Category: Elite U16

2020 Review

2020 is the year to be remembered. We look back in what happened in previous calendar year. Our club has grown in strength despite all obstacles we faced.

SEASON 19/20

Season 19/20 was cut short due to lockdown being imposed however we look back to our EYBL experience keeping our heads high. In first year of entering club performed on great level against top European competition.

It led to some of our players receiving individual awards of prestigious All Star 5 of tournaments. Aaron Pyne and Israel Olalekan shined at U17 level while Matthew Disu collected this award for his great performance at U20 level. Head Coach Daniel Szatkowski said: “It is shame we never got to finish U17’s season but overall experience showed we belonged to that high level of basketball and can perform against great clubs”

Our Club always priorities development as a key for success. In season 19/20 our talented U12 squad was crowned champions of CBL Division 1! This is outstanding achievement bearing in mind how competitive the league was. Boys showed amazing commitment and heart for the game. This successful campaign would not be possible without impact that our young guard Kaya Birsen had on a team. On many occasions Kaya led our team and earned himself a MVP of the league title. We cannot miss the fact that our top scorer Anton Safin was named to All Star 5 of the league. Well done!

PREPERATION FOR SEASON 20/21

We could not achieve our goals if it was not for our partners. We are fully delighted that from season 20/21 we have taken our partnership with London School of Basketball to whole new level. It creates unique combination and helps London players to take their game to next level while studying at Capital City Academy.

London Elite has entered 8 teams into national league, and 9 teams into CBL for upcoming season 20/21. It is linked to heavy increase of members in our club. It is worth to mention that heading into 2020 year we had 80 members while by Christmas 2020 time this number was 140!

Our European campaign not only continues, but has been expanded by adding U16 boys and U18 Girls. It gives 4 squads an opportunity to take part in European league in season 20/21! We are proud to say that we have made history as first British team to enter European Girls Basketball league. Head Coach William Twigg said: “Great opportunities for girls and women in our sport right now. I believe London Elite will optimise every experience for them in the EGBL and other leagues at U18s international level”

It was always obvious for us that we cannot be sure on when domestic leagues will start. However we focused on things we can control. We organised and played 30 friendly games between August and Christmas. It provided great replacement for lack of leagues that are delayed till at least March/April 2021.

Shortly before Christmas we have opened our clubs merchandise shop which provides all sort of clothing accessories at affordable level. It is another step club is taking towards bright future, but also a gives a way of direct support of club to stay afloat during current uncertain times .

WHATS NEXT?

Our Head Coach Daniel Szatkowski said:” 2020 was a year of growth for us. Lockdowns imposed on UK did not help at all however we prevailed despite obstacles. We are currently in another lockdown which is frustrating. However I am sure and confident that determination of coaches, parents and players will not only allow us to pull through these times, but we will come out of it stronger. You will see in 2021 what London Elite is. New competitions added, new equipment, new pathways to America and Europe. New coaches and even more fun in this basketball journey”

Where future stars now…

Having announced details for Mens and U18’s it is right time to reveal details of upcoming U16’s season!

After very promising first year at CBL, our squads are moving to National League for domestic competition. Since the day one we saw a big increase in numbers for our U16 age group. We have started with 12 boys, just before lockdown, and now we have 37 players registered. We did enter 2 squads in CBL which turned to be very competitive league with great exposure. With such a great interest and need for basketball we can confirm that in season 2020/21 we will enter 2 teams into National League and 1 into CBL. Additionally, best players will represent London Elite in EYBL which shows exactly the philosophy of the club: Play against the best as often as it is possible!

In Season 20/21 one of squad’s National league level teams will train and play at Alec Reed Academy while other team will be based at Capital City Academy. As this was widely discussed at coaches meeting, we decided to spread this age group locations. Our GM Daniel Szatkowski said:”The Interest in playing for our club has grown so rapidly to the point that we currently face one issue: how to create more squads? Furthermore,the decision of teams playing at different venues will wider catchment area and allow various kids to join us and compete at European level.”

We are in the process of recruiting for Head coach position for Alec Reed branch, so few candidates are being considered, while we can confirm that Coach Mauri Di Nunzio will take our Italian coach had to say:

“As a new team, my goal is to create a competitive and solid group mainly focusing on the personal skill set and team chemistry. As first season together, we will try to compete as high as possible to give the kids the necessary experience to achieve goals.

