Key Points
- The Sure Shot Junior National Cup Finals feature eight teams competing for junior championships on Saturday in Worcester.
- Four finals scheduled: U16 Girls (11am: Milton Keynes Breakers v Manchester Mystics), U16 Boys (1:30pm: London Legends v Manchester Magic), U18 Women’s (3:45pm: Endeavour Ipswich Basketball v Nottingham Wildcats), U18 Men’s (6:00pm: Derby Trailblazers v CoLA Southwark Pride).
- Live streams, live stats (via clickable fixture links), photo galleries, and rosters available; tickets selling fast on the door or online.
- Manchester Mystics (reigning U16 Girls champs, 15-0 league, avg win 40.1PPG) face Milton Keynes Breakers (14-1 league, avg win 57.6PPG, 2023/24 runners-up).
- London Legends (first Cup Final, 11-2 league) challenge Manchester Magic (12-time winners, 12-0 league) in U16 Boys.
- Endeavour Ipswich (seeking fifth U18 Women’s title) meet Nottingham Wildcats (maiden final) in U18 Women’s.
- Derby Trailblazers (2023/24 finalists, 8-3 league) versus defending champs CoLA Southwark Pride (14-0 league, avg win 34.8PPG) in U18 Men’s.
- Key players, paths to finals, quotes from captains and coaches highlighted across all matchups.
Worcester (Manchester Mirror) January 21, 2026 – Excitement builds as eight powerhouse junior teams prepare to clash in the Sure Shot Junior National Cup Finals this Saturday at the University of Worcester Sports Centre. The event crowns champions across U16 and U18 divisions in the Junior National Basketball League (Jnr. NBL), with live streams, stats, rosters, and photo galleries accessible online. Tickets remain available on the door, though organisers urge fans to secure them swiftly amid high demand.
The finals showcase intense rivalries, dominant league form, and emerging talents, promising a day of high-stakes basketball. From Manchester’s storied programmes to debut finalists, each matchup pits North against South or academy heavyweights in battles for glory.
What Are the U16 Girls Sure Shot National Cup Final Details?
Manchester Mystics, the reigning champions, aim to defend their U16 Girls title against Milton Keynes Breakers at 11am. A victory would mark Mystics’ third Cup win in four years, elevating their tally to five.
As detailed in the official Junior NBL preview, Mystics boast a perfect 15-0 record in the U16 North Premier, with an average victory margin of 40.1 points per game (PPG). Their path included a narrow 69-66 semi-final win over CoLA, preceded by triumphs against York Eagles (69-27), Sheffield Hatters (76-70), and Sheffield Arrows (75-37).
Milton Keynes Breakers, runners-up in 2023/24 after a 86-66 loss to Richmond, seek their first title. Sitting second in the North Premier at 14-1—their sole defeat an 83-62 loss at Manchester in November—they average 57.6PPG wins. Breakers dominated en route: 115-36 over Bristol Flyers, 99-41 against Sussex Storm, 78-61 versus Kingston Lions, and 81-39 in the semi-final over Barking RDF Eagles.
Key Breakers include captain Faith Deakin, Sofia Elnur, Lulu Keates-Swankie (all WEABL players this season), last year’s U14 Playoff Final MVP and GB U16 Chantelle Okoli, and Abi Ajayi. Mystics counter with U16 Playoff Final MVP Anya Williams, Tiana Walker, and U14 standout Elsa Critchley.
Milton Keynes Breakers captain Faith Deakin stated: “I’m proud of my team-mates and our coaches for making it to the Final and we’ve all enjoyed the journey getting here, facing some tough competitors on the way. We’ve trained really hard to be in this position and we’re all excited to fight to the end.”
Manchester Mystics’ Anya Williams added: “We’re all looking forward to Cup Final. As a team, it’s an opportunity for us to continue to grow against the best competition in the country. It is one of our goals this season to return after last season, and to hopefully retain our title as winners.”
Who Will Compete in the U16 Boys Sure Shot National Cup Final?
At 1:30pm, London Legends face Manchester Magic in a North vs South showdown. Magic hold records of 12 Cup wins and 13 U16 Playoff titles, though they claimed neither last year. For Legends, this marks their first Cup Final.
London sit 11-2 in the Western Premier, navigating six Cup rounds including an 88-49 semi-final over Milton Keynes. Watch for Trey Marshall (27.0PPG at U14 JFFs last April), Jayden Andriloionis, and GB U16 forward Elijah Imevbore.
