplified by numerous call-ups to represent London and the UK. Standout players such as Kaya Birsen, Ata Charles,E. Ahamefule, S. Emanelo, L. Campbell, and N. Djanogly earned spots in various national teams during the Euro Campaign 2023.

As the summer unfolded, our players garnered attention from programs worldwide, receiving offers from renowned institutions such as Jefferson College ( Devonte Sanusi), Adam’s University Philippines ( RJ SanDiego), Florida Coastal Prep ( Elise Guede), LA Sierra ( Jonah Bediako), Western Texas ( Liam Campbell), Strength and Motion Prep ( Hunter Kelleher), and Brewster Academy ( Nathaniel Djanogly).

A Glimpse into 2024:
As we celebrate the successes of 2023, we eagerly anticipate an even more remarkable 2024. The foundation has been set, and with unwavering dedication, we are poised for greater achievements, both on and off the court.

Cheers to a stellar 2023, and here’s to an even brighter 2024!

Back at it

The U15 team is gearing up for an unforgettable journey to Rome from the 7th to the 9th of September to participate in the prestigious EYBL U15 First Stage tournament. Organized by one of Europe’s premier junior clubs, Stella Azzura, this tournament promises fierce competition and unparalleled experiences for our young athletes. The U15 squad is eagerly anticipating this opportunity to showcase their talent on an international stage.

The Schedule:

  • Thursday, September 7th, 7:00 PM (UK Time): Our journey begins with an exciting clash against BC Sibiu from Romania. It’s a prime time match that will set the tone for our campaign in Rome.
  • Friday, September 8th, 10:00 AM (UK Time): On Friday morning, we face off against the formidable Italian side, Unibasket Lanciano. The early kickoff promises an intense battle on the court.
  • Friday, September 8th (Afternoon): After a thrilling morning game, our squad will take a break to explore the enchanting city of Rome. Sightseeing and cultural immersion await as we soak in the beauty of this historic city.
  • Saturday, September 9th, 8:00 AM (UK Time): We return to action early on Saturday morning, facing DEAC Academy from Hungary. The team is determined to bring their A-game and make their mark on the tournament.
  • Saturday, September 9th, 1:00 PM (UK Time): The closing game of this memorable journey takes place against Honved Budapest. The players are ready to leave it all on the court in pursuit of victory.

Meet Coach Dre Andre: We are thrilled to welcome Coach Dre Andre to our coaching squad. With a wealth of experience and enthusiasm, Coach Dre Andre will lead our U15 team during the upcoming season. In his own words, “I’m extremely excited to be joining a continuously improving program and a well-established organization within the community. During our EYBL experience, I aim to provide the players with the correct tools on and off the court to compete at the highest level among Europe’s best. We want to instill a hungry mentality and have a remarkable season in the NBL.”

Stay Connected: We encourage all our supporters to stay connected with us throughout this exciting journey. We will be providing regular updates on our social media channels, so be sure to follow us for behind-the-scenes action, player interviews, and more.

Live Streaming: For those unable to be in Rome, fear not! You can catch all the games live on our YouTube channel. Join us in supporting our boys as they embark on this new EYBL campaign for the 2023-2024 season. Let’s show our unwavering support and cheer them on from wherever you are in the world.

This trip to Rome is not just a basketball tournament; it’s an opportunity for our U15 squad to grow, learn, and make lasting memories. We’re excited to represent our club, our community, and our country on the international stage, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. Go Elite!

A road less travelled.

It sounds like an incredible journey lies ahead for your U13 basketball team! The opportunity to travel to New York City and play against top teams like Asphalt Green and compete in the Summer Nationals tournament help between 18th and 20th of August at Spooky Nook is undoubtedly an exciting and challenging experience.

Playing against strong American competition will be a valuable learning experience for your players. It will not only test their skills and abilities but also provide them with the chance to measure their progress against elite teams. Such exposure will be instrumental in their development as both individual players and as a cohesive team.

