Loughborough Grammar School's U18 Boys Basketball Team Secures Leicestershire County Championship
Loughborough Grammar School is celebrating a remarkable achievement as its U18 senior boys’ basketball team triumphed in the Leicestershire County final, securing the title with a decisive 53–43 victory. This win represents a significant milestone for the team, who have reclaimed the championship as Sixth Form pupils, having previously lifted the same trophy in 2024 when they were Year 11 students.
A Competitive Final Against Reigning Champions
The Wednesday evening final was a highly competitive encounter against the reigning champions, Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth College. Loughborough Grammar started strongly, with Lukasz Estrello’s emphatic dunk helping to establish early momentum. However, the opposition managed to edge ahead by a single point at the end of the first quarter, setting the stage for a tense battle.
Resilient Performance and Key Contributions
The second quarter saw a resilient response from Loughborough Grammar, with key defensive efforts from Yuvraj Singh, Abinesh Pratheepan, and captain Brendan Phung, alongside an attacking contribution from Rio Yuen, ensuring the scores were level at half-time. A disciplined third quarter allowed the team to regain a narrow lead, with co-MVPs Estrello and Arham Ahmad providing crucial scoring. A late three-pointer from Kyryl Logininov and composed finishing from Phung secured the 53–43 victory, resulting in a 10-point win.
Recognition and Prestige
Co-MVP (Most Valuable Players) honours were awarded to Lukasz Estrello and Arham Ahmad for their outstanding performances during the final. Medals were presented by Travis Evee, adding further prestige to the occasion and highlighting the significance of this achievement for the school and its athletes.
Beyond the Court: The Value of Basketball
Beyond the result itself, this achievement reflects the wider value of basketball within the school’s sporting provision. The sport fosters key transferable skills, including:
- Communication
- Strategic thinking
- Resilience
- The ability to perform under pressure
These qualities extend well beyond the court and support pupils in their academic and personal development, contributing to their overall growth and success.
Quotes from School Staff
Milo Sigmund, apprentice PE teacher at Loughborough Grammar School, said: "This group of players has shown exceptional commitment and maturity throughout the season. To regain the county title as Sixth Formers, having first won it together in Year 11, speaks volumes about their dedication and their ability to grow as a team. Lukasz and Arham were deserving co-MVPs, but this was very much a collective effort built on trust, discipline and hard work."
Rachel Lewis, head of PE at Loughborough Grammar School, added: "We are incredibly proud of this team and what they have achieved. Success at this level reflects not only sporting talent but also the character and values our pupils bring to their training and competition. Basketball is an excellent vehicle for developing resilience, leadership and collaboration, and this group has embodied those qualities throughout their journey."
