Loughborough Riders took victory in the first UK based Jump 10 Summer Tournament at Loughborough University this weekend fighting of BBL competition through the day to claim the title and Jonas Dieterich being named tournament MVP.
Team Hoopsfix, featuring BBL marquee players Matthew Bryan-Amaning, Ed Lucas, Tayo Ogodenge, Elvisi Dusha and more started the day in dominant fashion, coming through the group stage undefeated at 3-0 whilst pilling up the highlights.
Team fiveorsix, a select team of Leicestershire based players alongside Great Britain forward Josh Steel were able to amount victories over City of Birmingham Rockets and Newcastle Eagles to claim second spot in Group 1.
London Lions produced in Group 2 play to progress in the top spot with a 3-0 record with an up-tempo style of play complimented by the guard play and shooting of Jordan Spencer. The Loughborough Riders were able to pull through with a short roster to confirm the second spot in the Group stage.
The Semi-Finals saw the younger Team 5or6 upset favourites London Lions with Johde Campbell knocking down a clutch three late to extend create a lead that, despite two layups that would have forced overtime, proved enough for a final spot.
Loughborough Riders were able to outlast the star-studded Team Hoopsfix in the second Semi-Final, with big shots from Riders’ Harrison Gamble and relentless play of Jonas Dieterich, Kyle Jimenez and Reis Pinnock showing the chemistry they display weekly in NBL Division One competition.
The final saw many current and former teammates face off with hot shooting on display of a neck-and-neck game that was tied at 31-31 at the half. A big three from Jimenez gave Loughborough Riders the lead late before tournament MVP Jonas Dieterich drained the dagger three to extend lead and secure the victory, 63-60.
Great Britain will now head to Shanghai with a select group of players to represent at Jump 10’s Global showcase on August 8-11th with roster announcements expected in the coming weeks.