Winning the EYBL title previously shows the potential and talent within your U13 team, and taking part in the Summer Nationals will help further nurture that potential. Under the guidance of Head Coach Miguel McKelvey, the boys will likely gain valuable insights, tactics, and strategies that will contribute to their growth on the court.

Trips like these not only foster basketball development but also offer unique cultural experiences for the players. Exploring New York City and experiencing its diverse and vibrant atmosphere will be an unforgettable aspect of the journey.

This trip marks a significant milestone in your team’s journey as they prepare for the 2023-2024 NBL U14 Prem season. The experiences gained during this adventure will undoubtedly contribute to their continued progress and success.

The journey has just begun, and we’ll be providing regular updates to keep you connected with every thrilling moment, from the court to the heart of the action. Stay tuned for inspiring victories, unforgettable plays, and the incredible experiences that this tournament holds for our talented U13 squad. 🏆🌎

Wishing our U13 team all the best in their endeavours as they embark on this road less travelled and continue to strive for excellence both on and off the basketball court!

#U13TournamentJourney #FollowTheAction #UnstoppableSpirit #LondonElite

U13s ARE EYBL CHAMPIONS!

Yes, you read it right, London Elite’s talented U13 Team are European Youth Basketball League (EYBL) Champions for 2022/23! This is a fantastic achievement for our young side who beat some of Europe’s most prestigious basketball programmes to take the U13 crown.

The EYBL regular season had provided a tough test for our U13s, who finished with a 5-3 record – a great achievement in their first EYBL season, but not quite enough to qualify for the Superfinal. Then, one May evening, the squad were offered a wildcard place due to another team dropping out. This came in a period of new beginnings as the U13s waved a fond farewell to long-standing Head Coach Alek, and welcomed his replacement, Miguel McKelvey. Four talented new players also joined the ranks, with Daniel Onuoha, Pawel Obadowski, Leo Bowman, and Tay Asker bringing much needed depth and athleticism.

Grasping the opportunity to make London Elite history, Coach Miguel began preparations for the Superfinal, including competing in Brentwood Fire’s 1-day tournament. Some accomplished performances saw the boys bring home the trophy, ensuring we headed to the Superfinal brimming with confidence. The Team arrived in picturesque Budapest on Sunday 18th June, fired up and ready to begin their campaign the following day:

Game 1 saw the boys get off to a strong start against Slovakian side BBC Kamarno, securing a high-scoring 96-68 victory, with 5 players hitting double digits in scoring: D.Onuoha (25), Q.McKelvey (20), J.Toppin (15), P.Obadowski (14), and L.Bowman (10).

Game 2 presented a bigger challenge against Polish side Twarde Pierniki Torun, a team that finished 2nd in the EYBL North regular season, losing only 1 game.  Led by Quentin McKelvey (21 points, 7 rebounds), the boys started off strong and jumped to a solid 20-point lead. A spirited comeback from Twarde Pierniki saw our lead reduced to single figures, but the boys held on to secure their second win of the day 88-74.

Game 3 saw our boys matched against a Budapest Select team containing some of the top prospects in Hungarian basketball and boasting a regular season record of 8-2. Led by Leo Bowman (23 points, 10 steals, 7 rebounds) and Daniel Onuoha (21 points, 17 rebounds), our boys established a 10-point lead at half time. After a stirring talk from Coach Miguel, the team extended their lead to 20 points in the 3rd Quarter and sailed to a 67-57 victory.  London Elite had made the final and the dream was taking shape!

Daniel Onuoha stormed the Superfinal but claiming much deserved MVP title

The EYBL Final provided the ultimate test against Ukrainian side BC Uzhgorod, a highly competitive outfit with a 10-1 regular season record.  We got off to a flying start, with a 14-point lead by half-time, but the Ukrainians showed great resilience in the second half, making fifteen 3-pointers to bring the game back in their sights. Our boys’ did not disappoint, putting on a heroic performance to hold on for the win and secure the EYBL Title. Shout out to Daniel Onuaha (19 points, 8 rebounds), Jayden Toppin (16 points, 9 rebounds), Leo Bowman (11 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, Team MVP), and Aleksander Milovidov, our 6’4 giant who played at tremendous efficiency (27) and earned the Final MVP award.

