This morning we are an exceptionally proud school. Having been crowned Sunderland Year 5 Hoops for Health champions, our basketball team played in the regional tournament on Sunday. They played against teams from all over the North East and had 5 matches before they could qualify for the final.  Nothing could stop our intrepid players and even when they were behind in a match they showed pure determination to blast through every game as winners.

There was a welcome break during the first half of the Newcastle Eagles versus Bristol match. Our team played it cool while the adults were in a state of nervous exhaustion. That first half seemed a lifetime but the moment came for our team to take to the court to play Ponteland. Although several of the opposition towered above our players they kept calm, remembering their strategies to score the first basket. Their lead was consolidated by a second basket then nothing Ponteland overcame the expertise of our team. The whistle blew to make Seaburn Dene Primary School CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS!

Congratulations to Konstandinos, Isobel, Rosie, Trudi, Joseph, Joshua , Ben and Thomas . These children have spent hours during lunchtimes and after school working out strategies, improving skills and learning techniques. Of course, none of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of our coach of the year Mr. Traves. I would also like to mention Mrs Houston who, as Year 5 classteacher, has supported the team through every match and Mr Ashton who had the idea of introducing basketball to the school.

At the moment we don't know about the next stage for the team. Will there be a national final? We'll let you know as soon as we have any information.