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What a start of 2020 for our players!

As our club has entered new calendar year with great trip to Xmas tournament in Belgium, we did not forget how important it is to compete in all our regular competitions. Every player across London Elite is improving significantly, furthermore few of our boys earned special individual awards in January 2020.

Aaron Pyne has joined our program in summer 2019 and from day one showed good ability to perform at highest possible level. As he is our main point guard, he shows no fear towards top competition in Europe leading our U17’s team in EYBL competition. Aaron earned very prestigious All Star 5 tournament which is given to best players of whole stage!

Our teams compete in London School of Basketball league which has grown into one of most competitive leagues in country. Our U12’s and U14’s show on regular bases that our program is one of most competitive in whole country. But this success would not be possible without individual performances of our players.

Jaidan Midha has been outstanding throughout whole season and Belgium tournament gave him additional boost of confidence which Jaidan used in LSB U14 age category, leading our side to improve our record to 4-1!

Jaidan recorded unbelievable 56 points on day in 2 games. He scored 32 points against Westside and followed with 24 against Greenwich Admirals.His shooting ability is very much needed for our team! He truly deserved player of the month January in U14 London Premier League!

Our U14’s Head Coach Matt Williams said: “It’s been a absolute pleasure coaching a future 5 star player, hard working, resilient, calm under pressure and mature above his years. His commitment and work ethic puts him a great place for his basketball future”

As our U12 team is marching to claim first place after regular season, it has been noticed that our results would not be possible without our fiercy guard, Kaya Birsen. Despite being still U11 he shows no fear against older competition. Kaya shows lots of potential in basketball. In months ahead, this is exactly what our team needs!#

Our own Myles Davendra had a great start of the year in both, on and off the court. After returning from Xmas tournament in Belgium he proved that he is not only one of most improving players across our U12 team but represents pour club in excellent way at his school! We are really proud to say Myles Represent club excellent not only while playing, but he earn very prestigious golden medal at Ealing Schools Challenge Quest where he delivered great presentation called “Eat, Sleep…play basketball”. It is our pride to say that Myles met coach Daniel at his primary school sessions when he was 8 years old. What a journey Myles has had so far! He played his first international tournament in December, he competes on our first U12 team and what is most exciting… there is more to come!

February Half Term camp is back!

What a better way of spending holiday then to play basketball and improve your skills while making friends and having lots of fun?

London Elite sets up regular holiday camps across west london that are run by fully qualified and DBS checked coaches. Camps show off an improvement in individual skills alongside team building quality and overall knowledge about basketball.

During the camp kids are split into age groups and coached by london elite coaches. Players will spend majority of time on court, working on S&C, dribbling, shooting and other aspects of the game. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of it in the overall understanding of the game. Therefore each squad will have a theoretical sessions in classroom where they will learn about rules and professional athletic lifestyle.

The club is able to provide lower hoops and smaller balls, therefore can cater for children of age from 8 years old into the camp.

Each camper who attends minimum of 4 days, will receive a free camp t-shirt. Please check link below with short video of previous camp:

If you wish to book a place for your child in this camp please contact: [email protected] or call 07453314867

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!

Start of the season for Girls!

As London Elite club is fully underway with domestic and European competitions for boys, we have been waiting in big anticipation to start our girls section.

Our long wait came to the end when girls young squad went to play their first competitive games in Winchester on Sunday 10th of November.

In first ever competitive game, our girls faced host team Winchester Royals. Our team jumped in early lead with great offensive display from Amelie and Anna and controlled game in low scoring battle of two sides. Our team struggled to convert on many occasions but left their heart playing great defence. As we went in final period with 6 points lead, the host team scored more points in last quartet and took 2 point win.

Elite girls went into second game without a break, nevertheless it was more experienced Solent Kestrels team who controlled the game. Despite gap being 20 points, there was a lot of positives to take out of this performance. As we faced one of best teams in the league we held opposition to their lowest score so far.

Our Tops scorer for the day as Anna Safin with 14 points.

Young Elite girls will face next week Sevenoaks Suns and Winchester Royals at home.

U17 finish on high first EYBL trip!

London Elite U17 boys team went for their first competitive experience straight into highest competitive league, EYBL.

Stage were hosted in beautiful DNS arena in Riga, Latvia. Our Head Coach Daniel knew it will not be easiest competition. “I decided to enter our team into this extremely competitive team based on individual potential of my players, but basketball is a team sport and we knew we have to work on this aspect mainly”

Players expected tough match ups from Eastern European team, but showed no fear playing against some powerhouses of European basketball. In both games of first day boys showed a lot of individual potential however team execution was our team main issue which was main reason we lost first 2 games.

Morgan Cotterell who recorded good tournament with 10 point per game and 2.6 assist said:”This was a great learning curve for our team and showed how we can become one of strongest teams in the league”

Aaron Pyne, our PG who has received Outstanding performance award of tournament said: “It was amazing to come to such a high competition and improve as a team that much. I personally learnt a lot and had a great opportunity to prove myself and get further feedback on what to work on. Really happy to be able to work for team and receive such a prestigious award”

Last day of tournament presented boys hardest teams when our team faced previously undefeated VTB Lublin team from Poland.

After slow start and going 29-13 down in first period, our team led by trio Cotterell, Olalekan and Pyne proved that have no fear of opposition and led to 1 point win behind buzzer beater basket from Israel Olalekan to seal 2nd win of tournament in match up against tough opposition.

Israel Olalekan who has been selected to best 5 of tournament after averaging 15.4 points and 11.6 rebounds per game said:

“Being fairly small team we came to tournament with nothing then confidence on our shoulders. As we progressed through, we learned how to work together and put our differences aside to win our games. We surprisingly shocked other really strong teams.

