Chadwell Heath Academy girls net national basketball title

They defeated the favourites, Trinity HS, by a score of 60-49 to claim the title and saw Edita Vaka walk off with the Most Valuable Player award after an impressive performance produced a team-high 24 points, four rebounds and five assists.

Tia Andrew also had an outstanding game, with 16 points, 14 rebounds and four steals.

The game remained evenly matched during the first three quarters, with neither team holding the lead greater than five points.

However, at the start of the fourth quarter, Chadwell Heath went on a 7-0 run to take the lead and secure the win.

Despite Trinity’s efforts to make a comeback, they were unable to get any closer, as Chadwell Heath pulled away for good.

The Dynamik National School Championship is one of the most prestigious competitions in the country and Chadwell Heath Academy’s victory has put them on the map as one of the top teams in the country for basketball.

The players and coaches staff have made their school and community proud, and their achievement is a testament to their talent, hard work, and determination.

“What an exceptional team effort!” said head coach Marlan Henry, who played college basketball on a scholarship in the USA and professionally in the Basketball England League and British Basketball League.

“Our players have put in an immense amount of effort to become the top team in the country. Their commitment and dedication have been truly remarkable. I am thrilled for them.”

Assistant coach Theo Georgitsis, a former Greek international who played for 15 years in EuroLeague, added: “We have been trying to bring a basketball culture to the school and to offer the opportunity for everyone to be the best they can.

“There’s true talent in our team and the girls have been very committed to working on an above-and-beyond level.

“They have only started playing basketball in the past 18 months and faced many difficulties, but they learnt a lot from the process and returned stronger.

“They train before school, after school and afternoon with the club. Also, they play in National League on the weekends and are doing great at school. There’s no ‘magic wand’ for success, only hard work and maximum effort.”

Chadwell Heath Academy U14 girls: Tia Andrew, Marina Voutsina, Paige Modelly (captain), Lianna Harper-Moore, Edita Vaka, Michelle Joshua (co-captain), Daniella Omodele, Anaya Kerr-Beckford, Amy Diagne, Shanice Chuka.

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