A perfect end to the season and a true underdog story! Additional mentions to Quentin McKelvey who was ranked 4th overall for the EYBL season (ave. 22.3 points), and Daniel Onuaha who was voted Superfinals MVP (ave. 20.5 points, 13.3 rebounds, 26.5 Efficiency).

Head Coach Miguel McKelvey said: ”It was an honour to coach these players at EYBL. In addition to their talent, they are a great group of boys. They all have a love for the game that shows in how they play. They bought into our strategy and did a great job executing the game plan as a team. I congratulate them on their incredible accomplishment!

EYBL Superfinal Places Confirmed!

London Elite is thrilled to announce that our U13 and U20 squads have been invited to the prestigious European Youth Basketball League Superfinal – a fantastic achievement for our young Club! Shortly after attending our first ever Junior NBL Final Four event, and as we prepared to settle down for the off-season, we find ourselves focusing on the European campaign again!

The European Youth Basketball League (EYBL) is one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, providing a unique opportunity for our players to showcase their talents against the best players in Europe. Watched by scouts from across the globe, the EYBL often provides a springboard for talented young players to enter high-profile basketball programmes.

Our U20 Team return to the historic Town of Levice in Slovakia on 18th May, facing established basketball clubs including Slovakia Select, Dinamo Bucharest, and USK Prague. The Team will hope to build on their EYBL performances here earlier in the year, finishing with a 2-2 record. Led by Coach Daniel Szatkowski, the Team has been working hard, undertaking additional intensive preparation to ensure they maximise their potential in Slovakia. Coach Daniel said:  

‘This is a truly remarkable achievement for London Elite. The EYBL campaign has been extremely valuable for all of our teams, and to reach the Superfinal stage demonstrates how our Club is growing from strength to strength. Top 8 in an U20 league is a big achievement in itself, but I truly believe that with the players we are adding for this stage, we can make a big impact in the Superfinal.’

Our U13 squad return to the Hungarian Capital of Budapest on 19th June. The U13s represent one of the most exciting projects in the club, finishing the previous EYBL stage with 3 wins. Led by Quentin McKelvey (26.8 points per game), and Aleksandar Milovidov (11 rebounds per game), they will be full of confidence as they face the likes of Pamukspor SK, Budapest Select, and Alpha Basketball Sibiu.

Alongside this great news, we are delighted to announce that Coach Miguel McKelvey will take over the reins of our U14 Prem squad next season, replacing Coach Alek who has made the decision to step-down. Coach Miguel is a NCAA D1 Oregon Graduate and brings a real depth of knowledge to our talented side.  Coach Miguel said:

‘I am truly honoured by the opportunity to coach London Elite’s U14 team. We have a great group of young players with both exceptional talent and outstanding character. All of the players and coaches are excited about going to Budapest for the 3rd time this season – the EYBL has been a great opportunity to learn and grow as a team, and the Superfinal will be a springboard for our rising U13s as they prepare for U14 Prem next season.’

Look out on our social media channels for regular updates on each Team’s progress in the Superfinals.

First Junior Final Fours in books!

Not many people would believe after only the first-ever season in Premier competition, London Elite would break into the most prestigious junior competition in UK. Joining well-established basketball programs seemed like an impossible goal to have.

Hundreds hours of training, countless miles to the away games, tones of emotions, dozens of won games and our dream has come true. Our talented U14 and U18 squads have booked a place at a highly anticipated event in Manchester.

U18’s

Our oldest junior team went through really competitive Playoff rounds before reaching semi-final match-up vs London rivals CoLA. In the first round of the playoffs, our home venue Capital City was visited by Manchester Giants team which provided a tough match up for our boys. U18’s closed the game in great fashion and secured a quarter-final game vs Myerscough.

