Cougars and Lions seal a fine partnership

The basketballers from MBA Cougars, in partnership with Bedford Lions, have won another double.

They won the gold medal for winning the under-17s Bucks junior basketball league and the gold medal for the playoffs on Sunday in Mandeville Sports Centre, Aylesbury. This was a new collaboration for the MBA Cougars and Bedford Lions in their first season training and playing together.

After playing 10 games this season to win the league, they played two games on Sunday to decide the winners of the play-offs.

The semi-final against AGS was a hard-fought game with a battle of the giants, both sides fielding three 6ft 4ins plus guys. Reiss Haggith put both free throws in with three seconds to go as Lions won by five (32-27).

The finals were played against Shenley who were last year's beaten finalists by the Lions who put a stop to their six-year unbeaten run. Strong rebounding from Biyi Bolinwah and Jordan Stewart and great ball control and finish by Josh Lydon and Connor Washington completed a 24-19 win.

* The season may be over but there is still plenty of chance to hone basketball skills in Stevenage this summer.

MBA are holding two weeks of outdoor basketball clinics in Peartree Park, Shephall, from July 21-25 (Monday to Friday), and July 28-August 1 (Monday to Friday), midday to 3pm every day. The clinics cost £20 per week and all levels are welcome.

* Stevenage Extreme continues in August with a streetball 3v3 featuring Renegade from the Streetball Extreme team.

This takes place at Marriotts School outdoor basketball courts on August 20 from midday to 4pm - £2.50 per player and games played in teams of four.

To book your place on any of the MBA events, email mbacorporate@btinternet.com or call 01438 351104. Visit the website for further details: www.myspace.com/mbacougars