05-03-10
Festival fever
With CIA’s annual showcase ‘Family Festival’ less than 2 weeks away, fever is mounting for an epic showdown between the Old School and the New School.
Last year the New School became victors for the second straight year but the Old School return stronger than ever, with a line up littered with current and former professionals as well as Great Britain and England Internationals. With a wealth of experience at their fingertips, coach Nhamo Shire (founder of Midnight Madness) seems confident his team can pull off a win and restore order.
BBL players Lekan Popoola, Julius Joseph and Marcus Knight all suit up for the Old School this year and are joined by seasoned professionals such as Junior Williams, Pierre Henry-Fontaine and Steve Vear. MBE Peter Scantlebury also returns, the former England Head Coach and one of the country’s all-time leading scorers will hope to carry his team to his first FamFest victory.
On the opposing New School, players such as Westminster’s Henry Wilkins and Luke Baker provide a threat from outside while Chi Lewis-Parry and Joel Hewitt will be expected to get the work done on the inside. The New School also feature EBL Division One ‘Player of the Year’ Stefan Gill who led the Manchester Magic to a playoff title. Standing at just 5′8″, ‘The Matrix’ promises to wow the crowd with his leaping ability while providing a cool head at the point guard position. He’s joined by BBL newcomer Tayo Ogedengbe who was voted ‘Most Exciting Player’ by Guildford Heat fans who had the pleasure of watching Ogedengbe cause havoc for the Heat this season.
With both teams so evenly matched, FamFest 2010 promises to be one of the most tightly contested games to date. Alongside the All-Star Game, fans will get a chance to see their favourite high flyers face off in the Slam Dunk Contest as well as a new format Old v New Shootout as representatives from both teams battle it out from downtown.
The event takes place on Saturday 15 May 2010 and tickets cost £5 Adults, £3 for Children (u16) and £12 for Family* (of 4). Doors open at 5:30pm and the event begins at 6:00pm.
Click here for a map.
