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.

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

Just two months in and 2011 has brought a wealth of change our way. In January we announced a new umbrella charity – Family Resource Centre UK – and now, in the next step of that transition, we unveil two new brands; Fourth Fundamental and School of Hoops.

‘CIA Basketball’ is replaced by ‘Fourth Fundamental’. Brand Manager Luke Bowler says the name makes a subtle nod to their basketball roots but stands for something bigger.

“Traditionally there has always been three fundamentals taught in the coaching of basketball; passing, shooting and dribbling. As we’ve found, throughout our 16 year history, the off court development of our players is just as important as their on court development.”

“When I joined the basketball club back in 2003, at the age of 17, it was clear that this was much more than a basketball club. I’ve matured both on and off the court, encouraged to strive as much for success in my education and employment as in basketball. Our fundamental teachings go beyond basketball.”

School of Hoops is a global grassroots coaching and mentoring program based around a unique system of coaching in grids. The HOOPS program enables coaches of any level to break down complex skills into manageable layers, taking individuals that have never played before and filtering them towards team play in performance basketball.

“We have found that by instilling a focus from an early age, ensuring players enjoy their first experience in a safe environment that is structured and with appropriate boundaries, we are able to curb many of the issues relating to young people today. The School of Hoops program focuses on team play and aims to create a track from absolute beginner to elite team player.”

“We are also excited to be working outside of the UK for the first time in our 16 year history. We are exploring a partnership with a worldwide charity to use the grid system of coaching, combined with a unique emphasis on mentoring, to affect communities around the globe.”

The School of Hoops site will be launching in the coming months with online training videos, ambassador articles and more. Stay tuned for more information.

School of Hoops Director and Senior Coach Tony Brown helped to lead Sutton to third place in this week’s qualifying heats for the national Penathlon Challenge. The team, made up of students from Sherwood Park Special Needs School, secured a berth in the regional finals for a second straight year.

Tony has been coaching the Wallington based school for the past five years. As well as basketball, students learn a variety of multi-sport skills competing in all athletic sports. The Penathlon Challenge combines various individual and team events including sprinting, relays, table cricket and javelin.

Sutton clinched third position behind second place Bromley and overall winners Croydon. Coach Brown praised the Croydon team saying, “The team and the coaches showed a great attitude and totally deserved to win. When we needed help they didn’t hesitate to assist us and we returned the favour. They set an example to their students, not to win at all costs, but to work as a team and respect your opponent at all times.”

The regional finals take place at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on 17th March where the winner will represent their country.

CIA will have no time to rest following last weekend’s victory as they prepare to face three games in the next six days. CIA will start by traveling to Westminster on Tuesday for the Quarter Finals of the LMBL Cup.

After a thrilling two point victory over the Knights last week, CIA booked their place in the Quarter Finals for the fifth straight year. However, CIA will have to do without top scorer Tony Brown after an unusual disqualification that will see him sit out the next two Cup games. Gene Brown also remains on the injured list as does Point Guard Shaun Gray.

Despite approaching Tuesday’s match up with a depleted line up Point Guard Luke Bowler, who contributed 18 points last game, believes they have the tools they need to secure a Semi-Final berth. “On paper there’s no denying that we’re facing an uphill battle. That said we’re no stranger to being the underdog and winning anyway. Last weekend was a signal of things to come for me and the team is the most consistent it’s been in several seasons. Provided we focus our efforts on defense, we have every chance to making the Semi-Finals.”

After Tuesday night’s game they’ll have just a day to recuperate before traveling to league leaders Alleyns Apaches. Two days later they finally return home by hosting the Met Trident Lions for the first time this season. The game takes place on Saturday 22 January at Westcroft Leisure Centre in Carshalton and tickets for this game are free.

CIA Basketball started the year in spectacular fashion as they edged the visiting Knights by a single basket with just 0.7 secs on the clock. CIA had won just 1 out of their last 5 games and desperately needed a victory to kick-start their campaign.

A strong all-round team performance was the ingredient they needed to book their ticket to the Quarter Finals. In his first game as Assistant Coach Gene Brown commented, “They say offense sells tickets and defense wins games, well I had a happy helping of both on Saturday. The team showed fight, spirit and our shout of “Together” was testimony to how we played.”

With forward Gene Brown forced to the sidelines for the remainder of the season through injury, CIA presented a depleted line up with Point Guard Luke Bowler struggling with illness and forward Daniel Montaque nursing a foot injury. To add insult to injury CIA looked lethargic in the opening quarter managing just 4 points in the first 6 minutes.

As the quarter came to a close, superb individual defence by Michale Brown was rewarded with a steal, but controversy soon followed. As Brown collected his own rebound off a missed shot, Knight’s Wondell wrapped his arms around Brown’s shoulders furiously fighting for possession and causing more injury. Referees quickly broke the pair with Wondell getting a technical foul (and later an ejection) and gifting CIA momentum.

Despite ending the quarter trailing 7-13, CIA took over full control in the second as Montaque and Bowler combined for 15 points with player/coach Tony Brown adding 4. Montaque also put his injury woes behind him as he soared for two electrifying breakaway dunks. CIA entered the halftime break leading 32-27.

In the third quarter CIA continued to increase their defensive intensity with Darryl Lewis and newcomer Geordie Logan both impressing. Bowler also continued to fire from three-point territory whilst Michale Brown and Daniel Montaque’s partnership also kept the home side rolling.