North England based squad is part of EABL academy and has plenty of talented players. Our quarterfinal game went back and forth with no side taking clear lead and overtime was needed to see any side claiming the win. Our u18’s supported by 200+ spectators achieved the unbelieve goal of winning a game by only 2 points behind perfectly executed play at the end of the game. A great pass by Omon Arifkhanov set Hunter Kelleher for an open 3. Hunter did not hesitate and Hunter did not let his team down. Perfect 3-point shot will be forever key highlight for our U18 campaign. The final fours ticket was booked in heroic circumstances.

Semifinal match-up saw our U18 squad face South London Rivals, City of London Academy. In a low scoring affair, it was our team that held nerves and claimed an important win which meant that Grand Final against Manchester Magic was set. With over 1000 spectators watching this clash live, it was obvious it is one of the most electric clashes possible. Top players, programs and coaches on display. Game started in our favour however hot handed host came back and controlled the game within 10 point lead though out 2nd and 3rd quarter however our London boys never gave up and fought bravely back bringing the game to 3 points difference with 3 mins on the clock. Despite a great fight, it was North England side that sealed the game and claimed the championship on that fantastic night in Manchester.

Our U18’s squad in first-ever Juniors Final Fours has claimed 2nd place. This was added on top of U18 National Cup won In January.  Head Coach Kieran Matthews said: “ Such a fantastic journey did not finish the way we wanted. However the final game was a testimony of what London Elite club has become. Even though we did not win the championship, our boys won National Cup and were Runner up in National League. They made the whole club proud.

Before the season started last August 2022, it was hard to imagine we would be one of the four top teams in the United Kingdom by April 2023.  Big congratulations to Hunter Kelleher for being named as an All Star 5 for the whole Final Four tournament!

U14 Head Coach Alek Blagoevski-Trazoff “Our U14 team had just gotten promoted from the Conference to the Premier Division in the summer of 2022 when I took over the reins. We were a part of the most competitive conference (SouthWest) and had the last year’s champions to compete with. However, we started the pre-season preparations ahead of time and we set the bar high in terms of the process goals we wanted to achieve. We also had a very talented group of kids to begin with, including U14 England national team member Kaya Birsen and Aspire program members Daniel Olusanya, Quentin McKelvey and Nicholas Ferrari.”

The team was fortunate to have an Aspire program member, a fantastic leader, Mamba mentality and your next CEO Ata Charles Refiogly join in the off-season, which was one of the critical pieces for our success. At that time, we formed the base of success for the next year, including internationals Alexander Milovidov and Omer Zardok Shemer. We were very fortunate to add key pieces later on during the season, including Berkay Adala and Niko Sagiryan. By the end of the season, I was referring to this team as the “UN team”, given that we had so many different nationalities on the team – players, parents and coaches.

The season was fairly long and gruelling. We faced many challenges.  Our conference did have some of the best players and coaches in the country, and they stepped up to the challenge as well. We had one overtime, one double overtime game, and one game where the refs left the game – all of them away!!! Particularly at the end of the season, we had several setbacks with injuries to key players and emotional rollercoaster games, which all took a toll on the team.

Frankly – all of those challenges made us come together as a family and a community and made the trip to the Junior Final Foul (JFF) a very much deserved reward for all the sacrifices and hard work.

This success would not have been possible without the generous support from the club, all the parents and players. In particular:

— Club Director and JFF Assistant Coach – Daniel Szatkowski — thank you for the amazing opportunity to be the Head Coach this year!

— my assistant coach Miguel McKelvey — thank you for disagreeing with me so often. It made me a much better coach! You know I appreciated it then and will forever remember them. I am sure there were many other ways in which you supported the club, for which I am also very grateful!

— Onur Birsen — parent, recruiter and website master extraordinaire — your overall efforts with recruitment and thoughtful comments on strategy were an indispensable part of the success!

— Charlie and Kate Addison – all the video and statistical analysis made the coaching work so much more focused!

