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London Elite is excited to welcome Melita Emanuel-Carr to our coaching staff!

After months spent searching for the right candidate to lead our U-16 Girls’ team, our patience has finally paid off with the appointment of Melita, a well-respected figure within GB Basketball. 

Melita’s vast experience on the international stage includes playing professionally in Spain and Belgium, representing GB at EuroBasket, and winning silver medal at the Commonwealth Games!

Melita also played for 4 years at NCAA Div. 1 team University of Illinois’ Chicago Flames, where she averaged nearly 10 points per game.

London based Melita recently launched her coaching pathway, fulfilling a long-held ambition to share her knowledge and experience with a new generation of players.

 Melita said: “I’m super excited to start my new basketball journey with London Elite. When I became a pro’ I made a promise to myself to support, educate, and inspire the younger generation, especially in the West and North-West London area, where there is a lack of programmes for girls. These girls have what it takes to be champions, and I hope to carry them to their first chip!”

Melita will take over the Head Coach role with our talented U16 team for the upcoming season, a fantastic addition to our coaching board!

GM Daniel Szatkowski said: “Having seen a rapid rise in numbers and quality of girls’ basketball at Elite, we were waiting for the right person to guide, inspire and lead our project. In Melita, I am certain that we’ve found the very best – she is a role model for all London basketball players, and I can’t wait to see fruits of her work. London Elite is truly blessed to have Melita onboard!”

Gniezno, Thank You!

Thank you. This is the first thought that comes to our mind when we look back on a recent trip to Poland for the Gniezno cup. We could not be luckier to be able to travel across the continent to take part in one of the biggest youth basketball festivals in Europe. Despite the fact that taking 34 teenagers for 5 days in Poland could be a very difficult logistic task, our coaches stood up to the challenge and made this trip happen. And what trip that was! Watching players bond, support each other, making life friendships while doing what they do best, playing basketball.

Having arrived on Thursday 30th June, our players checked in to a very nice Hotel and after a few hours set off for their shooting session. Friday morning saw our teams starting their tournament.

U15 boys started their tournament with a convincing victory 50-12 over 3rd Israel team Maccabi Ashod. Not long after the first win our youngest team in this tournament faced the German team White Wings. The good all-team effort saw our boys secure 2nd win of the day with a good win 43-20. Our girl’s team faced MKS Piaseczno from Poland in the first game of the tournament. Despite being close in competition our girls fell to the polish side 24-30. Friday evening saw us playing LA BAsketba Warsaw. Girls started really hot with great shooting from Mila Piscitelli and Elia Ando and controlled the game for majority of game however mistakes towards the end saw our side with a heartbreaking 40-37 loss.

Boys U17 set the tone with a big win over Israel Maccabi Ashod. The game remained close till the mid-3rd quarter when our boys went on a big run and secured a 47-26 win! The same day saw our team face home team MKK Gniezno where our boys fell 58-56 in a very dramatic ending. 3rd game of the day for our oldest squad was what to be possibly the most dramatic game for our club at Gniezno Cup. Very well and physical German side Fortuna Logabirum pushed our boys all the way. very slow start 0-13 put our boys in a difficult situation. But amazing support from Girls and U15 boys plus great coaching tips from coach Kieran and coach Daniel saw our boys improve their game with a great comeback. The late3 shot failed and we were to head to overtime against the German side. Both teams traded baskets but it was our boys holding their nerves and collecting a very important win 58-56. Well done!

Day 2 saw our girls play home side. Our girls stayed within a few points for 3 quarters but the experienced polish team secured 46-26 win with a big run in the 3rd quarter. Our girls never gave up and went into the 4th game with a great attitude and collected the first win over Maccabi Ashod. Girls played really well-organised basketball and sealed 49-26 win. Much deserved for our girl’s side who was improving with every minute of basketball played.

Our U15 boys faced a team that later on won the whole cup, the Latvian side Brivsolis Tukums. The boys went head to head and pushed the Eastern European team all the way but came short and lost 45-53. In late Saturday afternoon, our team faced Maccabi Ashod II in-game that would define 2nd place in their group and the right to compete for 3rd place in Gniezno Cup. A closely contested team saw Coach Mauro DiNunzio’s troops playing possibly best basketball also far and claiming a very important win 53-47! truly amazing to see our boys come together.