In the final quarter, an intense game was brought to a tense conclusion as both teams struggled to pull away. With both sides going back and forth, the ball would rest in Bowler’s hands with just 24 seconds on the clock and scores tied at 61-61. With just 5 seconds to go Bowler fed the ball into the post to Montaque who spun, faded away, took the foul and made the basket with fans and coaching staff celebrating. Despite missing the final foul shot Knight were unable to find the basket as a late steal from Montaque sealed the victory. Final score 63-61.

“A win on the buzzer with 0.7 secs on the clock, plus the foul, doesn’t get more dramatic for your first game, but this needs to be a kick start to our season, not a false dawn.”

“Our third quarter play made the difference. Usually in games we lose it in the third but Saturday we executed what we’ve been working on in training.”

Coach Gene Brown also praised newcomer Geordie Logan. The young guard, who has risen through the ranks of CIA Basketball’s junior program, played 16 minutes and secured a vital rebound late in the fourth quarter.

Daniel Montaque led all scorers with 19 and added a game high 8 assists, 6 rebounds and 6 steals. Luke Bowler came a close second as he netted 18 points, including four 3-pointers.

CIA return to competition on Saturday as they host the First Division Knights in the second round of the LMBL Cup. CIA are yet to record a league win after a disappointing start to the season in 2010. CIA will hope their unbeaten run in the Cup will continue on Saturday and re-ignite their championship hopes.

CIA hold a 2-2 record against the Knights, winning their last encounter on their way to becoming Division 1 champions in 2009/2010. CIA will begin 2011 without the help of Small Forward Gene Brown who is expected sit out the remainder of the season with a slipped disc. 6′3″ Brown will instead take over coaching duties allowing Player/Coach Tony Brown to concentrate on his on-court role.

“We missed a figure on the bench that could see the game from another angle. Gene is a major loss for us as a team but we’ll value his input as a coach just as much.”

A win against the Knights tomorrow would clinch a quarter final berth against familiar rivals, Westminster Warriors. CIA overturned a 17-point fourth quarter deficit in their last meeting, only a controversial refereeing decision denying them a win. Tomorrow’s game takes place at Westcroft Leisure Centre (SM5 2TG) at 7:30pm and is totally FREE for all spectators.

CIA Basketball are delighted to announce that they are now formally a constituent of Family Resource Centre UK, a well established charity which operates across the UK and has its head office in Reading.

Family Resource Centre UK is a respected charity and since 1990 they have worked with Local Authorities, businesses and other voluntary sector organisations to provide a variety of services and projects, including the award-winning Family Information Service, Children’s Opportunities Group and GO!.

As CIA Basketball embark on a new era in the club’s history, Director Tony Brown said that  he believes the move could not have come at a better time as we negotiate new contracts for 2011/12. “Having the wealth of experience, support and knowledge of FRC UK behind us will be invaluable as we have a lot of work ahead of us in 2011!”

Family Resource Centre UK have their own sporting success and six months ago welcomed Reading Football Club striker Shane Long as their debut Sports Champion. Shane assists with special needs projects as well as with other activities undertaken by the charity. They were also awarded the specialist National Association of Family Information Service Quality Award (NAFIS) as well as the universally recognised Investors in People IIP Award.

CIA Basketball will soon be changing their name and launching their new and exciting brand – so watch this space. Promotions Manager Luke Bowler commented, “We strongly believe that the new brand will signal a fundamental shift in the services we offer. This will include new work outside of the UK for the first time in our 15-year history.”

The club will launch its new brand in the coming months.

CIA will renew a familiar rivalry on Thursday night when they travel to Forest Hill Academy to take on Met Trident Lewisham. Following their fourth straight loss, CIA will be motivated to get back to winning ways.

CIA are hopeful of a return for injured Point Guard Shaun Gray but will be without Forward Andre Bayliss. Meanwhile Met Trident Lewisham are expected to field former BBL veteran, Marcus Knight. The explosive shooting guard always proves a difficult match-up.

Thursday’s game will be CIA’s last regular season fixture until January when the schedule piles up. Coach Brown believes each player must take their own responsibilities seriously if CIA are to turn things around:

“We’ve had consistent problems in particular quarters of the game and much of this comes down to individual fitness. It’s not enough to spend the summer getting in shape; we must all continue to work hard throughout the season for it to pay off.

We’ve got a number of veteran players and we must take advantage of their experience. We’ll need to remain open to instruction and operate as a unit and also recognise, and take advantage of, the match-ups that work for us during a game.”

Point Guard Luke Bowler saw an improvement in last weekend’s loss and hopes the team can take a positive from it despite the defeat:

“We played two great quarters of basketball before we lost our composure. When we space the floor correctly and take shots when we’re open, we’re a difficult team to stop.”

Fans can keep up with this game by following the team on twitter ( @cia_basketball )

CIA fell to their 4th straight regular season loss as the Camden Knights turned around a 15 point deficit to steal a 67-59 home win.

CIA looked in total control throughout the first half as they raced to a double-digit lead. Post players Michale Brown and Darryl Lewis did a tremendous job inside while Point Guard Luke Bowler controlled the tempo. Daniel Montague continued where he left off at home, varying his offensive output scoring inside and out whilst coach Tony Brown led by example, scoring at will from behind the 3-point arc.

However, the third quarter belonged to the Knights as they capitalised on several early turnovers to put the pressure on the visitors. CIA failed to register a single basket for the first 5 minutes of the 3rd quarter and by the fourth quarter the momentum lay firmly in Camden’s hands. As CIA attempted to send Camden to the line, Montague was hit with a surprise technical foul call giving the Knights free shots and possession that would seal CIA’s fate.

Montague gave his teammates some motivation after the game. “We never come to lose but it’s too easy to develop a losing mentality out of habit. We must come to win and develop the ability to finish off games.”