Rossendale Raptors have been crowned league champ-ions with a game to spare.

The Valleys basketball team clinched the Manchester Area Basketball League Division One title with a narrow 55-50 victory over Preston.

The Raptors have lost only once in the championship winn-ing campaign and have now set their sights on more silverware – they take part in the end of season cup for the league’s top six teams next month.

Pasquale Kornecki led the Raptors to glory, top scoring with 20 points against Preston while the giant John Slabu, standing 6ft 8inch tall, weighed in with 16 points.

It capped a memorable season for the Raptors who clinched their first title in more than 20 years.

Over the course of the season the Rossendale side have won their games by an average of 30 points including big wins against Buxton, Warrington, Fylde and Oldham.

They also did the double over title challengers Stockport.

The club’s success has led to a swell in junior members, as well as forming a women’s team who are looking to enter a new women’s division due to start in the autumn.

In order to participate in the women’s league next season the club need additional players (no experience required) and players welcome to attend train sessions at All Saints school on Tuesday.

For further information on the club visit the club’s website at rossendaleraptors.co.uk.