U17 team could not allow any more losses if they were thinking about winning Cup. After game vs younger polish side Bombardier Szczecin which our boys won easily 55-18, our team went to play previously undefeated Twarder Pierniki Torun. The level of focus, togetherness and effort was absolutely unmatched and our team secured a convincing 59-31.

Sunday was the final day of competition saw our girls losing to MKS Wroclaw which is one of the better polish U17 teams. Despite the great first half, our girls could not keep up with the well-organised and talented team. In our first-ever international tournament, our girls finished 5th overall but the results do not reflect the progress and quality of basketball our girls played. Really impressive!

Our U15 boys faced Swedish side Trellborg Pirates in a 3rd place game. But this was not our game. fatigue took its toll and despite the fight, our boys fell to Swedes 31-47 but overall finished 4th out of 11. Progress made is unreal, the work coach Mauro did, will bring great fruits to this team. The boys made our club very proud!

Our most experienced side, U17 boys. the team that has swept the EYBL stage. Boys’ team are by far the most improved squad London Elite ever had. The team that despite main player A.Willson being injured, stayed together. The team that CLAIMED 1ST PLACE in a very competitive Gniezno Cup. words can’t describe the feeling coaches, parents and club have just from the reflection of these boys’ journey. Devante Sanusi picked all-tournament MVP after displaying amazing performance throughout all 3 days.

Girls Coach Merlin Piscitelli said: “What an incredible weekend! It was a true honour and pleasure to coach the London Elite U17 girls basketball team this past weekend at an International Basketball tournament in Gniezno, Poland that included 3 London Elite teams. With over 30 kids in total, it was a special bonding trip for the players and allowed them to test their talents against some of the strongest basketball countries in Europe ( and beyond) such as Germany, Latvia, Sweden, Poland, Ireland, Israel and more. As a coach, it was inspiring to watch our kids represent the club, country and city at the highest standard both on and off the court, truly proud to be involved and to be able to give back to the kids and sport of basketball”

Countless memories, 34 players, 15 games, multiple dramatic ends, 3 teams. 1 club. 1 family. Gniezno cup, Thank you and see you next year!

Elite U12 set on International Duty

U12 players will be on international duty this weekend .This is our first ever trip abroad, and it is set in Belgium.

We are happy to confirm our youngest squad will take part in one of the biggest youth basketball festival, starting this Friday 27th of May 2022. New adventure awaits, and so is new experience which could not be any better. Gerolsteiner Arbeidershuis basketball tournament will take place between the 27-29 of May in the beautiful town of Sint, Belgium . Our team will travel by luxury & comfortable coach this Thursday evening.

The competition at the tournament is looking really strong. Out of 4 teams, our boys will be competing against 3 that are coming from the American AAU system which will provide a great test for our young squad . 5 games across this tournament will be definitely a new experience that our players and coaches cant wait. Space High Elite I (USA), Basket Poperinge (BEL), Eagles Basketball (USA), Space High Elite II (USA). Those teams our young squad will face in the group stage of the tournament.

Our GM Daniel Szatkowski said this: “Since we have opened doors at London Elite, We were committed to providing the best opportunities for junior players in the UK. This tournament is a great opportunity, especially playing against American teams is something rarely seen in UK basketball. There is a lot of great news on the way but we will definitely make most of this Belgium trip.”

Squad travelling to Belgium will be made of : Q.McKelvey, N.Macionis, L.Addison, O.Wagner, E.Onashile, J.Assam, S.Kaniki, G.Robson, G.Chong, A.Ayyadi and N.Ferrari

Feel free to check out our social medias for frequent updates with scores, news and everything that is going around this trip!

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!”

Elite enters excellent partnership with UCFB

We are delighted to announce that London Elite Basketball club have entered into a partnership with UCFB and its Global Institute of Sport (GIS), based at the iconic Wembley Stadium. UCFB IS a world-first in higher education, with pioneering degrees in sports industry.

