In a clash that kicked off a historic CBL Finals Day in the opulent surroundings of the UEL Arena, the Brent Panthers clinched the CBL 12U Division 1 Playoff Championship with a convincing 45-36 victory over the Southwark Legends. The game was a testament to the rapidly rising talent throughout the CBL ranks, with both teams coming in ‘locked and loaded’ and ready to compete for the 12U top-tier crown.
From the opening tip-off, the Panthers put the Legends on notice with an offensive outburst from the dynamic duo of Milan Krstic and Jayden Chan. Their precision shooting from beyond the arc propelled the Panthers to a commanding 12-2 lead by the end of the first quarter, setting an early tone that echoed throughout the contest.
The Legends, however, refused to be sidelined. Prince Israel Dombo, a towering presence even in the 12U division, showcased his dominance in the paint, spearheading the Legends’ resurgence. His tenacity on the boards and ability to convert second-chance points injected newfound energy into the Legends’ campaign, narrowing the gap as the game progressed.
Coach Swift’s Panthers maintained their composure, displaying a well-coordinated offensive effort that kept the Legends at bay. The scoring contributions of Josiah Bosire-Dixon further solidified the Panthers’ advantage, establishing a comfortable 23-10 lead at halftime.
As the game wore on, the Panthers continued to demonstrate their depth, with players like Ryan Udofia, Albie Wardell, and Daniel Oronsaye stepping up to the occasion. The Legends, led by Storm Allen and Darson Weston, staged a spirited fightback knocking down a series of mid-range jump shots and timely three-pointers, injecting a competitive edge into the proceedings.
The Legends made a late-game surge in the fourth quarter, highlighted by Chibueze Ulachukwu’s impressive long-range shooting. Zephaniah Newman and Dombo also contributed to the Legends’ final push. Despite the commendable effort, the Panthers remained steadfast, buoyed by the steady hand of Udofia and Krstic’s well-timed three-point shooting that sealed the deal.
In the end, the Brent Panthers emerged victorious as the 12U Division 1 CBL Champions, securing a well-earned title for their efforts. Milan Krstic was hailed as the game’s MVP for his his ‘sniper-like’ shooting which played such a pivotal role in the victory.
Coach ‘Swift’ acknowledged the foundation of success, highlighting the team’s defensive prowess and unity on the court in the well-deserved win: “The boys all played well today, it was definitely a total team effort on both ends of the floor. Our defence is what won us this game, with Daniel being the defensive stopper he has been all year and Joey coming in to apply even more pressure on their ball handlers, which we were able to convert into points on the board. Jayden has been putting in alot of extra work this year and I think that showed today, while Milan is becoming the shooter his work ethic should allow him to be. I’m proud of them all. They deserve all the praise for a consistent season of good practice habits and playing team basketball”.
The Brent Panthers’ triumph stands as a reflection of their collective commitment and teamwork, serving as an inspiration for the rising stars within the CBL. Their championship success is not just a moment of celebration but a culmination of hard work and determination that defines the steady progress this North West London based club have made in securing their first Division 1 title in their third year of trying.
