04-23-11
CIA’s last dance
Despite defeating two of the LMBL’s top teams in a single week and handing Hackney Community College their first loss of the season, CIA may face their final battle when rivals Westminster Warriors arrive on 30th April.
CIA Basketball demonstrated discipline and control as they handed Hackney their only loss of the season so far. Daniel Montague and Chi Lewis-Parry added insult to injury with an outstanding aerial display, throwing down 4 dunks between them. Several days later CIA cruised past second placed Alleyns Apaches with Gene Brown netting 30 points that included 6 3-pointers.
The sutton-based team rebranded the program in January, focusing their efforts on the community and the young players they coach. With escalating court hire fees plus officials and league registration costs, the team are now considering pulling themselves out of competition alltogether.
“Having an outlet for our men is very important however we must also be careful not to deviate from our mission. A lot of time and money is spent, even at a local level, which becomes difficult to justify when the program is having such a positive effect on the lives of our young people and their families.”
Whilst there’s no doubt that difficult decisions must be made, a return to competition hasn’t been ruled out.
“We haven’t completely ruled out our involvement next season but there are some difficult obstacles to overcome. In order to continue, we’ll need the support of local individuals/businesses.”
CIA Basketball v Westminster Warriors takes place on Saturday 30th April at Westcroft Leisure Centre in Carshalton and entry is free.
02-12-11
Invite to the Palace
The Luol Deng Foundation hosted a ‘Gamenight’ event at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre and invited a team of Under 10 players from the School of Hoops to attend. The Luol Deng Foundation host weekly basketball sessions at the Palace and begun the Gamenight initiative to give players an opportunity to compete in a safe environment.
Coached by Christian Lacsina and Director Tony Brown, the team got a chance to put into practice the fundamentals they’ve been learning in front of a passionate crowd of parents. They performed remarkably well, working as a team to win all of their games.
“I think we enjoyed this as much as the players and the parents [Laughs]. Great evening of basketball and we’re looking forward to doing it again soon. It’s good for the players to see how working together; sharing the ball and moving to create opportunities, can help you to both enjoy and win games. Very proud of their performance and the attitude they showed.”
To find out more about the work of the Luol Deng Foundation, visit www.luoldeng.org.uk
