Bermondsey girls are London basketball champions

The finals were contested at the Copper Box Arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park where the team fought off strong opposition from Barnet Bulldogs to win 31-19.

The team were delighted at their victory, especially as they're a newly formed team in the past year.

This success comes on top of the City of London Academy being approved as a 'basketball school' by the sport's national governing body England Basketball.

CoLA is now one of only ten schools in England to be awarded this status.

Coach Jackson said of the victory: "It's a testament to the fantastic support network we have here at CoLA and the outstanding facilities provided.

" The girls have been working hard in class with fantastic support from their teachers, which allows them to gain as much practice time as possible whilst maintaining high academic standards.

"Their performance at the Copper Box really was outstanding; they've come such a long way. We have to credit a very good Barnet team for a strong performance. Thankfully, it was our day."

Co-captain and co-MVP Toyosi Abiola said "It's all been a bit of a whirlwind experience; a year ago we didn't have any idea something like this could be possible. We have a great team, with the best coaches in the best academy. It's still sinking in that we are the champions of London.

Chandera Jones-Aryeh, co-captain and co-MVP simply said "I'm lost for words, this just feels like a dream; I cannot wait for more opportunities like this."

Coach Sterling added: "This just proves what can be achieved by a group of young girls who give up personal agendas for the betterment of the team.

"They have all been so selfless in their pursuit of this trophy and their outstanding attitudes really paid off in the final. I feel extremely proud of every last one of them."