Based in West Walton, Norfolk, the Pistons squads both went 8-0 in their regular season games and reached the quarter-final milestone undefeated, having dispatched opponents from Thomas Clarkson Academy, Wisbech; Nicholas Hamond, Swaffham; King Edward School, King's Lynn and Dereham Neatherd High School.
“We all love the Jr. NBA at Marshland," said Dominic Stannard, PE teacher and head of character and culture at Marshland, who was speaking to the Fenland Citizen.
"And are so appreciative of the opportunities that Basketball England provides. The concept of representing an NBA franchise and getting regular games really does motivate students to get involved.”
“We are extremely proud of their efforts so far,” added Mr Stannard.
“Both teams are close-knit groups and support each other well, and the results have been fantastic.
“It is a pleasure to work with these students at our school and see them excel and enjoy basketball.
“I am very confident that both teams will progress through to the finals again this year, and, who knows, we may just win the competition for the first time. Both teams have some very talented players and they play well as a team.”
So popular has basketball become at the school that Mr Stannard has taken his boys and girls Jr. NBA teams to Windermere Preparatory School, Florida for some extra curricular basketball sessions.
"We had a truly inspirational session with some professional coaches, the facilities were out of this world," said Stannard.
The Jr. NBA League was created for 11-13 year old (Year 7 and Year 8) boys and girls to play basketball and represent one of the 30 NBA teams. The league is organised and operated by Basketball England in partnership with the NBA.
With over 720 schools and over 10,000 children involved, England's Jr. NBA is the largest in the world!
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