Manchester Magic lead the North Premier unbeaten at 12-0, edging Western Prem leaders London Elite 92-90 in the last round. Standouts include guard Theo Westwood (27 points in quarter-final vs St Helens) and David Ihonmeke Akhidime (semi-final leader vs London Elite), plus Ege Cakmakkaya.
London Legends head coach Saheed Maja remarked: “Getting to the Cup Final for the first time in this club’s history is a massive moment for everyone involved; players, families, and the club’s supporters. The boys have earned this opportunity through their commitment and the way they’ve grown together all season. We know we’re coming up against a strong Manchester Magic side, and we respect the challenge ahead, but we’re going into the Final focused, prepared, and excited. If we play with the same togetherness, discipline, and belief that’s brought us this far, we’ll be fine.”
Manchester Magic’s Ege Cakmakkaya said:
“Reaching the Final stands as a testament to who we are as a team – defined by unity, relentless effort, and a collective belief that hard work, done together, shapes extraordinary outcomes.”
Which Teams Face Off in the U18 Women’s Sure Shot National Cup Final?
The 3:45pm U18 Women’s final pits Endeavour Ipswich Basketball against Nottingham Wildcats—two academy powerhouses and WEABL standouts—marking the first final since 2019/20 without CoLA Southwark Pride.
Ipswich, last year’s finalists and 2022/23 winners, chase a fifth title to match Pride’s record. At 5-1 in South Premier, they dispatched Canterbury Academy Crusaders (91-38), Abbey Nation (65-51), and rivals CoLA (65-37) in the semi-final. Key players: GB U18 Maisie Keyes, WEABL efficiency leader Holly Ensoll, and 18.2PPG guard Angel Whyte.
Nottingham, in their debut final, are 4-0 in North Premier, averaging 47.0PPG Cup wins over Sheffield Arrows II, Manchester Mystics, Sheffield Arrows I, and Milton Keynes. GB U18 Tiarna Chambers-Desmond (22.2PPG WEABL, second nationally) and Ophelia Larder-Lee (17.6PPG, eighth) lead.
Endeavour Ipswich head coach Harriet Welham commented: “We are really excited to be back in the National Cup Final. We love this competition, whether at senior or junior level, and are really looking forward to the chance of going one better than last year at the U18 level. We know Nottingham will be a tough test.”
Nottingham Wildcats head coach Siobhán Prior noted: “We are pleased to have reached our first Cup Final at U18 Women’s level. Showpiece finals are always fun and it’s nice to give our fans and the club a mid-season spectacle to be part of. Our main goal is to play with intent, togetherness and joy in every moment of the game. If we control that, our outcomes usually take care of themselves.”
What to Expect from the U18 Men’s Sure Shot National Cup Final?
Closing at 6:00pm, Derby Trailblazers challenge defending champions CoLA Southwark Pride. CoLA won last year’s final 67-62 over Charnwood and eye a third title (second straight).
Derby, 2023/24 finalists, stand 8-3 in North Premier. EABL North Player of the Year Casey Burr (47 points in quarter-final vs Milton Keynes) and captain Jarom Howlett lead, with semi-final win 58-44 over Reading after beating Sheffield Sharks (87-60), St Helens Saints (95-82), and Cheshire Phoenix White (76-69).
CoLA dominate East Premier at 14-0 (avg 34.8PPG wins), with EABL/D1M experience for Toby Gass (18.8PPG EABL), Daniel Banjoko, David Banjoko, and Andrew Nwokolo. Cup path: 54-48 over London Elite, 68-59 vs Sussex Storm, 79-37 against London Legends, 74-48 over Manchester.
Derby captain Jarom Howlett shared: “We have worked so hard all year to be in the position we are now, I’m so proud of all of our guys. Regardless of if they top score or don’t even get in the game, I feel we have shown great maturity as a group and deserve the success we are having.”
CoLA Southwark Pride’s Andrew Nwokolo responded: “Reaching the Cup Final is the reward from the hard work our team has collectively put in. Derby are a good team with some good players but we will be well prepared, both offensively and defensively. It is a privilege to play in these kind of games and we hope it’s a good game for the fans.”
This electrifying lineup underscores the Jnr. NBL’s depth, blending league dominance, historic quests, and prodigious talents in Worcester.Key Points
- The Sure Shot Junior National Cup Finals feature eight teams competing for junior championships on Saturday in Worcester.
