The U14, U16, and U18 Boys have secured playoff spots for the 2024/25 season, extending the club’s streak to four consecutive years where every eligible boys’ team has reached the postseason. This achievement means that, for four straight years, every possible boys’ team has ranked among the top 16 in the country—something only one other club nationally has accomplished since the 2020/21 COVID season.
The boys’ teams are joined in the playoffs by the U16 Girls, marking four consecutive seasons with at least one girls’ team reaching the Elite 8 stage. The Division 3 Men are also in contention, awaiting their final league standing after this weekend’s fixtures.
Karl Youngman said ‘This is a pretty cool achievement. Our focus is on maintaining a programme that consistently develops high-level players who can compete with the best in the country. To do that year after year with every eligible boys’ team is something we’re really proud of. The playoffs provide the ultimate test—it’s do-or-die basketball, and that pressure creates the best possible development opportunities for our players. To top it off, we’re the only programme in Sussex to reach the Sweet 16 or higher this season, which is a testament to everyone involved’
Season Review
The U9 Boys, U10 Boys, and U11 Girls competed in the BTM City League, showing significant growth throughout the season. The U11 Girls will play for the league title on 30th March.
The U12 Boys I had a highly competitive season in the Premier pool, finishing fourth against some of the strongest teams in the South. Many of their games were decided by a five-point margin or fewer. The U12 Boys II developed tremendously, securing most of their wins in the latter half of the season. Similarly, the majority of the U12 Girls team started playing this year, and their performances improved significantly as the season progressed, showing great promise for the future.
The U13 Elite Boys played up a year in the U14 Conference, finishing a respectable fourth and setting themselves up well for U14 Premier competition next season. The U14 Boys II had an impressive 12-4 record, securing third place in the South East Conference. Meanwhile, the U14 Girls Premier team showed great resilience throughout the season, delivering strong performances.
Following a similar pathway to the U13s, the U15 Elite Boys played up in the U16 South East Conference, finishing fifth and gaining valuable experience ahead of their transition to the U16 Premier level next year. The U16 Girls II, a young squad, hit their stride late in the season with several close matchups, gaining valuable experience along the way.
The U18 Boys II finished fourth in the South East Conference with a solid 8-4 record, while the U18 Girls Premier team competed in a series of hard-fought matchups throughout the season.
National League Head Coach Daniel Hildreth reflected on the season:
“It’s been another incredible year for the club, providing so many opportunities for players to compete at the National League level. We’re always looking for ways to improve, and we’ll continue making adjustments off the court that will positively impact our players on it.”