Year 6 Basketball Success

Year 6 represented the school in the prestigious Kingston Borough Finals at CCC. See below to read about the team's successful performances- you won't regret it!

On Thursday 3rd May 2018, six pupils from Year 6 (see photograph) represented O.L.I in the prestigious Kingston Borough Basketball Finals at CCC. Following a focus on basketball in spring term lessons and also after-school training sessions, the team were ready to perform to their maximum level.

The twelve participating schools were organised into two separate groups. O.L.I played five group matches against schools including: Ellingham, Latchmere and Malden Parochial. The team started the competition in fine style playing a brilliant brand of attacking basketball. Max, acting as point-guard, made several successful drives to the basket. In later group matches, Freddie completed numerous key shots to help add to the team’s success. All team members displayed a fantastic understanding of the key rules- Jaimie particularly showing a good appreciation of space with excellent attacking passes. All pupils demonstrated excellent skills; this was certainly evident as the team went on to win four out of five encounters on route to finishing top of their group. 

Next up for O.L.I was a semi-final clash against St Josephs- a challenge that the children were more than willing to accept. The impressive defensive display was certainly highlighted by Alice who made a range of important rebounds and steals in this crucial match. Despite starting the match well, O.L.I conceded the first basket. However, this didn’t dampen the attacking efforts of the team as the forward pressure finally told and O.L.I made it level with seconds to spare. With the game ending in a 1-1 draw, it became time for an extremely tense free-throw shootout. After St Joseph’s missed their second attempt, sharp-shooter Isabella coolly booked O.L.I’s place in the final with a fantastic long-range effort. The final beckoned. The opponents: Tolworth Juniors. 

O.L.I started the final on top and dominated possession throughout. Kieran scored an excellent lay-up to take an early lead. Despite playing will great effort, enthusiasm and skill, Tolworth scored two baskets in quick succession to claim overall victory. Despite this narrow defeat in the final, the children should be really proud of their performances. Each child received a richly deserved silver medal; a wonderful achievement. It was a pleasure to lead the children at this event; they showed a fantastic attitude and were really supportive of each other and also to their opponents.

I would like to extend my thanks to the parents and carers who provided transport for their children going to the venue. Additionally, it was fantastic for the team to have such vocal support during the course of the afternoon- this was very much appreciated. Please visit the school website to view a range of photographs of this event.