From coaching to marketing, and finance to esports, they offer a range of specifically tailored programmes to kick off your career in the multi-billion pound sector. GIS, the Master’s arm of UCFB, utilises a global network of industry leaders to provide unparalleled postgraduate programmes in sport. James McKeown, GIS’ Chief Operating Officer, commented: “We’re so excited to announce the UCFB Wembley and London Elite Basketball academy today. It’s a momentous occasion for UCFB to partner up with such an elite basketball programme from here in Brent, creating a pathway for future professional basketballers to come and study their degree with us here at UCFB and Wembley, and train like a pro at the same time.

“This marks our next step in the growth of our elite sports strategy. We’re excited to add to our existing football academies for men and women at UCFB, and hope to see many of our graduates playing sport as well as working in sport in the years to come.” McKeown continues

The partnership will incorporate the launch of UCFB’s very own Basketball Academy, designed for aspiring professionals to continue training and competing at an elite level, alongside gaining a degree in sport, with a particular focus on industry experience and employability. As one of the most dynamically growing basketball clubs in London, we will be providing expertise in coaching for all those involved with the academy. Students at UCFB will be apriority within our teams and will have access to a range of support from our club. Having a partnership in the educational pathway will help us to continue to grow and expand our club.

Our General Manager, Daniel Szatkowski, said: “To have a partner of this quality is the best possible news for our club; GIS is one of the leading sports academic institutions in the world. We are committed to building the highest standard basketball programme in the UK and I am more than confident we will achieve this. Provision of U12 EYBL, Div. 2 and 3, BUCS is definitely what serious players need. I can’t wait to see students benefit from this great partnership. The future is truly bright.”

Should you have an interest in this exciting project, please fill in form HERE or contact coach Daniel on 07453314867 or email [email protected]

2021 Review

2020 compared with 2021

2020 was not an easy year at all. Therefore we had a lot of doubt what 2021 would bring ahead. National league had been cancelled, with the view there were not a lot of basketball tournament & leagues options for our players left future was a little gloomy. Indoor sessions cancelled, small group sessions only allowed and list went on … Those were the times we were not much used to ,both the players and the couches. We tried different approach as our vision is that London Elite is to push for opportunities in difficult times , to keep encouraging, build teams with respect to current regulations. We have created a short summary of 2021 below, which proves this point . The achievements our teams and players accomplished regardless the obstacles, difficulties and general overall surrounding pessimistic approach gave us an anchor thought that if you really want you can achieve so much more!

U18 Sweep Squad

With cancellation of 20/21 season, we were fortunate to have 2 summer leagues at highest level of junior basketball in UK. Revolution Basketball league and Community Basketball League provided so much experience and exposure, our boys quickly forgot on what was lost due to lockdown. With both leagues being formed by some top junior programs in UK we always knew it will be a tough task to claim both titles. However things are always easier when squad is formed from really talented players and coaches.

In RBL league our boys faced Baltic Stars in final, which proved a really tough test for our team. Despite being down 14 in 4th quarter, our squad led by A.Wildish and A.Atakpu ( final MVP) sealed amazing come back to claim final game 84-77 becoming first RBL champion in U18 age group.

Shortly after claiming first title our boys booked their Final of CBL with hard fought win over Southwark Legends in semi final. It was a challenging task in final as our squad went against one of most titled clubs in London, Brixton Topcats. Having won a RBL title already, there was no stopping for our boys. They left no chance for team from south London and claimed 2nd Summer league final. Having won biggest community league was a cheery on ice for our boys!

Not long since securing Summer Leagues titles, our club focus was directed at next event of high calibre. We proudly organised a first ever Summer Showcase for u12 boys age group. 3 days event was taking place at our home Capital City Academy and we could enjoy packed schedule which saw teams of like Manchester Magic, Chiswick Gators or Brentwood Fire compete to define first champion. After thrilling final our young squad led by K.Birsen won in final by only 1 point against talented and athletic Chiswick Gators team.

American dream.

Successful campaign of our U18 could not go unnoticed. Multiple of our players have received their full sports scholarships and decided to head across the pond to continue their career there. This was just another testimony of quality of campaign we had pleasure to witness

  • O.Beckford landed scholarship from Keystone Academy Kings
  • S.Ovia went Phelps School
  • A.Atakpu continues his journey at Elevation Prep
  • A.Pyne is at Panthers Hoops
  • A.Wildish went to world famous Prolific Prep.

