The Brent Panthers U16 boys capped off a challenging 2023/24 season by successfully defending their CBL Prime U16 title, securing a hard-fought 81-66 victory over their perennial rivals, the Southwark Legends. This championship game, a rematch of last year’s final, showcased the Panthers’ resilience and depth as they overcame both on-court challenges and off-court pressures to claim the crown.
Despite the scheduling conflict with GCSE exams, which impacted preparation and training, both teams demonstrated their commitment to excellence both in academics and athletics in making the finals happen during the busy exam season. The Panther’s ability to field a full-strength squad, including key players from Years 9, 10, and 11, proved crucial in securing the win.
The game began with the Panthers’ dynamic backcourt duo of Kyran Palmer and Kailyn Panchal-Bedward setting the tone, supported by the imposing presence of Stellios Christofi, nicknamed the ‘Tower of Power’. Their combined efforts gave the Panthers a six-point lead after the first quarter.
However, the Legends, led by the sharpshooting Haydin Edwards-Meade (22 points) and the powerful Etemi Toghanro (16 points), stormed back in the second quarter. The South London team’s surge put them ahead 40-34 at halftime, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.
Coach Swift’s halftime talk proved pivotal, as the Panthers emerged from the break with renewed determination. Panchal-Bedward and Palmer took control in the third quarter, outscoring the entire Legends team 21-10. Supported by the defensive efforts of Panashe Kuwana and Theo Satwell, and Christofi’s dominant rebounding, the Panthers reclaimed the lead heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter saw the Panthers cement their victory, with Panchal-Bedward and Palmer continuing their stellar play. Valuable contributions from Ruben Cryer (7 points) and Justin Fagbenle (6 points) helped secure the win.
Panchal-Bedward’s outstanding performance (28 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals) earned him game MVP honors. Palmer (22 points, 5 assists, 5 steals) and Christofi (11 points, 15 rebounds) rounded out the Panthers’ top performers.
Coach Swift praised both teams after the game, acknowledging the Legends’ competitiveness and the ongoing rivalry between the two programs. “Congratulations to Southwark on another good season from an always competitive program,” Swift said. “They are our biggest challenge in the league every year, and our finals always demand the best from our boys. I’m pleased with the result as the boys have had a challenging season, so it’s good to finish on a high as they have been putting in the work.”
This victory not only secured back-to-back U16 CBL Prime Championships for the Panthers but also highlighted the program’s ability to develop well-rounded student-athletes capable of excelling both on and off the court.