— Nadia Refioglu – for trusting me as a coach and supporting Ata so much, including driving an untold number of miles and being stuck in traffic in the last 8 months…

“Even though we ended the season in fourth place in the JFF after losses in two very close games, this season has been nothing short of phenomenal, given this was the London Elite U14 Boys Premier first time competing at this level. Almost half the team who went to the event this year is coming back next year, and they experienced the incredible intensity and energy in Manchester! They all know the amount of work and dedication required to succeed at the highest level.”

“With an amazing selection of new talented kids who have already indicated they are joining the team and a great new Head Coach, I have no doubt they will be very competitive next season as well. I am certain the team will be back even stronger and better prepared for a Junior Final Four run in April 2024. Watch this space…”

Big congratulations to Daniel Olusanya for making tournament All Star 5!


As they say in the Foreign Service – this is not a goodbye, but a “see you soon”…

3 DAYS, 4 COUNTRIES, 23 GAMES – 1 CLUB.

Yes, you read it right – on the weekend of 4th – 5th February, London Elite Basketball Club played 23 games across 4 different countries.

Our recent Sure Shoot U18 National Cup victory is still fresh in the mind, but for the players and coaches there has been little time to celebrate. With the National League season in full swing and preparation for the Play-Offs underway, the hard work never stops!

The Club is always seeking unique opportunities for our players’ development, and this season we entered Teams in four different age groups to the prestigious European Youth Basketball League (EYBL). The EYBL includes 175+ Teams, allowing our players to test themselves against the best young talent in Europe.  Teams are required to travel twice each season and for the first time, we embarked on three separate European trips in the same weekend:

Our U13 Team flew to the Hungarian capital of Budapest looking to build on their EYBL Stage 1 performances (2-2 record, with Quentin McKelvey voted into the All-Star 5). They didn’t disappoint, achieving an improved 3-1 record that included a fairy-tale win against previously undefeated Serbian club, KK Borac Zemun. Despite being down by 17 points in the game, our boys fought back to secure an important 79-77 victory. Special congratulations to Omer Zardok-Shemer (awarded Team MVP), and Quentin McKelvey (averaged 26.8 points per game, and once again voted to the All Star 5).

Our U17 squad flew to the small town of Ploesti in Romania, where they sought to banish memories of EYBL Stage 1 (1-3 record).

 Our squad looked strong with Star Point Guard Connor James continuing his great EYBL season (24.4 points per game, 2nd overall in EYBL), and the valuable addition of Sebastien Emanelo (22 points per game, 5th overall in EYBL).

Despite tough opening games, the boys fought back to finish Stage 2 with a hard-fought win over Inter Bratislava. Congratulations to Connor and Sebastien who were awarded joint Team MVP.

Our U20 squad (Elite’s oldest Junior Team) headed to the historical town of Levice in Slovakia. Led by coach Kelson, the Team had a point to prove in the EYBL, one of Europe’s most hotly contested U20 competitions.

The tournament started with marginal losses to Orange Lions Academy of Amsterdam and host team SBKL Junior Levice, but our boys showed real resilience to claim back-to-back wins on day 2 and finish with a respectable 2-2 record.

Congratulations to Muddathir Bashir who recorded 10.8 points/8.8 rebounds per game and was voted Team MVP.

Back home our National League season is gathering pace and we are grateful to those coaches who did not travel – they had the tough task of covering multiple fixtures across all of our age groups. 

This weekend represented a true milestone in London Elite’s history, demonstrating the huge growth we have achieved since our inception in 2019. Thank you to our London Elite Family – Coaches, players and parents who all played their part in making this momentous weekend happen!

Bev Guymon Memorial

Weekend 25/25 of June saw the first-ever Bev Guymon Memorial Tournament take place at the Solent Sports Complex, as Boys and Girls teams at the Under 12 and Under 14 age groups get set to compete. Bev, a legend of the game in the region, was always extremely passionate about providing experiences for young basketball players to compete and most importantly be involved in the game we all love so much. Bev has founded Solent Kestrels club and all her work for the club over the last 20 years was as a volunteer, using much of her own money and time to provide opportunities for young people in our region. Bev Guymon has passed away in 1998 after battling pancreatic cancer for a few years. She was 55. Solent Kestrels she started, is now multiple Division 1 men’s champions.

