CONGRATULATIONS TO THE U12 CBL PRIME 2024 CHAMPIONS: SOUTHWARK LEGENDS
Tune in next season for more CBL Heat…
In a contest that lived up to its top-billing, the Southwark Legends edged out the number #1 ranked Enfield Scorpions 67-60 in the CBL Prime U12 Finals. This game had all the makings of a classic, and it didn’t disappoint.
The main takeaway from this game belonged to Southwark’s super-talented backcourt duo of Shamaar Alexander and Sean Dyer. These boys played with a poise beyond their years, combining for 46 points in a performance that would look good on players twice their age. Let it be known – these kids can play! Skills like theirs have not been seen in the league since the days of Zaire Colbert (they really are that nice). Alexander, who walked away with MVP honours, was particularly impressive. His 25-point outburst included a near-perfect 5-for-7 from beyond the arc – the kind of shooting that can break a game wide open, and in the biggest game of the year, it did just that. Every time Enfield went on a run, Alexander blocked their ambitions with yet another downtown bomb. Incredible.
A special mention must also be directed at Enfield’s Josh Amissah. This young hooper showed why he’s considered one of the top talents in the league, matching Southwark’s stars step for step with 20 points and 6 assists. The evolution of his game into a pass-first point guard has not gone unnoticed. He’s going to be special. Jakai Grey-Hogge also added 14 points for the Scorpions, but in the end, it wasn’t quite enough to overcome the Legends’ firepower.
In a packed out gym, with fans creating an atmosphere unlike no other across grassroots London basketball, this game felt special. In a league that prides itself on showcasing tomorrow’s talent today, the U12 CBL Prime Final overdelivered . Both teams displayed extraordinary skills and basketball IQ that belied their age, giving us all a glimpse of what might be on the horizon. A new era of greatness. Watch this space…
As the Southwark Legends celebrated their hard-earned victory, one thing was certain: the future of basketball in this city is in good hands. With talents like Alexander, Dyer (overlook him at your peril), and Amissah leading the charge, fans have plenty to look forward to in the years to come.