- Four finals scheduled: U16 Girls (11am: Milton Keynes Breakers v Manchester Mystics), U16 Boys (1:30pm: London Legends v Manchester Magic), U18 Women’s (3:45pm: Endeavour Ipswich Basketball v Nottingham Wildcats), U18 Men’s (6:00pm: Derby Trailblazers v CoLA Southwark Pride).
- Live streams, live stats (via clickable fixture links), photo galleries, and rosters available; tickets selling fast on the door or online.
- Manchester Mystics (reigning U16 Girls champs, 15-0 league, avg win 40.1PPG) face Milton Keynes Breakers (14-1 league, avg win 57.6PPG, 2023/24 runners-up).
- London Legends (first Cup Final, 11-2 league) challenge Manchester Magic (12-time winners, 12-0 league) in U16 Boys.
- Endeavour Ipswich (seeking fifth U18 Women’s title) meet Nottingham Wildcats (maiden final) in U18 Women’s.
- Derby Trailblazers (2023/24 finalists, 8-3 league) versus defending champs CoLA Southwark Pride (14-0 league, avg win 34.8PPG) in U18 Men’s.
- Key players, paths to finals, quotes from captains and coaches highlighted across all matchups.
Worcester (Junior NBL Preview) January 24, 2026 – Excitement builds as eight powerhouse junior teams prepare to clash in the Sure Shot Junior National Cup Finals this Saturday at the University of Worcester Sports Centre. The event crowns champions across U16 and U18 divisions in the Junior National Basketball League (Jnr. NBL), with live streams, stats, rosters, and photo galleries accessible online. Tickets remain available on the door, though organisers urge fans to secure them swiftly amid high demand.
The finals showcase intense rivalries, dominant league form, and emerging talents, promising a day of high-stakes basketball. From Manchester’s storied programmes to debut finalists, each matchup pits North against South or academy heavyweights in battles for glory.
What Are the U16 Girls Sure Shot National Cup Final Details?
Manchester Mystics, the reigning champions, aim to defend their U16 Girls title against Milton Keynes Breakers at 11am. A victory would mark Mystics’ third Cup win in four years, elevating their tally to five.
As detailed in the official Junior NBL preview, Mystics boast a perfect 15-0 record in the U16 North Premier, with an average victory margin of 40.1 points per game (PPG). Their path included a narrow 69-66 semi-final win over CoLA, preceded by triumphs against York Eagles (69-27), Sheffield Hatters (76-70), and Sheffield Arrows (75-37).
Milton Keynes Breakers, runners-up in 2023/24 after a 86-66 loss to Richmond, seek their first title. Sitting second in the North Premier at 14-1—their sole defeat an 83-62 loss at Manchester in November—they average 57.6PPG wins. Breakers dominated en route: 115-36 over Bristol Flyers, 99-41 against Sussex Storm, 78-61 versus Kingston Lions, and 81-39 in the semi-final over Barking RDF Eagles.
Key Breakers include captain Faith Deakin, Sofia Elnur, Lulu Keates-Swankie (all WEABL players this season), last year’s U14 Playoff Final MVP and GB U16 Chantelle Okoli, and Abi Ajayi. Mystics counter with U16 Playoff Final MVP Anya Williams, Tiana Walker, and U14 standout Elsa Critchley.
Milton Keynes Breakers captain Faith Deakin stated: “I’m proud of my team-mates and our coaches for making it to the Final and we’ve all enjoyed the journey getting here, facing some tough competitors on the way. We’ve trained really hard to be in this position and we’re all excited to fight to the end.”
Manchester Mystics’ Anya Williams added: “We’re all looking forward to Cup Final. As a team, it’s an opportunity for us to continue to grow against the best competition in the country. It is one of our goals this season to return after last season, and to hopefully retain our title as winners.”
Who Will Compete in the U16 Boys Sure Shot National Cup Final?
At 1:30pm, London Legends face Manchester Magic in a North vs South showdown. Magic hold records of 12 Cup wins and 13 U16 Playoff titles, though they claimed neither last year. For Legends, this marks their first Cup Final.
London sit 11-2 in the Western Premier, navigating six Cup rounds including an 88-49 semi-final over Milton Keynes. Watch for Trey Marshall (27.0PPG at U14 JFFs last April), Jayden Andriloionis, and GB U16 forward Elijah Imevbore.