Israel continues on how EYBL helped him in developing his game:” As a student of the game i’ve learnt many skills and life lessons from my coach Daniel. Being a young player travelling and experiencing many different levels, i can change and develop many techniques for future reference as i move forward .

Our u17’s return to London with heads up and amazing amount of feedback regarding what to work on.

Next stage is being held in Lublin, Poland 24th-27th January 2020.

U14’s start their journey!

20/10/2019 – Today was the London Elite under 14 team’s 1st competitive tournament for the start of the 2019/20 season. The first game was against an experienced Kingston Wildcats School of Basketball. Both started nervously but soon settled down started trading baskets in a uptempo game which was a great a advertisement for this age group. Once the Elite squad started to get comfortable which other in game situations it became more apparent the skill level and talent we had on show. Strong defending from key players started pay dividend with crisp passing and finishing. The strong team defence and team offence rolled over to the second half give the Elite team a comfortable first win as a competitive team. The second game was more of the same with effort and concentration at the top of list against a very talent Richmond knights girls team who also won their 1st game of the day. The two comfortable wins move the Elite straight into the final for a battle of the London teams – London Elite vs London Westside. The game started with nervous exchanges and mistakes usually found in a tightly contested final. Both teams went after the win with Westside walking in at half time with a 4 point lead. The second half was much of the same with key defensive plays keep the game close but Elite being unable to convert the defensive effort into baskets at the other end. The game rolled out into the last 5 minutes with west side maintaining the edge by 6 points. Elite still playing nervously went on run to cut the score to 4 but few missed chances by the Elite team saw the Westside team take advantage and run out the final score winning by 7. Head Coach Matt Williams could not have been more proud of the teams effort and especially team play. “These tournament are especially great for team bonding and getting the coaches and players to know each other better. Great day for Elite basketball 🏀 and the sky is the limit with this team and with key additions still to come going to be a great 👍 season”

U14’s trainings take place Tuesday 6-7:30 pm and Saturday 9-10:30 am at Alec Reed Academy. Contact coach Matt on 07961606483 or [email protected] for more details.

U16 Sessions

London Elite U16 has started their preparation for season 2019/20. Initially we placed just one U16 team into the league, though it didn’t take us long to realise our program is offering amazing development and support resulting in attracting new players which led us into forming 2nd team in just 3rd month of club existence !

It is not a surprise for our director Daniel as he was following closely what progress team has been making. Here are his words:

“I am really happy that this project is growing rapidly but it comes as no surprise to me. Having great partnership with way2work in terms of highlights, great location for our home Alec Reed Academy but what is most important, we have one of best coaches in business taking care of our talented group. This combination is designed for success”

We are happy to confirm that Head Coach for London Elite U16 will be Mauro Di Nunzio originally from Italy who moved to London few years ago and has already won a National championship with London U13 regional team. His knowledge, passion and understanding of the game is definitely making London Elite hot place on basketball map for London. This is what he had to say:

“London Elite, to me is a part a new elite journey of my career. The club and its programme immediately attracted me for the tenacious will to improve the community providing the best options for the players and the coaches. I just needed a small conversation with Daniel to understand that it was the place to be. In fact, I feel the support of the club and the extreme passion of Basketball. My aim is to push myself to learn to transfer to the kids the same love that I have for basketball and try to get them better day by day.”

As season starts in early November boys are training 2-3 times a week getting ready for upcoming challenges.Two of the key players, Nezelle Soberano and Anthony Atakpu have been called up by coach Daniel to represent London Elite U17 with most prestigious league in Europe, EYBL with first trip to Latvia happening over October half term camp.

If you wish to find out more about our program please get in touch with coach Daniel on 07453314867 or [email protected].

October Basketball Camp!

We are happy to present you Elite Basketball Camp this October half term.

As we are constantly working on providing best possible basketball experience with professional coaches, european experience etc, we have never given up on idea of great holiday camp as previously we had over 30 kids present at summer camp in August.

At October Elite camp we will be able to secure coaching staff including Coach Daniel and Coach Afiz alongside others. Players will work on all aspects of the game while being supervised by experienced coaches.

Coach Daniel said: ” Long time ago i came to realisation that these form of camp is very beneficial for everyone involved. Players are getting to work with best coaches which leads them to instant progress, also they are making new friends in extremely friendly environment, Players improving their skills massively while coaches are doing what they love doing most: improving their players!”

For more details contact coach Daniel on 07453314867 or [email protected]

EYBL ANNOUNCEMENT

London Elite Basketball has been accepted to play in European Youth Basketball League (EYBL) in season 2019/20 in 2 age groups, under 20’s and under 17’s.

EYBL is most prestigious youth basketball competitions with teams from 33 different countries competing against each other.

Head Coach Daniel Szatkowski said: “It is vital for us to provide the best possible experience in Youth European basketball. The boys are playing against the toughest teams in their age group from the whole continent. It is a unbelievable experience which is going to be extremely beneficial for Elite players“

Our U20’s are currently in Riga, LAtvia preparing for first stage of competition. Our boys will start the tournament tomorrow with first game against TalTech followed by evening match up against Keila BC. Both teams come from Estonia and have proven in previous years that their are fierce competitors.

Friday competition will see our team facing Helsinki rocks (Finland) and Tallin Kalev (Estonia). Sunday’s game against host team BS DSN Riga will see our boys finish first stage.

Captain Kevin Kolesnikovas said: “I feel blessed for the whole team to have this opportunity to fly abroad and play basketball at such a high level. Not everyone gets an experience like this, but for me to be so lucky to go through this multiple times is truly something i will always be grateful for. Opportunities like this only make players better and smarter, this is why London Elite is great at developing talent and exposing great players on greater platforms.

All games will be livestreamed on Youtube. We will put links on our social media prior to our games so stay tuned!