New City College London Lions honoured at Copper Box Arena in end-of-season celebration

The curtain came down on an unforgettable season for the New City College London Lions basketball squad with a night of recognition and celebration at the iconic Olympic Park Copper Box Arena.

Held during half-time at the London Lions professional team’s match against Leicester Riders – a clash that also saw the pro team crowned SLB League champions – the evening was a true celebration of basketball excellence with the NCC Lions, based at Hackney Campus, honoured for their outstanding achievements this season.

The NCC squad took to the court and were applauded for winning the CBL (College Basketball League) Title, the CBL Playoff Championship, and for achieving amazing success in the EYBL (European Youth Basketball League) Super Finals – as well as battling their way to the NBL (National Basketball League) Division 3 semi-finals.

London Lions CEO Lenz Balan presented the national trophies to the team in a powerful show of support for the college’s growing influence in elite basketball development. The recognition highlighted not just wins on the court, but the dedication, discipline and team spirit that has been the ethos of the Lions players all season.

A host of senior figures from New City College were in attendance to celebrate the squad’s success, including CEO Gerry McDonald CBE, Janet Smith (Principal of Havering Sixth Form and Ardleigh Green Campuses), Colleen Marshall (Principal of BSix and Rainham Campuses), Group Curriculum Director for Sport Shaun Clifford, Deputy Group Curriculum Director for Sport Kane White, and Senior Curriculum Manager for Hackney Sport, Thomas Vittles.

A presentation was made individually to Gerry and Shaun in front of the crowd as a token of appreciation for their continued support of the college’s strong partnership with the London Lions club. Gerry also thanked the team and the wider NCC community for their unwavering commitment to excellence.

The evening also served as a farewell to the senior squad members who will be leaving New City College this summer. Holding their orange jerseys, the players received loud cheers for their contributions to the programme from the London Lions fans, see below.

Andre Lockhart, Director of Basketball and Head Coach at New City College, said the team had shown resilience and growth throughout the season. He said: “These young men have made history for our programme. They’ve shown what’s possible when talent, hard work and the right support come together.”

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