HELSBY High School’s hoop stars are celebrating after being crowned national champions.
The under 14s basketball team returned from the English Schools’ Finals as stars of the nation, despite losing their first match to a physical Barking side.
They instantly bounced back when wins against St Bonaventure’s of London and Wright Robinson Sports College from Manchester meant the Helsby team qualified for the semi-finals.
They met local rivals Ellesmere Port Catholic High at the last-four stage and cast them aside 60-46.
In a tense final, Helsby again met their Barking adversaries and were out for revenge after their first-match defeat.
Lightning didn’t strike twice as an inspired Helsby raced into a 27-9 half-time lead. Barking fought back to within seven points but that was as close as they got, with the eventual champions claiming a 55-42 success and the national crown.
To top a wonderful weekend, George Waring was awarded the tournament’s most valuable player trophy.
