Category: Charnwood College

Lamarana Diallo, 6’5 forward has committed to Iowa based Ellsworth Community College for the 2023/24 academic year. Diallo will continue his basketball journey within the Ellsworth Panthers Men’s Basketball programme in JUCO Division 2. 

Diallo, originally from Luton, joined the Charnwood Riders Academy in 2020 and was part of the EABL Championship side in 2022. During his time within the academy, Diallo has balanced his EABL and NBL Division 2 commitments alongside his academic studies at Charnwood College. 

Lamarana Diallo on his time within the Charnwood Riders Academy:

“Firstly, I want to thank God. Without God I wouldn’t be here today. I also want to thank my family and friends that been rocking with me from the start and who have helped me to achieve this amazing goal. I’m well aware that this opportunity doesn’t happen for everyone so I’m very grateful. I appreciate all my teammates for challenging me and making me better every day, I want to thank all the coaches that have helped me become the player/man that I am today. I’m thankful for the Charnwood Organisation for bringing me in and supporting my goals and aspirations. Now onto new and bigger things in the states. I’m grateful for this opportunity; I plan to make the most of it and give 100%.”

Charnwood Riders Academy Head Coach, Louis Chamberlain:

“Coaching Lamarana this year has been awesome! He’s brought a competitive spirit to the group every time he has stepped on to the floor. I can’t wait to see how he’s going to continue to develop in his next chapter.”

The club would like to wish Lamarana all the best for his move to the US and we look forward to seeing him progress his basketball career over the coming years.

Alex Shaw, 6’1 forward has committed to Florida based Hillsborough Community College for the 2023/24 academic year. Shaw will continue her basketball journey within the HCC Hawks Women’s basketball programme in the NJCAA, on a full ride scholarship. 

Shaw joined the Charnwood Riders Academy in 2020 and has played within the Loughborough Riders WNBL Division One and the WBBL Leicester Riders programme alongside her Academy commitments.

Alex shaw on her commitment to HCC:

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I am thankful for the people who have helped get me there, and can’t wait for what’s next and what experiences it brings”

Charnwood Riders Academy Head Coach, Nick Moodey:

“Alex is a great individual both on and off court. Her development over the three years of being within the Riders Programme is a clear indicator that she is dedicated to the sport and is always wanting to improve herself.”

“I’m excited to see Alex’s continued development whilst part of the Hillsborough programme and also for her to show what she can bring to any team” 

The club would like to wish Alex all the best for her move to the US and we look forward to seeing her progress with her basketball career over the coming years.

Leicester Riders academy programme is already one of the most successful academies in the UK with a multitude of national titles and players moving on to professional basketball around the world. Riders have now created a new partnership with performance coaching and education experts, Everymind Performance. The partnership has already been in place for a year with Everymind Performance shaping the academy’s DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) education programme and integrating a high performance framework into the programme as a whole. 

Everymind Performance helps athletes and sports organisations to optimise their performance and deliver outstanding education. Players are educated on how to optimise their performance and break down the barriers to their potential through high quality performance coaching. 

Everymind Performance supports the players to understand how their mind works and how sustainable high performance must be a holistic perspective that starts within. From tackling self doubt and the anxieties that come with being an elite athlete, to skills needed to keep a level head in big game situations and the true realities of being a high performer in today’s society, the feedback from players has proven that performance coaching is a huge benefit to their development and ability to sustain high performance throughout a whole season. 

Rob Jarram, founder of Everymind Performance,

‘Performance coaching is becoming an integrated part of elite sport. The Golden State Warriors worked with infamous performance coach, Tony Robbins, last year in the playoff finals and Formula 1 teams have performance coaches to help the teams and drivers find those all important winning margins. This programme is just the same, we aim to help the athletes and staff to consider their thinking and behaviours and align them with what creates sustainable high performance, now and in the future’. 

Russell Levenston, Riders’ Managing Director,

‘Our academy programme is first and foremost about creating successful people. Not all academy players will go on to a career in basketball and professional careers are not forever. We have a duty as professional clubs to make sure that we develop successful people and in addition, high performance is a lifestyle. Everymind Performance brings a holistic approach which tackles the highs and lows on and off the court’.

Manchester-born Ceejay Hanson has committed to Canadian school Cape Breton who compete in the Atlantic University Sport division.

Hanson was a key member of Charnwood College’s team that lifted the EABL championship this season, he is all set to join up with the Capers ahead of the 2022/23 season. 

“I’m delighted to have committed to the Capers. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to go and test myself in Canada and I’m excited to take up the challenge”, said Hanson.

