The North School Lions have been hosting their Christmas Invitational Tournament for 14 years - and the 2023 edition didn’t disappoint with a 46-44 win over Sevenoaks School.

The stage was set for an epic event before the opening tip went up with Sevenoaks a perfect 3-0 in the group stage, but it was the North who made amends for a six-point loss in their earlier match-up, winning the event for the first time since 2019, to the delight of coach Andrew Sunderland.

“To come back after losing to Sevenoaks in the group stage, having already lost to them earlier in the season, shows tremendous maturity and resilience within the team,” he said.

“Sevenoaks are fantastic - they’re well coached and have a great depth of talent. I hope this result really strengthens our belief.”

As two contrasting styles went head-to-head, Sevenoaks’ impressive inside-attack battled the Lions’ free-flowing guard play as the Oaks established a 16-12 lead.

But, in the second quarter, Lions’ co-captains Kai Guthrie and Appointed Adigun combined for 11 points to cut the deficit to just two at half-time.

The third quarter saw the Lions finally take the lead thanks to a barrage of three-point makes from Adigun, Guthrie and sharp-shooter Harry Terry. Sevenoaks stayed close thanks to outstanding point-guard play, but it was 40-38 to the Lions heading into the fourth quarter.

That was a tense back-and-forth affair, with both teams turning up their defensive pressure.

Adigun poured in his fifth three-pointer to give the Lions strength and an intuitive defensive play from standout stopper Patrick Rocha-Rogrigues gave the North the ball back with time expiring.

Guthrie then sealed victory with a final make from the free throw line and, as the final buzzer sounded, the Lions celebrated winning the title for a record-extending ninth time overall.

Adigun led all scorers with 15 points while Guthrie added 10. They were both named as part of the All-Tournament team.

For further information on The North School Basketball Academy, email Sunderland at andrew.sunderland@swale.at