Day 1 saw our U12 boys take part in this great tournament. Group stage saw our boys face Bracknell Cobras, Portsmouth Basketball club and the very competitive Milton Keynes team.

Our boys started the tournament with a commanding win over Bracknell Cobras in the morning behind an all-around team effort. 2nd game of the tournament proved to most competitive as Milton Keynes team showed great athleticism which caused our boys multiple problems on defence. But led by Quentin and Nicholas our boys prevailed with 4 point win. Having closed the group with 3rd win of the day over south cost club Portsmouth, our boys awaited a final against the second Milton Keynes team. Our talented group played really focus and executed the game plan and secured the first-ever Bev Guymon trophy ever! Quentin McKelvey has been voted MVP of the tournament behind his 31 points performance in the final.

On the second day of the tournament, it was our U14 boy’s team travelling to Southampton to participate in the tournament. Our team that has recently been promoted to the U14 Premier competition, did not take this tournament lightly. Boys stormed through the group stage and awaited a final where we met again with the Milton Keynes program. Coach Daniel’s troops started the game with full-court press which caught the opposition off guard. Good start of the game set the tone for the rest of the match up and our boys collected their trophy while Sam Scott received well-deserved MVP award! Watch the highlights below:

This inaugural memorial tournament was a raising donation for Liver and Pancreatic R&D Cancer charity. With over £3.5K raised, it was truly a win-win situation for whole basketball community!

Coach Daniel said:”In my opinion for Bball in the UK to grow bigger, we have to change our approach to grassroots. Bev Guymon tournament just showed what is missing in our country. Events for the youngest in a friendly and competitive environment. I am truly impressed with what the organisers did. Truly hats off to all Solent club!”

National League season recap

Long awaited, Elite’s first National League season has come to the end. It is truly hard to believe this was a premiere season for us. The whole program success stands as a testimony that the hard work at club foundations pays off. Freezing period during lockdown, gave us time to create strategy how to approach season 21/22 in a best possible way. Along with excitement which was high since , multiple teams were heading towards their first ever season at national league level we coudln’t await the moment of start. Few months later , we come out of very successful Summer 2021 where we collected RBL and CBL championship titles!

U12 Review: Unbelievable Journey.

September 21′ brought lots of questions for our youngest members . Most of players from last year have moved up to U14, some moved from the west London area. This made us think if we should push with the project or simply pull out of National league. At times with less then 5 players in training, it became a challenge and test for us as an organisation. Now looking back we can say that It would have been a massive mistake to pull this team out of NL . Our youngest squad Led by Quinton McKelvey picked couple very talented players on the way and finished 2nd place in league! Journey and testimony for all players and parents involved was indescribable. Currently the future is bright!

Highlights of the year: 2OT win vs Talented Kingston Lions team.https://www.instagram.com/tv/CaM9E0lpAp8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

U14 review: Goals Achieved!

As previously, the stem of the team results lays in our talented players led by young guard Kaya Birsen. Yet again Kaya didn’t disappoint the U14 Elite fans and brought us joy and plenty of great memories with his amazing game. The journey of our young players’ development leads to one conclusion; the coaching and quality structure which London elite offers is the root for our success. Upcoming talents Sam Scott and Aron Okenge will be players to look out for in near future. Our U14 NBL team finished season with record 14-2, claimed the South IV conference championship title and secured a promotion to Premier level of competition next year!

Check out highlights from a key victory this season:(22) London United vs London Elite (NBL U14 Boys 2021/22 Game 2 Highlights) – YouTube

U16I Review: Mission Completed.

