Brent return to U14 finals in search of Prime Division crown while Sharks seek to complete first ever CBL season as champs.
As we gear up for the U14 Division 1 (CBL Prime) playoff final, the narrative is as compelling as it gets. The Brent Panthers and London Sharks are set to face off in what promises to be an electrifying battle that will leave one team standing as the best in the city. Both teams have navigated through a season of highs and lows to reach this pinnacle moment, and now, it’s all about who can seize the day.
The Brent Panthers return to the finals for the second year in a row, looking to go one better than their second placed finish in 2023. However their route to the finals has been far from easy. An inconsistent regular season resulted in the North-West London outfit quietly sliding into the playoffs as the ‘middle of the pack’ fifth seed, at 8-5. Coach ‘Swift’ has battled through a multitude of changing line-ups over the course of the season, which may explain the former finalists challenges this year.
However the Panthers playoff run has been nothing short of spectacular, characterised by gritty performances and clutch victories that indicate Brent may well have got their groove back. They first took down reigning U14 champions, the Southwark Legends, in a closely contested 46-41 thriller, then edged out the extremely talented Chiswick Gators with a nail-biting 38-36 win in the semi-finals. Central to their success is Daniel Oransaye, a tough two-way player who plays with a relentless edge to his game that has come to characterise the post-season Panthers who clearly have their sights on finding finals redemption this season. Oransaye is averaging 16 points, 5.5 steals, and 3 assists per game. His energy, leadership and electric play has been key for the Panthers and they’ll need him at this best in this final as they face a supremely talented opponent.
London Sharks are CBL newcomers this season who have hit the ground running, in the CBL’s top-tier. Excellent coaching and a deep and highly talented squad have been the key contributors to a dominant first season in London’s top grassroots league. Coach Emir Imen has guided the Sharks to the top in the regular season, finishing as the top seed with an impressive 11-2 record. Well-organised with a core of proficient, efficient players who have great chemistry and high-level ability, the Sharks journey to the final has been marked by decisive wins over the Eastside Eagles (55-39) and and a resilient 44-40 triumph over KG12 Academy.
Sharks come into the first CBL finals as favourites not least because they are fuelled by the Uber-talented Leo Bowman, who has been the centrepiece of the Sharks’ attack. Bowman is an advanced level talent, who has already earned an international reputation. He’s a former MVP in the EYBL and recently crowned National League Final 4 MVP, leading his team to a National U14 title. Within the CBL top-tier, he’s already earned three game MVP awards this season and is averaging a staggering 28 points per game to go along with 5 assists, and 3 steals per outing. He’s top drawer. The league’s leading scorer can get it done in a variety of ways with a consistently clutch pull up jump shot complimenting a dominant dribble-drive game that gets him to the hoop at will. He’s a tough cover than nobody in the league (or country!) has found an answer for and he’ll have his eyes firmly set on winning another title to seal off the 2023-24 season in style.
In their only previous match up in the regular season the Sharks eased out to a 48-39 win – but the playoffs are a different beast, and the Panthers are playing their best basketball at the right time. In addition to the two stars, both squads feature highly-skilled players capable of putting in winning performances on the day and though they enter the game as ‘score book’ underdogs – the Panthers play with a connected cohesion that may present an ‘as yet unseen’ challenge for the Bowman led Sharks.
Key Players to Watch:
- Leonardo Bowman (London Sharks): Bowman’s impact on the game is undeniable. Averaging 28 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals per game, he is the engine that drives the Sharks’ success. His scoring ability and court vision make him a constant threat.
- Daniel Oransaye (Brent Panthers): Oransaye has been pivotal for the Panthers, with averages of 16 points, 6 steals, and 3 assists per game. His defensive prowess and knack for making crucial plays under pressure have been vital to the Panthers’ playoff run.
The U14 Division 1 playoff final is set to be a classic, showcasing the future stars of British basketball. Whether it’s Bowman’s offensive fireworks, Oransaye’s tenacity, or another of either teams multi-skilled stars stepping into the light – this game will be a testament to the ever-rising ability, dedication, and passion that these young athletes bring to the court.