All squads will have regular 2-3 training sessions a week, what is more they will benefit from access to our Osteopath Adam. Social media service run by Ivan Grotsev would make sure their best performance moments are recorded and shared, while most talented kids will play up with U18’s.

In respect of quarantine restrictions , we can confirm that we will be running trials on 1 to 1 basis, following government social distancing measures. Please check details below:

Aquarius Xmas tournament 2019

On 26th december 2019 three of our squads boarded on beautiful 57 seater coach from Dhillon of London to head across the channel to compete in one of biggest youth tournaments which attracts teams from across the globe. This year edition saw over 2500 players compete on 14 different venues.

Three of our squads played 5 games each over 3 days in city of Kortrijk, Belgium.

U12 team won 2 out of 5 games and finished on very good 11th position out of 42 teams. Team was led by fiercy guard Kaya Birsen supported by Christopher Sagun, Ethan Arroyo and Justin Balaba. Most of our boys were still U11 and this tournament came as unbelievable experience. Coach Daniel said: “I still can’t believe what kind of progress boys made throughout of this tournament. Boys came back to London as different players and enhanced greatly the team. I could not imagine better opportunity for boys then this experience.”

U12 truly enjoyed their first international tournament

“Certain players never played at international stage, likes of Myles Davendra, Elfatih Hassan or Jamie Bernadine will definitely build on this experience in coming years. I am really proud of their effort and progress they made throughout this tournament” continues coach Daniel.

U14’s squad was probably the most improved team across all 3 age groups despite winning only 1 game at end of the tournament. Progress made was visible with each game boys played. Isaiah Manderson and Jaidan Midha were 2 among our u14 who returned to London with their head up, collecting much needed experience. Coach Matt said: This Belgium adventure was the under 14’s and some individuals 1st ever European and full 40 min game play. I can’t be more proud of a team that has improved with every game. They picked themselves up and pushed themselves each game striving for improvement.

“London Elite is here to help improve individuals and communities through inclusion in sports – “we don’t have to win games to be a winning club with a winning inclusive culture for all“

As oldest team that travelled to Belgium, U16 squad went on their first ever International trip, knowing it will be difficult task ahead. However led by Antony Atakpu and fiercy guards of Alex Wildish and Nezelle Soberano, boys started tournament high with 57-54 win secured by late 3 by N.Soberano. Even other games turned to be a learning curve, boys finished on high with 7 point win in last game to head back London with 2 wins out of 5. Head Coach Mauro Di Nunzio said:”The tournament has been an outstanding possibility for the kids to play in a new dimension for them in which the level of physicality, tactical and technical skills was important . We learned from wins and defeats and we brought back a lot of experience back to London. Antony Atakpu was crucial throughout all the tournament for his ability to block the offensive shot in the area and in the last game he brought the intensity up scoring important baskets on a run in the 4th quarter”

What is really important, this trip would not be such a success if it was not a help from our brilliant parents. Over 10 parents went with teams to support teams in action. We are truly appreciating this kind of support!

Little documentary video from trip is coming, gallery is already on but what most important… we left as teams but came back as great club!

Elite at X-Mass tournament in Belgium

As a history of tournament goes back to 2007, it is well established and known tournament that attracts teams from across the globe. This year edition brings teams from USA, Canada, Spain, Serbia, Germany and many more.

As London Elite season is fully underway in domestic and International leagues, we have fantastic news for our younger age groups as U12, U14 and U16 teams will take part in probably biggest youth basketball tournament in Europe which takes place 27th-29th December in beautiful town Kortrijk,Belgium.

Director of X-Mas Tournament Peter De Lepeleire said:” As organizer of the 2019 Aquarius X-Mas Tournament i warmly welcome one of the biggest basketball clubs in London to their event.During the three days of competitions, they will compete against opponents from Belgium, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada and 14 other countries.We hope it will be an outstanding experience for them ! “

Our U12 team has successfully started their Division 1 CBL league and currently sit on top of table. At tournament in Belgium our boys will face two Belgium teams, BBC Oostkamp and home team Kortrijk Spurs. Teams from Belgium, Netherland, Romania and Switzerland participate in tournament alongside our boys.

