LIVE STREAM: U16 Girls National Cup Final – Richmond Knights v Milton Keynes Breakers (11am)

Watch the 2024 U16 Junior National Cup Final between Richmond Knights and Milton Keynes Breakers, live from 11am at the National Basketball Performance centre, Manchester.

Finalists in 2019/20, Richmond’s run to the NBPC involved making short work of CoLA Southwark Pride 60-34 before beating Team Solent Kestrels 115-38.

A 71-54 victory over Northern Premier outfit Leicester Riders punched the Knights’ ticket to Manchester as they hope to go one better than four years ago as beaten finalists.

Milton Keynes have faced a similar route, seeing off City of Birmingham 117-45 before a 93-39 score line on the road against Nottingham Wildcats.

Knocking out defending champions Manchester Mystics on their own court 82-73 in December’s semi-final more than demonstrated MK’s credentials for making it this far, with both of these sides looking to claim the U16 crown for the first time.

For the Breakers, Athena Thompson could be a key to victory. She has experience suiting up for GB under 18s and competed for the under 16s at the FIBA European Youth Championships last summer.

It was also announced recently that she would be signing for WBBL’s Leicester Riders to continue her basketball journey, though the talented wing is still playing for MK as part of her continued development.

Milton Keyes Breakers head coach Tony Marmo commented:

“It’s a great achievement for this group to make the Cup Final. The girls have been working hard all season and they deserve this opportunity. We’re looking forward to what should be a great game against a strong Richmond team.”

Richmond’s guard duo of Neve Rugette and Precious Godwin both made Basketball England’s starting fives from the U14s Junior Final Fours last summer and know how to bring their A game to the NBPC, whilst forward Chloe Vella is another player with plenty of talent at her disposal.

“We are excited to get the opportunity to be attending the National Cup Final this season,” Richmond Knights head coach Chanel Mubeen said.

“The team has worked hard to get themselves to this stage, we are excited for the game and hope to display a high-level performance.”

Box score.

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