United U18 start National League in impressive fashion

London United has started their campaign in the U18 National League in a truly impressive fashion. The young Londoners started from two away, incredibly competitive encounters against Bristol Flyers and Solent Kestrels. The stakes were high as history was not on our side, with London United in the last 8 years not able to claim these victories away from home.

However, for this group history means very little. Firstly, they beat Bristol 56-63 and then in heart stopping fashion ended up on the right side of a 82-80 result against Solent Kestrels.

In their third game and the first at our new home at Alec Reed Academy, London United has negotiated past the ferocious defence of Southwark Legends winning 72-60.

Coach Szatkowki’s team clearly benefits from almost 3 years of playing together and numerous international encounters displaying a very selfless style and never say die attitude. Despite of a very team oriented approach United success would not be possible without guards Ilyas Poorman and Afrasyab Khalil who developed almost telepathic communication on the court to help teammates to achieve their full potential. An obvious beneficiary of their court awareness in sharpshooter Keith Kanye shooting with phenomenal 63% accuracy from the 3 point range and inside dominator 6’8” Carl Campbell who has amassed over 30 points in each of the last 2 games.