“I would like to thank all the Riders staff, coaches and my teammates for an amazing time in the programme. Winning the EABL title was a great way to sign-off.“

Hanson’s announcement follows on from Louie Jordan committing to Weber State and Victor Ndoukou committing to join North Dakota. 

What a thriller of a game to end the season for the Charnwood Riders in Manchester! On Wednesday night the Charnwood Riders won the EABL title against Myerscough College, 83-74. Headlined by phenomenal team play and a monstrous game from MVP Victor Ndoukou with 30 points and 11 rebounds. 

Difference makers Kanu Gudza (14 points and 8 assists) and Ben Woog (15 points 9 rebounds) came up huge in a gritty contested match determined by each team’s ability to keep composure under pressure and execute their schemes on both ends. 

Both teams came into Manchester accompanied with a packed crowd loaded with noisemakers and energy. The game was a loud and intense battle from start to finish. 

Out the gate, both teams came out quick. Myerscough struck the first blow but it was quickly answered with free throws from Victor Ndoukou. Both teams’ defensive gameplans were clear from the start, pressuring the ball and protecting the paint. 

It was an even matchup, if one team scored the other would come down the other end and answer with a basket of their own. Behind a stop and a made three, Myerscough managed to take a 4 point lead with 3:33 left to play in the first, but a 9 point swing capped off with a buzzer-beater touchdown layup to Victor Ndoukou put the Riders up 5 as they entered the second leading 18-13. 

Myerscough immediately hit a three to open the second and made it clear they were not going to let Charnwood run away with an early lead. Just like that, the game was back to a 2-3 point swing that could go either team’s way. 

Ben Woog was massive on the offensive boards which led him to 7 second quarter points. Despite their best efforts, Myerscough were held just behind Charnwood each step of the quarter, but they did narrow the gap to 1 point going into the half. With 20 minutes left to play it was anyone’s title to win. Riders lead 38-37 at the end of the half. 

The third quarter commenced and once again both teams were unwilling to give any leeway to the other. Both teams exchanged difficult shots and gritty defensive possessions. The Riders capitalized off second-chance points and were determined to out-hustle their opposition. 

After another intense quarter of back and forth, the Riders found themselves up 4 with a minute to go in the third. The Riders proceeded to score 8 points in the last minute of the third. A quick three by Dan Hadley followed by a steal and layup for Lane Campbell which itself was followed up by a Ndoukou block and another 3 from Dan Hadley put the Riders up 10, 63-53, ten minutes away from a championship. 

And here it was, the make or break point. 10 minutes left and everything on the line. Myerscough was not ready to give in quietly. They chipped back at the Rider’s lead to close the gap to only 2 points with 5:36 to play, but one run was answered with another and the Riders rallied back and held Myerscough to 6 points in the final 5 minutes of play compared to their 13 to take the game and the trophy. 

To roaring applause, the Rider’s celebrated and MVP Victor Ndoukou received his honours to his name being chanted by the crowd as the Rider’s efforts all season paid off. It was a phenomenal effort from both teams and one of the most intense games I’ve seen with my own eyes. 

A perfect ending to the season as the Riders now get to celebrate as Champions. Defined all season by their work ethic and unity as a team. They dominated on the glass and second-chance points and through their combined efforts reigned supreme. Congratulations Charnwood!

Match report written by Rob Field.

What a thriller of a game in Charnwood last night! The Charnwood Riders faced off against Barking Abbey in the EABL semi finals in front of a packed crowd. The energy in the building was through the roof and it seemed inevitable that this game was going to be a good one. 

The Riders came out scorching hot. Getting stop after stop and after 2 quick triples from Louie Jordan the Riders started the game with a 12-0 run. Barking Abbey however answered with a scoring spurt of their own. Narrowing the gap behind excellent finishing around the rim. 

Both teams continued to battle and it became clear that this was going to be a game of defense. Abbey’s zone defense was smothering and forced the Riders to get more creative when it came to attacking the rim. And the Riders smooth switches and communication helped them force several turnovers and shot clock violations in the first.

At the end of the first quarter, the Riders saw themselves leading 21-16. 

The second quarter is when the intensity of this game became abundantly clear. Both teams went back and forth at each other. Both teams showed excellent heart on the glass as they’d crash and battle every time a shot was put up. 

As the second quarter came to a close the Riders still held the lead but were now not so comfortable with the position they were in, leading 37-36. 

The third quarter kept up with the pace of the first hand, chippy defense, runs and tough shots. Both teams remained neck and neck. Exchanging the lead and fighting for each possession. The Riders came up with some clutch steals but seemed to struggle at times to score against Abbey’s zone. 

