We’ve been here before:

🏆 U18 National Cup Champions

🏆 U14 National League Champions

🚍 Final Four appearances with both U14 & U18

But for our U16s, it’s always been just out of reach—exiting in the quarter-finals year after year.

Until now.

It all began in May 2023, when our incredibly talented U14 squad lost to Manchester Magic in the semi finals of the Final Four, severely disadvantaged due to an unlucky but serious injury to starting point guard Kaya Birsen. One year later in May 2024, our U14’s, many who are now U15’s and play U16, defeated Manchester Magic to claim the National League Championship. When that core group, including stars like Kaya Birsen and Daniel Olusanya, composed the U16 team this year—we knew something special was forming.

The final piece of the puzzle for the U16’s?

🏀 Coach Daniel James.

With his arrival, the project felt complete.

The Season: Progress Through Adversity

Despite early setbacks, including injuries to key players like Zan Milovidow and Kaya Birsen, our young squad—mostly made up of U15s—began to click. They battled through the league, losing only four games all season, and secured the 10th seed heading into playoffs.

Some saw that as an overachievement, others as just the beginning. One thing was certain:

We made the playoffs—our first major goal.

First Round: Milton Keynes Breakers (Away)

Our U16s hit the road to face the 3rd-seeded Milton Keynes Breakers, a powerhouse that also reached the U16 Sure Shot Cup Final.

The first half saw the Breakers take a 6-point lead and control much of the tempo. But Coach James made the right adjustments, and the second half was all Elite.

A strong team effort led to an 87-71 win, with four players in double figures:

Leo Bowman – 19 pts

Kaya Birsen – 15 pts

Zan Milovidow – 13 pts

Daniel Olusanya – 10 pts

🎥 Watch the highlights from our Milton Keynes victory [here]

Quarter-Final: Manchester Magic (Away)

Then came the true test:

An away trip to Manchester Magic, unbeaten at home all season, last year’s U16 champions, and one of the most decorated youth basketball clubs in the UK. Their U16 team featured multiple GB national players—a real trial by fire.

But our boys were ready.

We exploded out of the gate with a 7–0 run in the first minute, with scores from Olusanya, Bowman, and a big three from Will Harper. By the end of Q1, we led 28–16 with eight different players already on the scoresheet.

The second quarter turned into a shootout, but back-to-back threes from Olly Reynolds helped us maintain control, finishing the half ahead 43–30.

Coach James’ halftime talk clearly hit home. Our third quarter was a defensive masterclass, holding Manchester to just 9 points and stretching our lead to 58–39.

Though Magic rallied in the fourth to cut the lead to single digits, a clutch timeout and quick bucket from Pawel Obadowski helped seal the lead which we did not give up to the final whistle.

The final score was 62-75 and yet, another proof of our team’s capability.

You can watch highlights from Magic game here

Final Four, Here We Come!

Mark your calendars:

📍 Manchester

📅 May 4–5, 2025

🔥 U16 Final Four

We’re making history—and we’re just getting started.

London Elite is thrilled to announce the launch of our U10 basketball program, a significant addition to our club’s mission of providing a comprehensive development pathway for players of all ages. This program is tailored to deliver high-level basketball training specifically for young athletes, establishing a strong foundation in both basketball skills and personal growth.

Unlike the standard “babysitting basketball” model often seen for this age group, our sessions focus on engaging young players in a meaningful, skill-oriented, and enjoyable way, blending fun with development.

Under the guidance of our Head of Player Development, these sessions have been meticulously structured to ensure that each participant receives a well-rounded introduction to basketball. Young athletes will not only learn the fundamentals but will also be immersed in a rich basketball environment that includes training, local games, special events, and even the possibility of international exposure.

Our senior coaches, along with up-and-coming talent, will lead the sessions to ensure the highest quality of instruction and support, setting up our young players with the skills, confidence, and discipline they need to thrive in basketball and beyond.

This U10 program marks an essential step in rounding out London Elite’s offerings, further establishing our club as a leader in youth basketball development. We’re committed to nurturing talent and providing young players with opportunities to grow, succeed, and enjoy the sport at every stage.

You can apply to join this fantastic opportunity here: https://londonelite.club/contact-us/join-the-team/

The Elite U14 basketball squad achieved a remarkable feat by clinching the National Championship title in a thrilling season that will be remembered for years to come.

Having fallen short of victory in the previous season, the team harboured a sense of unfinished business, driving them to elevate their game to new heights. Their journey to the championship was marked by resilience, determination, and outstanding teamwork.

The season commenced with a perfect record of 22-0, propelling the boys into the playoff stage. The path to glory was not without its challenges, as they faced formidable opponents such as the London Warriors and the talented Manchester Giants in the quarterfinals. However, the team’s unwavering resolve saw them through to the Final Four Event, hosted at the prestigious National Performance Center in Manchester.

In the semifinal clash against London Legends, the team encountered a fierce challenge, but a stellar performance by Daniel Onuoha, who scored an impressive 42 points, propelled them to victory and secured their spot in the final.

