The Canterbury Academy Crusaders secured their maiden under-18 junior national championship title when they defeated London United 91-42 at the National Basketball Performance Centre.

Leading the charge was Great Britain player Tim Oboh, who put on a stellar performance throughout the play-offs and earned the prestigious Most Valuable Player honours. Oboh had 28 points and 24 rebounds, which were crucial.

He has also just committed to NCAA Division 1 school University of Buffalo on a full scholarship next season.

Captaining the Crusaders was Ludlow Hewson, whose leadership and determination inspired his team-mates. Hewson had 23 points, nine rebounds and five assists in the championship game - which included four made three-pointers.

Shem Onadeko - a veteran who has been with the club since the age of nine - culminated his illustrious junior career with a national championship medal. He finished with 19 points, four rebounds and six assists.

Head coach Adam Davies also marked his 10th season with the club, leading the Academy side to their historic win.

The programme received news they wouldn’t be competing in the Elite Basketball Academy League from September 2024 after the governing body went through a tender process with all current and new Academies who are interested in joining.

Despite appealing the decision and getting a lot of support, the decision didn’t change. The season was then dubbed ‘Final Crusade’ as the team went on a mission to prove the decision was wrong.

The Canterbury Academy finished their league play with a record of 16-4 which secured them a top-placed finish in the Eastern Premier Division - another first for the club.

They then swept aside Bracknell Cobras and Solent Kestrels in the play-offs, leading up to the final four, where they secured a 77-44 triumph over Manchester Magic.

“I’m so proud of how the players performed - they came to dominate,” said Davies.

“We were well-prepared and knew how the other team wanted to play, and we just didn’t let them.”

Captain Hewson said: “It feels great to achieve a goal we set ourselves at the end of last year.”

Isaac Sesay will be the only main rotation player from this year’s team returning next season.