With only week rest , the team started for first ever National League campaign. We have entered multiple teams from youngest U12’s to Men’s division 3. Senior Elite team signed for legendary coach Sam Stiller , which showed what plans club have for their men’s section. First half of the season saw our team going 5-0 and reach last 16 of National Cup.

With senior team doing so well, our junior section did not have any other plans then follow their footsteps. We currently sit on top of the table for U18, U16 and u14 teams while our U12 are joining two other teams with same record in their league. Great performances across the board are not surprise. Hard work players and coaches are putting into our club.

EYBL is back!

European Youth Basketball League was something we deeply missed in last two years. we could not be happier to welcome news of its return for coming season 21/22. Our two squads compete in Central Region of this prestigious league. Our U16 started their campaign with 2-2 record during first stage in Debrecen, Hungary while U17 had slow start 1-3 at their stage in Sopron, Hungary. It is amazing to be back at travelling across Europe to face tough European competition.

With such a successful 2021 we are more then confident that 2022 will be even better! Lots of exciting news on the way!

Just a beginning

1st trip in book. Memories made.

While there is still lots of uncertainty around in terms of international travel, we have succeeded in safely travelling to EYBL U16 tournament in Debrecen, Hungary. Not only we travelled but we competed and proved that UK teams can be a threat top European competition. Our brave squad split record with 2 wins and 2 losses, however most important was a progression over period of this tournament. Our team showed not only we are athletic unit, but we can adapt to different styles of basketball.

Our boys started tournament with clash against Romanian Sibiu Basketball club. Our team established 15 point lead half way through 3rd quarter, however fatigue from travel across continent took its tall and Romanians were able to cut our lead to only 2 points with 1 mins left. Strong resilience from our boys helped them hold their nerves and secured first international win 64-62 in their European campaign.

On day 2 we faced Macedonian team Vodno Suns Skopje . Balkan team provided our team much of difficult test. Combination of different defensive system, good shooting performance. There was lots to reply for our boys. But led by Connor James (31 points, 10 rebound), Reale Basquine (23 points, 16 rebounds) and Noa Istrefi (20 points, 8 rebounds) our U16 team prevailed and secured 2nd win of tournament!

3rd day saw our teams facing Hungarians teams of Atemeromu Paks and hosting Debreceni Academy. Our boys left all they had however cam short on both occasions. We finished our first tournament with 2 wins and 2 losses.

Head Coach Mauro DiNunzio said: “EYBL trip was a great experience for our team. Boys competed with their heart each game they play. Improvement throughout tournament was just unreal. This trip helped us create amazing bond between player and helped us realised how good we can play. This was really win win situation for our squad “

We cannot miss fact of outstanding performances by Connor James and Reale Basquine. Connor was most efficient player among all teams competing in Hungary (eff 25.50) while Real was crowned best rebounder of tournament (14.50 rebound per game)

Our team made everyone proud at our club and we are very confident that this is just a beginning for our young side. Amazing progress made under coach Mauro was visible for anyone following progress of our team at EYBL stage. Boys now head back to National League and CBL competitions and will prepare for stage 2 which takes place in Trsteniki, Serbia 20-23 January 2022.

Back at it!

Long wait is over. This could not get any better.

We are happy to announce that our U16’s squad under coach Mauro DiNunzio is flying out to Debrecen, Hungary to take part in EYBL U16 Central Europe. News like this is a massive relieve for our club knowing what difficult times we are going through.

Our boys and coaches have negatively tested for Covid and are on the way to one of most prestigious tournaments in European basketball.

Our U16 team has started season with undefeated record 4-0 in National league and boys are now have their eyes on EYBL which takes place between 4th-7th November.

Head Coach Mauro said:” This trip is a great stepping stone for the team and club. It gives us a chance to compete against best teams in Europe. It can be a challenging however, this experience can definitely boost team and players confidence and help boys develop their game. Myself and players are very excited for this opportunity!

Our boys will start tournament with clash against CBU SIBIU coming from Romania on Thursday night. Following day our club will square up against Macedonian Vodno Skopje.