Manchester Magic lead the North Premier unbeaten at 12-0, edging Western Prem leaders London Elite 92-90 in the last round. Standouts include guard Theo Westwood (27 points in quarter-final vs St Helens) and David Ihonmeke Akhidime (semi-final leader vs London Elite), plus Ege Cakmakkaya.
London Legends head coach Saheed Maja remarked: “Getting to the Cup Final for the first time in this club’s history is a massive moment for everyone involved; players, families, and the club’s supporters. The boys have earned this opportunity through their commitment and the way they’ve grown together all season. We know we’re coming up against a strong Manchester Magic side, and we respect the challenge ahead, but we’re going into the Final focused, prepared, and excited. If we play with the same togetherness, discipline, and belief that’s brought us this far, we’ll be fine.”
Manchester Magic’s Ege Cakmakkaya said: “Reaching the Final stands as a testament to who we are as a team – defined by unity, relentless effort, and a collective belief that hard work, done together, shapes extraordinary outcomes.”
Which Teams Face Off in the U18 Women’s Sure Shot National Cup Final?
The 3:45pm U18 Women’s final pits Endeavour Ipswich Basketball against Nottingham Wildcats—two academy powerhouses and WEABL standouts—marking the first final since 2019/20 without CoLA Southwark Pride.
Ipswich, last year’s finalists and 2022/23 winners, chase a fifth title to match Pride’s record. At 5-1 in South Premier, they dispatched Canterbury Academy Crusaders (91-38), Abbey Nation (65-51), and rivals CoLA (65-37) in the semi-final. Key players: GB U18 Maisie Keyes, WEABL efficiency leader Holly Ensoll, and 18.2PPG guard Angel Whyte.
Nottingham, in their debut final, are 4-0 in North Premier, averaging 47.0PPG Cup wins over Sheffield Arrows II, Manchester Mystics, Sheffield Arrows I, and Milton Keynes. GB U18 Tiarna Chambers-Desmond (22.2PPG WEABL, second nationally) and Ophelia Larder-Lee (17.6PPG, eighth) lead.
Endeavour Ipswich head coach Harriet Welham commented:
“We are really excited to be back in the National Cup Final. We love this competition, whether at senior or junior level, and are really looking forward to the chance of going one better than last year at the U18 level. We know Nottingham will be a tough test.”
Nottingham Wildcats head coach Siobhán Prior noted: “We are pleased to have reached our first Cup Final at U18 Women’s level. Showpiece finals are always fun and it’s nice to give our fans and the club a mid-season spectacle to be part of. Our main goal is to play with intent, togetherness and joy in every moment of the game. If we control that, our outcomes usually take care of themselves.”
What to Expect from the U18 Men’s Sure Shot National Cup Final?
Closing at 6:00pm, Derby Trailblazers challenge defending champions CoLA Southwark Pride. CoLA won last year’s final 67-62 over Charnwood and eye a third title (second straight).
Derby, 2023/21 finalists, stand 8-3 in North Premier. EABL North Player of the Year Casey Burr (47 points in quarter-final vs Milton Keynes) and captain Jarom Howlett lead, with semi-final win 58-44 over Reading after beating Sheffield Sharks (87-60), St Helens Saints (95-82), and Cheshire Phoenix White (76-69).
CoLA dominate East Premier at 14-0 (avg 34.8PPG wins), with EABL/D1M experience for Toby Gass (18.8PPG EABL), Daniel Banjoko, David Banjoko, and Andrew Nwokolo. Cup path: 54-48 over London Elite, 68-59 vs Sussex Storm, 79-37 against London Legends, 74-48 over Manchester.
Derby captain Jarom Howlett shared: “We have worked so hard all year to be in the position we are now, I’m so proud of all of our guys. Regardless of if they top score or don’t even get in the game, I feel we have shown great maturity as a group and deserve the success we are having.”
CoLA Southwark Pride’s Andrew Nwokolo responded: “Reaching the Cup Final is the reward from the hard work our team has collectively put in. Derby are a good team with some good players but we will be well prepared, both offensively and defensively. It is a privilege to play in these kind of games and we hope it’s a good game for the fans.”
This electrifying lineup underscores the Jnr. NBL’s depth, blending league dominance, historic quests, and prodigious talents in Worcester.