A nice three from Dan Hadley put the riders within 3 points of Abbey’s lead, but a layup as the quarter ended put Barking Abbey up 5 with 10 minutes left to play. Abbey leads 54-49.

The fourth quarter was intense as could be. A quick transition dunk from Zamoku Weluche seemed to give Abbey a burst of energy as they came out looking to extend and extinguish the Riders in the fourth.

It then became a game of ‘big plays’, Victor Ndoukou answered Abbey’s run with a three pointer. Both teams exchanged blows. And with 2:45 left to play the Riders found themselves down 4, 61-57. 

Victor Ndoukou ended the Rider’s scoring drought with a heat check three to bring the game within 1 point. After a quick stop the Riders came down and Kanu Gudza hit a three pointer of his own to put the Riders up 63-61 with 2 minutes to play. 

2 free throws from Abbey tied the game up at 63 with 1:13 left to play. Abbey brings up the ball but gets stripped by Kanu Gudza who connects on his transition layup to give the Riders a 2 point lead. Abbey hits 1-2 free throws on their next possession and with 35 seconds left it was time for a big moment. 

Victor Ndoukou received the ball at the top of the key and proceeded to hit a step back and one three point BOMB. The crowd went wild and that was the dagger that put the Riders over the top. Now leading by 5 Abbey had no choice but to foul and the Riders put them away at the Charity stripe.

It was an absolute thriller in Charnwood which came down to the wire. Playoff basketball is here and it is delivering. It was a phenomenal win for Charnwood as they now advance to the EABL Finals and a fantastic effort from Barking Abbey as the Riders win 72-67.

Match report written by Rob Field

Charnwood College Riders begin their L Lynch Trophy campaign by hosting NBL D1 side Leicester Warriors on Saturday 18^th September with a 3pm tip off. 

The last time these two sides met was in the same competition where Riders came away with a comfortable 83-67 win. Riders have some exciting players that will be looking to have a positive impact on the game, Dan Hadley, Ceejay Hanson, Chris Yapo and first year Oscar Curran to name a few. Pre-season preparations for the Riders saw them defeat Edinburgh City Kings with a 91-69 victory. 

Leicester Warriors an experienced D1 side will certainly be looking to get revenge on the young Riders team. Warriors finished 12^th place last season in D1 will once again be coached by Karl Brown who will be hoping to build on from last season. 

Head Coach Will Maynard commented “Really exciting times to have the opportunity to compete in the Lynch Trophy again this year. We have a new and young group and it’s going to be a positive challenge for us. The next three games will be great preparation for our campaign in Division 2 this year.” 

Charnwood College Riders will also face Nottingham Hoods and Loughborough Riders in the group stages of the L Lynch Trophy. 

Charnwood WEABL and EABL were both victorious against Sheffield College.

WEABL

The Riders WEABL claimed an 82-72 win. The home team had a slow start as Sheffield took a four-point lead to end the first quarter. Charnwood slowly clawed their way back and gathered momentum for a 10-0 run. Molly James and Katie Januszewska had 18 points combined in the second quarter to help put the Riders on top. In the third, a big push from Sheffield and 11 points from Ella Whitehouse cut the lead to five. However, Charnwood were able to maintain control in the final quarter and get the home win. 

Charnwood WEABL was led by Katie Januszewska’s 26 points, whilst Sheffield’s sisterly duo, Abbey and Ella Whitehouse, had 18 and 15 a piece. 

Scorers

Charnwood: Januszewska 26, James 16, Bird 12, Davies, 9, Shaw 7, Lambert 7, K.Cox 2, Harry 2, B.Cox 1. 

Sheffield: A. Whitehouse 18, E. Whitehouse 15, Oliver 12, Jakonya 7, Roberts 7, Borg 6, Graham 5, Chowdary 2. 

EABL

The Riders EABL finished the game with a 92-81 win. Out the gate, both teams were aggressive with Sheffield staying close on the scoreboard. Big statements dunks from both Victor Ndoukou and Nathan Conaty erupted the Charnwood bench, but then Sheffield’s Hensy Sako responded with two dunks of his own.  Midway in the third quarter, Charnwood focused on their execution and was able to start the fourth with a 13-point lead and finish the game with a win. 

Victor led the Riders with a double-double, 22 points and 11 rebounds,  and Louie Jordan hit five three’s to finish up with 18 points. Whereas, Sheffield was led by Hensy Sako’s 32 points, 12 rebounds and six steals.

Scorers

Charnwood: Ndoukou 22, Jordan 18, Gudza 17, Hanson 14, Conaty 8, Woog 8, Perry 4, Campbell 1. 

Sheffield: Sako 32, Mcgrail 14, Ibrahim 14, Kom 11, Jones 8, Ali 2. 

