Another successful season has come to a close at Barking Abbey Basketball Academy. For the 3rd year i have been Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Barking Abbey Basketball and Netball Academy, in East London. Barking Abbey Basketball Academy is one of the UK’s premier set ups for 14-18 year olds. It is also British Basketballs Regional Institute, and AASE hub.
Following the success of last seasons Barking Abbey Basketball academy team and its partnership with EBL division 1 Champs Essex Leopards. All those involved in the program expected a big season, and the players didn’t disappoint. The academy moved away from its partnership with the EBL div 1 Leopards after both programs deciding to go in different directions. This past season Barking Abbey entered a team in the Mens EBL Division 4 league, the u18 national league as well as the schools and colleges competitions. On the Womens side they remained in the Premier level of womens senior basketball the EBL division 1.
Barking Strength and Conditioning program started in earnest in late August and each player is required to attend 2 individual Strength and conditioning sessions combined with their school, team, and individual practice commitments. Some great individual improvements were made over the season by the players that really brought into the program and what is could do for you. Also no major injuries occurred over the course of the year which is testament to the work by the S&C team and lead physio Paul Fisher.
The division 4 mens team that competes in the south region, won the league title and lost a very close encounter in the semi-finals to Tees Valley. A great achievement when you consider team members range from 15-19 years old. By far the youngest team in division 4.
The team also made it to the semi-finals of the National Shield
The u19 College team had an equally successful season, they finished 3rd in the national competition. Narrowly losing to eventual winners Harris in the Semi-Finals. Barking had previously beat Harris during the regular season but were unable to make it a clean sweep and make the finals. –
Barking Womens team had their most successful season to date. Finishing 2nd in the EBL division 1 and runners up in the play offs. With the addition of a few influential senior players, the team is made up of the majority of academy players that have really shown great improvements over the year.
The u19 college team where a class above the rest and really dominated the whole league, ending up champions by quite a margin. The again highlights Barking Abbey Basketball as the UK’s premier womens developmental program.
Barking Abbey continued their dominance at u16 level, as they were crowned National champions for the 3rd year in a row.
There were also some very impressive accomplishments and awards received by the coaching staff and player for their efforts in the 2012-13 season.
We at DoTraining would also like to recognise the following players for their continued success on the basketball court. Your hard work is paying off.
Roy Downey – Signed NAIA Lynsey Wilson
Paulius Satkus – Signed NCAA 1 James Madison, Lithuania u19 World Championship Squad.
Joe Lockwood – Great Britain u20 Squad.
David Akibo – Great Britain u20 Squad.
Joe Junior – England u18 Squad.
Daniel Ogunseye – England u18 Squad.
Calvin Kintu – England u16 Squad.
Josh Steel – England u16 Squad, Jordan Brand Classic.
Shequila Joseph – Signed to NCAA 1 Ol’ Miss, England u18, GB u20 Squad
Melita Emanuel-Carr – Signed NCAA 1 Chicago Illinois. GB u20 Squad
Leah McDerment – England u18, GB u20 Squad.
Savannah Wilkinson – England u16 Squad
Shanice Norton – England u16 Squad
Abigail Johnson – England u16 Squad
In the coming weeks more Barking Abbey Basketball players will achieve their goals of signing to athletic scholarships to attend school in the USA.
