The Junior NBL season came to an end in Manchester last weekend, with two Breakers teams crowned national champions after emerging triumphant at the Final Fours.
It was a weekend Breaker Nation will never forget. As the best in the country travelled to the National Basketball Performance Centre at Belle Vue, no fewer than three of our own teams took part.
U-14 Boys
Up first were our U14 Boys, who overcame a nervous start to ultimately win Saturday’s semi-final against London Legends. Trailing 18-17 after the first quarter, Breakers rallied behind Nathan Mubela, who ended the game with a 27-point, 22-rebound double-double to help seal the 78-65 win.
That booked a place in Sunday’s final against London Stars, where the full depth of talent developed by Coach Burak Haciismail shone on the biggest stage. While only one member of the opposition scored in double figures, Breakers had no fewer than four in what would be the consummate team victory.
Jermain Tuffour would clinch MVP honours thanks to a wonderful performance that saw him score 19 points and grab 21 rebounds. Never trailing by more than two points through the entire contest, Breakers would win 70-61 to claim the first ever title for the boys in a season that saw them win every single game they played.
U-14 Girls
Up next were our U-14 girls, on a mission after finishing 4th in 2023 and losing last year’s final. COB Rockets were no match for them in a one-sided semifinal that saw Breakers triumph 88-45 thanks to Chantelle Okoli’s 24 points and 14 boards, while there were also major contributions from Abi Ajayi (12 points, 21 rebounds) and Alessia Dinu (18 points).
Richmond Knights were waiting in the Final, but the Breaker girls were in no mood to be denied. They led from start to finish, winning 64-48, Chantelle delivering an even better performance that saw her narrowly miss out on a triple double as she walked away with 18 points, 14 rebounds, 9 steals and a well-deserved MVP award.
U-16 Girls
In the U-16s, our girls were narrowly beaten in their semi-final by Richmond Knights, ultimately falling 65-60 despite Chantelle Okoli’s 20 points and 17 rebounds. That meant they would battle for third place, losing out 78-60 despite a valiant 10-point, 15-rebound display from Itansan Ajayi.