Coach Matt Williams cannot wait for the Belgium trip – “to experience European tournament play against high calibre competition show how far London Elite and UK basketball has progressed. A true opportunity for all age groups to bond and grow. This is a fantastic opportunity to evaluate and for coaches and players to step back and understand the reason why we are family club for the community”. U14 boys team will face Basketball ACA Amsterdam and teams from Belgium: Belfius Mons Hainaut and Antwerp Giants.

U16 teams is also enjoying undefeated start of their season while preparing to their first international trip. Head Coach Mauro Di Nunzio said:” We are looking forward to play the X-Mas tournament because the boys will play in a competitive environment and it only means we are getting better. I am quite sure that the boys will give the heart and hustle possession by possession. “

Our U16 boys in group stage will face teams from Belgium: Antwerp Giants, and Spalding Selection and German SC Rist Wedel.

Our Head Coach and Director of London Elite said:”to be part of such an amazing tournament is just a privilege to our club. It shows the journey we have made in the last 6 months and what is a true philosophy of London Elite family”

All players and coaches will travel on executive 57 seater coach provided by Dhillon of London to whom we would like to say massive: Thank You!

All live updates will be posted on Instagram and Facebook so please head to our social media for all updates!

IT IS JUST A BEGINNING.

Two of our boys teams took part in Hoop Dreams tournament which took place on 1st December at beautiful ACS Cobham venue.

Both squads are building on a successful start of the season as they started top Division of CBL London with perfect 2-0 record. Having done intensive preseason and played numerous friendlies our squads entered competitive tournament organised on monthly basis.

First two group games our squads won in convincing way. U16 beat Sevenoaks Suns and Bracknell Cobras booking their spot in final. Our younger team faced Richmond Knights and Woking Blackhawks and collected 2 solid wins on their way to the final.

U12 had their own final played first, facing Bracknell Cobras. Despite great effort from Cobras team our boys showed a great team effort and an offence execution, winning their first ever final and collecting first club ever trophy!

U12 Head Coach Daniel Szatkowski said: “it was a very beneficial day for us, great opportunity to rotate all players providing needed experience. Great to see boys collecting first ever trophy but i am more then sure this is just a beginning.”

Their older friends faced challenging game from Kingston Wildcats in final of their own. As result was tie at Half time, it was coach Mauro team they picked more intensity in 2nd half claiming 2nd trophy of the day winning by 8 points.

Head Coach Mauro said:” We are still learning and it is longer process. I am happy with effort boys put but we have lots to work on.”

Next game for U16 will be in CBL Division 1 as they face London Halos while our younger boys will visit high caliber tournament organised by Zoo Crew on 21st December.

U16 start their season with perfect record.

London Elite U16 has started their season in the best possible way. With two games back to back we had to face two well organized teams which provided our young squad really challenging task ahead.

In first ever competitive game together our boys faced Barnett Bulldog. From a very first whistle our boys used full court press to reduce opponents freedome on offence as Bulldogs were run by extremely talented G.Kalazis who put phenomenal 30 points against our side. However our boys showed no fear and played through all difficulties showing great team spirit.

Led by trio A.Wildish, N.Soberano and A.Atakpu our team established themselves 14 point lead and controlled the game to the end claiming their first ever victory 46-40. As we had no rest we jumped straight into 2nd game against south east London side, Greenwich Admirals.

Our side started off with struggling to find a correct rhythm, individual foul trouble situation was not helping our team to establish themselves with right performance throughout whole first half, holding on to 1 point lead at HT. However our U16 team has great depth in squad with lots of talent on roster.

This proven too much for Greenwich side, as Soberano and Atakpu closed the game with clinic plays to establish few point win while Finton Phillips hit a very important 3 pointer to seal the game. Boys Started their league with perfect 2 wins out of 2 games! well done!

u16_elite_joined

Top scorers vs Barnett Bulldogs:

A.Wildish 12 (2), N.Soberano 11 (2), M.Kitovas 8, A.Atakpu 8, N.Khostkhadei 3, D.Kvashin 2, F.Phillips 2, D.Arroyo 0, M. Ardoi 0,

Top scorers vs Greenwich Admirals:

Boys will look to build on on perfect start while they compete in Hoop Dream London tournament on 1st December at ACS Cobham.

A.Atakpu 12, N.Soberano 11, A.Wildish 8, S.Jones 5, F.Phillips 5,T.Fasil 2 D.Kvashin 1, M.Kitovas 0, N.Khostkhadei 0, D.Arroyo 0,