Leopards junior guard Levi Noel played a key part as England under-16s finished fourth in the European Championships. Having finished seventh and eighth in the last two competitions, England exceeded all expectations to reach the semi-final.

Noel, who played for the Big Cats’ under-18 side last season and is expected to feature in the senior team during the forthcoming campaign, averaged eight points per game during the first stage as England swept through their group.

His 15 points against Bosnia and Herzegovnia in the opening game paved the way for a 79-65 victory, and they went on to beat Ireland 88-48 and Austria 64-58 before Noel was rested for much of the 139-24 victory against a hapless Armenia side. He scored 11 points in the 81-64 loss against Sweden in the opening game of the second stage, but stepped up to lead England into the semi-finals with 19 points and nine rebounds as they defeated tournament favourites Montenegro 64-61.

England proved to be overmatched by Hungary in the last four as Noel finished with six points in a 101-77 loss, but their 66-65 loss against Sweden in the bronze medal game proved to be even more heartbreaking.
The 6’ 3” guard scored 16 points, including the shot which took the game into overtime, before fouling out with eight seconds remaining as Sweden snatched a last gasp victory.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old Leopards forward Ella Clark has played a key part as England under-16 girls’ side have reached the second stage of the European Championships. The 6’ 1” forward still has another year of eligibility at under-16 level, but has been playing for Leopards’ under-18 side, and the experience certainly seems to have paid off for her.

After scoring seven points and taking a pair of rebounds in their opening game – a 66-48 win against Ireland – Clark led England to victory in game two, a 69-46 victory against Bulgaria. She finished with 16 points and eight rebounds to seal a place in the second stage.

Clark – whose brother Dan stared for the Great Britain under-20 side as they finished eighth in their European competition – had a quieter time in the third game, finishing with three points as England let a big lead slip before losing 55-53 to Holland. The competition continues this week, with England facing games against Israel, Germany and Romania.