Starting in September 2021, the Leicester Riders are looking for local talent to join their Charnwood College Development squad.

The Development Squad is open to Boys aged 16-19. The squad will follow a 10+ hour weekly programme consisting of Games, Team Practices, Skill Sessions, Strength & Conditioning and Video review sessions alongside quality education at Charnwood College. 

Please contact Will Maynard at [email protected] if you’re interested in joining!

Both the Charnwood teams defeat Manchester basketball academy over the weekend. 

Charnwood WEABL took home a 54-77 road win against the Mystics in the WEABL Summer Showcase.  Despite a close first half between both teams, the Riders changed the course of the game with a 35-point third quarter as well as holding the host team to two points.  In the fourth, Mystics gained momentum in the quarter with 21 points; however, they were unable to overcome the deficit. Charnwood was led by Sobiah Harry (17 points) and Kate Davies (14 points), whilst Mystics’ Charlie Wroe had 14 points in the game. 

The Charnwood EABL team got a 80-64 victory at Loughborough University against Manchester Magic. Both teams started off slow, but the Riders stepped up their intensity in the second quarter, with the help from Greg Wild and Victor Ndoukou.  The Riders defensive pressure limited Magic to 32% field goals and caused 28 turnovers. Greg Wild’s led the team with 30 points and  was assisted by Ndoukou’s double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds. Whereas, Boakye-Yiadon had 19 points for the host team. 

Next up, Charnwood EABL looks to continue their winning streak as they travel to Myerscough College on Saturday 22nd May at 5pm.

Charnwood College Riders defeat Derby Trailblazers Academy in their EABL Summer Showcase opener, 83-69.

Out the gate, Riders showed their defensive tenacity scoring 11 out of 21 points off Derby turnovers. After 11 lead changes, the host team had a short nine point run until Blake Bowman’s offensive versatility closed the gap for the Trailblazers. By halftime Charnwood’s depth was on notice as they had 15 bench points led by Campbell’s five. Riders added more pressure defensively in the third with seven steals and causing nine turnovers for the visitors. To finish up,  Greg Wild led by example as he took over offensively in the fourth with 13 points and was assisted by Kanu’s six points and two steals. 

Wild and Ndoukou led the scoring for the Riders with 26 and 12 points respectively. Whilst, Bowman had a standout 39-point performance for the Trailblazers with 17 in the fourth.

Scorers

Riders: Wild 26, Ndoukou 12, Gudza 10, Perry 10, Hanson 8, Campbell 7,  County 6, Hadly 2, Banwo 2.

Trailblazers: Bowman 39, Alexander 14, Addo 8, Hopper 8.

Charnwood College are next in action against the Manchester Magic Academy at 12.30pm on Sunday 16th May .

The group stage of the inaugural Lynch Trophy has been announced and there will be 24 high-quality games for British basketball fans to watch online over three weekends.

 The competition sees all 14 NBL Division One clubs, together with invited academy sides Myerscough and Charnwood, competing in four regional groups of four. Playing each other once, the top two sides in each group will progress to the quarter-finals.

 All games in the group stage will be played in central bubbles and will be livestreamed.

 “We’re delighted to introduce the Lynch Trophy at part of our campaign to improve the profile of Division One,” said Loughborough Riders’ MD Russell Levenson, who represents the top-flight clubs on the Basketball England working group along with Thames Valley Cavaliers’ Robert Banks and Dave Ryan of Oaklands Wolves.

 “Our partnership with L Lynch is exciting for us and we hope that the competition will help get basketball back in front of supporters after the problems Covid-19 has caused.”

Group one will be hosted by Solent Kestrels at their impressive new venue and will see the all-conquering Division One and National Cup champions joined by old rivals Worthing Thunder along with BA London Lions and division new-boys Essex Rebels.

Oaklands Wolves have a top-flight team for the first time following their merger with one of the most famous names in the British games, Leopards, and the St Albans-based side will host Group Two. They will be joined by neighbours Hemel Storm along with old rivals Reading Rockets and Thames Valley Cavaliers.

Midlands pride is on the line in Group Three as Loughborough Riders host Nottingham Hoods and Leicester Warriors along with Charnwood who will look to cause an upset.

Myerscough will stage Group Four, and they will be joined by Division Two champions Newcastle, Bradford Dragons and Derby Trailblazers.

The group stages will be played over three weekends, the 10/11, 17/18 and 24/25 October.

