Ben plays a starring role for Scots side in Belgium

Captain fantastic Ben Leitch played a starring role as Basketball Scotland’s wheelchair national academy squad produced brilliance in Belgium.

The former St John’s Academy pupil and his team-mates were crowned winners of the Leuven Bears Youth Invitational Tournament on Sunday.

Determined Scottish players won all four games, defeating hosts Leuven Bears, BC Oostende and then BG Baskets Hamburg twice.

“We were playing different teams and people we had never come up against before, so we didn’t really know what to expect,”Leitch said.

“It was a team victory and tournament win rather than one or two individuals. Everyone played their part and put in the effort.

“We all enjoyed the experience and that is what I wanted. I wanted everyone to enjoy it, have a laugh and play some basketball.

“Obviously coming away with the gold medal helps all of that.

“I thought I performed quite well. I maybe could have been a little more efficient because I’m always criticising myself.

“But it was a good weekend performance-wise. You can see with the younger ones that there is a lot of progression already.

“If we get invited again, another year will be massive. We also had players too young this time around who are coming through the system.”

Leitch enjoyed his role as skipper, adding:“I had a leadership role being

Ben Leitch with Scotland’s wheelchair national academy squad after their win in Belgium

the team captain.

“Being one of the more experienced players, it was an amazing experience. I enjoy the leadership side of things.

“It wasn’t just on-court, there was a lot of off-court stuff too. Things like making sure we tidy up after ourselves and that we were on time.”

The hard work was continuing for Leitch at a Great Britain camp this week.

And, longer term, he is setting his sights on performing at some of the

globe’s greatest spectacles.

He told the PA:“Thursday and Friday I was away [with GB] and that is looking towards the season that just started a few weeks ago.

“Hopefully I will get into the Scotland squad again for next year. It’s all preparation for next summer.

“Ideally I want to play in the Paralympics and that is the long term goal for me.

“And I also want to be part of the

Commonwealth Games squad in 2022, participating for Scotland.

“There’s also the Junior World Championships and European Championships which are still very much a goal.

“I try to take every opportunity I’m given and do it to the best of my ability.

“And I like to think that I always try to push other people while pushing myself as well. It’s good having the support of everyone.”