The championship showdown against Manchester Magic proved to be a nail-biting affair, with momentum swinging back and forth throughout the game. Despite facing adversity, the team rallied together, with standout performances from Leo Bowman, Daniel Onuoha, and Zan Milovidov. Leo Bowman’s exceptional display earned him the title of Final MVP, tallying an impressive 34 points and 11 rebounds, while Daniel Onuoha continued to shine with his 37-point contribution.

In a display of sheer determination and skill, the team dominated the fourth quarter, securing a decisive 105-78 victory and etching their names in history as National Champions. Watch the highlights here of this remarkable achievement created by one of the most influential basketball videographers DezeReels.

Reflecting on the remarkable journey, Coach Miguel McKelvey expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments. He attributed their success to their unwavering belief in themselves and their commitment to each other. He lauded the players not only for their achievements on the court but also for their character and resilience as young men.

The Elite U14 squad’s triumph in the National Championship stands as a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and unwavering spirit, solidifying their place as one of the finest youth basketball teams in the country.

London Elite U15 Squad Shines at EYBL Superfinal in Bucharest

London Elite’s U15 basketball squad recently showcased their talent and resilience at the prestigious EYBL Superfinal in Bucharest, Romania. Despite facing formidable competition and challenging circumstances, the team’s performance was nothing short of remarkable.

In their opening game, the squad faced the home team, Dan Dacian Bucharest, with a massive home crowd cheering against them. Undeterred, the London Elite players displayed exceptional skill and teamwork, securing a commanding victory with a 14-point lead.

However, the journey was not without its challenges. In the second game against Austrian USBC Juniors Graz, the team suffered a setback when they lost starter guard Nathanael Martelly to injury early in the match. Despite the adversity, they fought valiantly in another closely contested game.

In the semi-final showdown against Lanciano, the game went down to the wire, with London Elite narrowly losing by just 2 points. Despite the defeat, Lanciano went on to claim the EYBL championship, highlighting the caliber of competition at the tournament.

Individually, standout performances were recognized. Kaya Biersen was named the team MVP for his consistent excellence throughout the tournament, while Eugene Tatunciac earned a spot in the tournament’s All-Star 5, showcasing his exceptional skills on the court.

In the third-place game, all players contributed significantly, demonstrating significant improvements since the beginning of the tournament. Despite narrowly missing out on a podium finish, London Elite finished in a highly respectable 4th place out of 12 teams in the Superfinal.

Head Coach Andre Lowe summed up: ” Boys made me and the club proud. Going into such high calibre tournament and making it so far shows how talented this unit is. I could not be more proud of how this team came together. We had a never-give-up attitude and showed character and fight and narrowly missed out on the championship game by 2 points in a game which went down to the wire. Experience players collected is unmatched.”

The team’s performance at the EYBL Superfinal underscores their talent, resilience, and determination to compete at the highest level. London Elite’s U15 squad has once again proven themselves as a formidable contender on the international basketball stage, bringing pride and recognition to the club and their supporters.

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 2^nd 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 3^rd Quarter and sailed to a 67-57 victory.  London Elite had made the final and the dream was taking shape!

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 4^th 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!

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 2^nd and 3^rd 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 2^nd 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”…

London Elite’s U18 squad have made club history by securing our first National Title.

The Team battled their way to the Final with a series of hard-fought wins over Bracknell Cobras II (129-32), Brighton Cougars (105-51), Reading Rockets (98-79), Solent Kestrels (91-80), Bracknell Cobras (94-86) and Milton Keynes Breakers (89-82). All of the boys showed great dedication throughout the journey, enduring long trips on the motorway, and often playing double-headers across the weekend.

The Final took place on the 22^nd of January at Manchester’s National Basketball Performance Centre, with the boys squaring up against local rivals London Legends – an experienced and high-performing team that we know well.

A slow start saw London Legends jump to a 7-0 lead, but the Team responded quickly, with Kelleher and Arifkhanov regaining control of the game and establishing a 15-11 lead by the end of the 1^st Quarter.

The 2^nd Quarter saw Campbell and Kelleher put on a show and widen our lead to 10 points by half-time. The Team refused to slow down, continuously extending our lead throughout the 2nd half, and finally securing the National Cup with a resounding 70-53 win.

The London Elite Family is proud of all our boys, with special congratulations to Hunter Kelleher (recording a double-double in the first half), and Liam Campbell (named finals MVP).

U18’s Head coach Kieran Matthews said: “All the guys really did a great job, everyone got on the court, played their role and helped secure this championship. I’m really proud of all the guys and the monumental impact they have had on the growth of the program as a whole.

The boys did a great job of controlling the controllables, which when mixed with their desire to win, really made the difference.” (LE had a total of 81 rebounds compared to Legends 47).

Visit our YouTube channel to see what happened behind the scenes, and enjoy the fairytale journey one more time:

(578) LONDON ELITE vs LONDON LEGENDS | Sure Shot U18 2022/2023 Men’s National Cup Final – The Story – YouTube