• Oct 10th – 3.45pm – Charnwood College Riders vs Leicester Warriors
• Oct 17th – 3.45pm – Charnwood College Riders vs Nottingham Hoods
• Oct 24th – 6.45pm – Charnwood College Riders vs Loughborough Riders

The 2020/21 basketball season will tip-off on October 10 with a new piece of silverware on offer for teams in NBL Division One following the creation of the Lynch Trophy.

The competition sees all 14 of the Basketball England NBL Division One clubs, with invited academy sides Myerscough and Charnwood, competing in four regional groups of four.

The group stages will be played over three weekends, the 10/11, 17/18 and 24/25 October, and will be used as trial events for the coming season. The games will provide controlled windows for clubs, officials, coaches and players to understand the ‘new normal’ and how games will need to be conducted before NBL Division One commences on October 31/November 1.

Playing each other once, the top two sides in each group will progress to the quarter-finals. All games in the group stage will be played in four central bubbles and will be livestreamed.

Gail Richards, Basketball England’s Senior Delivery Manager said: “We are really pleased to support and work together with NBL1 clubs to form this pre-season event.

“We are coming through a difficult time for the sport and we are confident the event will help us understand some of the challenges faced by players, clubs and officials heading into the new season, while giving the teams the opportunity for some competitive action.”

Rob Lynch, Director L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage, said: “We’re really looking forward to working with the NBL clubs as the National Lynch Trophy 2020/21 commences and we help restart professional basketball in England.

 “It’s great to be involved in a national competition with clubs stretching from Newcastle, to the south coast where we expect Worthing and Solent to challenge, and with Hemel Storm and Oaklands Wolves on our doorstep. We know there will be some entertaining games. The Lynch Trophy 2020/21 is an exciting new tournament and we’re excited to play a part.”

Hemel Hempstead MP Sir Mike Penning, who is also the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for basketball, and represents the constituency where Lynch are based: “I am delighted to see the return of another national competition for the NBL1 teams and also the support of a commercial partner in Lynch. This new competition speaks to the APPG vision of a stronger and more commercially viable framework for semi-professional basketball in this country.”

Follow the Lynch Trophy on Twitter @LynchTrophy and Instagram @LLynchTrophy

About L Lynch Plant Hire & HaulageWith an expansive fleet of modern plant and equipment, Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage provides operated, self-drive and contract hire plant to a variety of sectors within the construction arena. Contracts within the civil engineering, rail engineering, public utilities, ground works, highways maintenance, demolition and winter maintenance sectors all offer Lynch the opportunity to build a wide portfolio of skills within a variety of areas.

Class of 2020 Charnwood College student Alex Baker has committed to Lynn University where she will play her college basketball next season. We spoke to Alex on her time at Charnwood College and her decision join the Lynn University next season.

How’s your time at Charnwood?

Deciding to go to Charnwood was a very big decision for me. To move away from home at a young age is never easy but it was the best decision I ever made and would do it all over again. These past two years have been such an experience that I’m going to miss deeply but I’m going onto my next journey in the states all thanks to Charnwood, Krumesh and all the other players and coaches. Charnwood has turned into my family, you live with them, play with them, go to school with them and experience it all together. I am so grateful for the people I have met and was able to build friendships and relationships with from my time at Charnwood and I’ll never forget it.

What advice would you give to the next crop of girls coming through at Charnwood College?

Advice I would give is that it is not easy, and thats ok. It’s not supposed to be easy, its supposed to be challenging. If it was easy everyone would be doing it. You need to try your very best and show why you are different and deserve to be playing at this standard. And if you don’t get the game time or playing time that you like or think you deserve, then ask yourself why. If something isn’t going well, try to do something else rather than just dropping your head. Its all about effort and hustle, everything else will come later.

Why did you choose Lynn University?

I decided to commit to Lynn University in Florida as it was the best fit for me. Ever since I started playing its never been all about basketball. Its been about other aspects like my education and happiness. So I felt that Lynn ticked all these boxes for me. I visited Lynn and other schools so I had a good comparison and fell in Love with Lynn as well as having a great gut feeling that I wanted to spend the next 4 years of my journey here.

Anyone you would like to thank whilst on this Journey?

I could thank so many people for helping me or inspiring me up to this point. Too many to mention in fact but any coach that I was lucky enough to be coached by is a great start. From the beginning of my journey at Brighton Cougars when Hugh Sandie saw potential in me, to my next step at SeveonOaks with Len Busch and Richard Surrey who developed me as a player and person, then finally to Charnwood with Krumesh Patel, Oli Parr and Alex Hayley. Also all my GB coaches, assistant coaches and physios. It really wouldn’t have been possible without any of them so I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for getting me this far. I won’t forget it. And lastly all the players I’ve had the privilege of playing with or even against, helping me develop my game everyday.