After very successful recruiting summer 21′. Our expectations grew big on our upcoming u16 squad. It did not take us long to enter this talented squad into prestigious EYBL. Season started with multiple wins Coach Mauro DiNunzio had lots to look forward to. His troops improved with each week of fixtures and claimed South II conference title behind fantastic 19-1 record! After regular season was finished, Our boys entered promotion play offs where in first round we faced Milton Keynes. Convincing win (79-54) came behind great defensive performance, our squad sealed final where We faced Woking Blackhawks away. As it was last game of the season, our boys came out firing and claimed a Promotion to Western Premier competition with convincing 106-78 victory!

U16II review: Purpose Fulfilled

With numbers constantly going up, we had more then 12 players showing talent good enough for playing at NL level. With placement of U16II into NL, we have invested resources and time which was very beneficial investment for our club . The evident progress made by our team which was mainly year 10 players was really impressive. Team members proved that they deserve to be on A team in upcoming season. Hard work from coach Kieran resulted in team coming to nearly 500 record as they ended up 8-12 in whole campaign! Well done!

U18I Review: Bright Future

After successful summer 21 and securing multiple players with scholarships in USA, We knew that upcoming season will be a tough test. With 90% squad being in first year it suppose to be a learning curve. But it was more then that. Our talented troops led by Oskar Striuga, Anthony Wilson and David Jesubayode, have proven that they are capable of beating any team in their league. Our team came 2nd out 10 and have proven to be a force to look out to in coming season. Eligible players from that squad formed our U17 EYBL team which was capable of sweeping stage in Romania. We can clearly see that right foundation have been laid for next 12 months.

U18II Review: Progress Made.

Do not sleep on this team. Formed with multiple talented U17 players, with whom many travelled with our U17’s team across Europe. It was a big headache in offseason how to classify which player goes to A or B. But we are glad that many players who started off on our second team are now considered strong candidates for our first team in upcoming season. great work by coach Daniel and coach Kieran.

Men’s Review: Undefeated Squad.

There was only one goal for this team. Knowing how much talent, experience and skills we have acquired in last summer, goal could be one. Winning our division 3 league. And team led by coach Sam Stiller did it in perfect way. Going undefeated in whole season shows that there is pure potential is in our men’s section. But best part of it: it is just a beginning! Look out for exciting news coming up in this summer!

Our GM Daniel Szatkowski said: “First ever National League season was a true accomplishment for our program. We have achieved what we set out as a goal. Promotion of 3 out of 4 teams is remarkable achievement. We still have to remember that despite high ambitious, this was our first ever NL campaign. With more fantastic excitement coming to our home, Capital City Academy, we can say one thing. Season 22/23 cannot come any sooner!”

London Elite Welcomes Support of Leading Global Tech Company Datasite

London Elite, a basketball club focused on developing London’s young sporting talent, is delighted to announce its sponsorship by global technology company, Datasite, a leading SaaS provider for the M&A industry.

Datasite regularly supports initiatives that help bring about greater diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in its own business and industry. The company is a visionary sponsor of Exponent Women, an industry organization that is dedicated to giving women dealmakers access to meaningful interactions and educational content. Datasite helps educate and inspire the next generation by enabling its leaders to speak with students at institutions like NYIT in Manhattan and the AFAS in Minneapolis, about technology careers.

Merlin Piscitelli, Chief Revenue Officer for Datasite in Europe, the Middle East and Africa said:

“We at Datasite are passionate about supporting the communities where we live and work and London Elite is an excellent example of a programme that is making a difference in the lives of young adults. Sports equip young people with key skills, like leadership, collaboration, dedication, and camaraderie, that will be crucial to their future success and can open up new avenues of opportunity that might not have been previously available.”

Our Director, Daniel Szatkowski said: “We thank Datasite for its generous support, which will give our kids opportunities both on and off the court, including a chance to compete, gain confidence and skills they can use the rest of their lives. Basketball has the power to change lives and Datasite’s contributions will help our kids understand the importance of hard work and achieving goals. Sports is a great unifier, motivator, and leveler.”

to learn more about Datasite, please visit: www.datasite.com

We will regularly update you on project we run together. There will be real impact on our local community. Exciting times ahead!