Saturday will see our team playing twice. 1pm vs Atomeromu Paks followed by 7pm tip against Debrecen Academy.

This is an outstanding opportunity for our squad to gain unreplaceable experience at that high level.

All games will be livestreamed on YouTube and we will keep you posted with links on our social media. Look out this space!

Welcome Coach Stiller!

We are thrilled to announce that we have secured service of most experience and title coaches in history of UK basketball. Coach Sam Stiller will be in charge of our men’s team competing in division 3.

Coach Stiller had a pro career that spanned over two decades both domestically and in Israel, whilst also representing England and Great Britain internationally. During his playing career in UK with Cadburys Boost Kingston he had a chance to compete against powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, CSKA Moscow or Maccabi Tel-Aviv. He is known as one of greatest shooters that UK ever produced.

After retiring from playing eventually got into coaching, where he helped take NASSA from Division 4 to Division 1 from 2010-2013, whilst picking up three consecutive Coach of the Year Awards, and then picking up another one in 2016-17 with London Westside. Coach Stiller has since moved to Israel where he worked at HAPOEL Nesher.

Summer 2021 saw Sam return to UK and we are truly fortunate to secure services of such an experience coach to help us build our Men’s side of program. Coach Daniel is stepping down from Head coach ta men’s to help our community side which has been growing in numbers. This is what GM Daniel Szatkowski had to say:” Our club has grown to really big numbers with over 200 players registered. There is big number of new projects we are working on and therefore i have less and less time to coach. When i heard about an opportunity to employ Sam it was no brainer to me. His vision, passion and experience is what our club needs right now. I am really happy to welcome Sam to our London Elite family”

Our Men’s team is currently 4-0 across competitions and have progress to last 16 in National Cup with confident win against Division 2 London Westside 84-56.

Coach Stiller said:” I know despite being young club it has already a great structure, support and philosophy. From developing great youngster all the way up to have a great potential with men’s team. I can see great opportunity for me to help club grow to another level. Our short goal is to make promotion to division 2 and in few years time make it to BBL.”

“We have currently very talented and experience team and it is time for Elite to shine!”

You can see Coach Sam in action at next Men’s game which will take place Saturday 30th October vs Surrey Rams. 6pm tip at Capital City Academy. exciting times ahead!

Phase No.2

Basketball can change lives. Basketball has the power to change lives. When we first met Aaron Pyne , who joined among other junior Elitarians our dreams and visions were not wide enough to encompass such a leader and personality to be part of our team.

In 2019, shortly after opening London Elite club, Aaron Pyne made a big impact on our U17’s team leading it to good campaign in prestigious EYBL league. His outstanding performance did not go unnoticed as Aaron was selected to All Star 5 at the stage in Poland, Lublin.

“I could tell from beginning that Aaron has this special gift of competitiveness. He was always confident in achieving goals and worked really hard. It was amazing to assist him on this journey.”

Aaron not only shone at international level but helped our club achieve what is hard to believe, two U18 titles in most completive leagues, CBL and RBL. Furthermore Aaron was awarded RBL MVP. It is hard to believe this could be achievable without Aaron’s help. His contribution on court was more then outstanding.

Aaron said:” I decided to join London Elite because I was looking for more competitive environment. I really loved that I got pushed and developed into high standards PG. Sometimes I look back and I can’t believe how much of great memories have had at Elite. Winning championships, having basketball family, travel around Europe. This was big part of me becoming who I am now. I am truly grateful to coach Daniel and coach Kieran for all help, Capital City Academy for all support.

Following the profile of our program which is to help UK players achieve their dream and secure full scholarship to play overseas. Aaron is just yet another testimony. We are proud of what he has achieved and thrilled to have another of our Elitarian being noticed and given a chance for further basketball career and oversea education.

Next chapter is ahead of Aaron, but we are more then confident he will far as his talented and working ethic are on different level. Our general Manager Daniel Szatkowski said :

“I am more then proud of Aaron achievement. He has inspired lots of new players to join us, he made London Elite recognisable across UK, assisted Elite in achieving championships. His overall contribution to elite family will go unmatched for long time.”