A TOTAL of 20 schools took part in the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Basketball championship looking to slam dunk their way to victory.

Due to the popular demand, the tournament was split across two venues with Accrington Academy and Oakhill College hosting matches.

At the Accrington Academy competition, Green Haworth, St Bartholomew’s, St Charles ‘A’ and ‘B’, West End, St Marys Mellor, Benjamin Hargreaves ‘A’ and ‘B’ , St Marys Clayton, Simonstone and two teams from Peel Park..

The format allowed four players to be on court at a time with players earning two points for baskets scored and one point if the ball hit the rim of the basket.

All the youngsters demonstrated some excellent basketball skills but it was St Charles who finished first beating St Bartholomew’s in the final. Peel Park finished third.

At Oakhill, two teams from the host school as well as Whalley, Sabden and Grindleton took part.

The competition was a close one but it was Oakhill who received bronze medals while Grindleton and Sabden were tied on points.

But after count back of points scored in all the games played, Grindleton were crowned champions with a massive 32 points scored compared to the 13 scored by Sabden who finished in second place.

Hyndburn and Ribble Valley School Games Organiser Gareth Martindale was delighted with the event.

“Congratulations to all winners and a massive well done to everyone who took part in this year’s competition,” he said.

“Some fantastic basketball was played on both nights.

“Thank you to Lancashire Spinners Basketball Club for officiating and showing of some skills to inspire the participants at the Accrington academy competition.

“Also, thanks to the Oakhill students for officiating the competition at their school.”