Kentish Express Ashford & District
Lions hold nerve to win thriller
The North School Lions under-19s are a win from Kent Cup glory.
The Lions took on Canterbury High School in the semi-final and produced a sublime display to win 79-74.
Lions’ unselfish team play was on full display as five players got on the scoresheet for a 19-16 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw Lions put on a shooting clinic, connecting with seven three-point shots to open up a 43-36 half-time lead.
They continued their hot shooting, Sean Trumper attacking the rim with unstoppable force for 10 points that pushed the Lions’ lead to 14 (63-49). Canterbury’s 14-0 burst at the start of the fourth quarter tied the scores at 63-63, only for Trumper to put the North back in front.
Canterbury’s Sam Alajiki hit a three-point shot to put his side ahead with under three minutes to play, but Parnell tied the game with a clutch pull-up jump shot, before younger brother Conal hit two free throws for a 70-68 advantage.
With under a minute left, Trumper came up with a huge steal for the Lions and unselfishly fed Parnell who hit a dagger three-point shot for a 73-68 lead.
Canterbury extended the game by sending the Lions to the free throw line but Potts, Parnell and Trumper showed immense poise to secure a famous 79-74 victory.
Parnell and Trumper led all scorers with 23 points apiece for Lions, who also had crucial contributions from Kai Potts (15 points, five assists) and Conal Parnell (seven points, nine rebounds, five assists).
Head coach Andrew Sunderland said: “We knew it was going to be a hard-fought, physical battle but I thought we set the tone with our intensity. “A game like this is not won on individual talent and I was incredibly proud of the collective effort of our team tonight.”
The final will be held at Northfleet Tec on
Monday, April 1.
For more information on The North School Lions Basketball Academy email Andrew Sunderland at asunderland@north.kent.sch.uk