Observatory-based Eagles Basketball Club’s under-14 side produced an all-round impressive performance at last week’s Junior NBA tournament, held at UCT.

Based at the Chinese Community Centre, in Observatory, and run under the auspices of the Western Province Chinese Sports Association, Eagles have several boys’ and girls’ teams ranging from under-7 to under-18 as well as senior men’s and women’s teams playing in the Cape Town Basketball Association.

However, Eagles had their wings clipped in the finals against tournament favourites, Montana Vikings, who walked away 48-11 winners in the third edition of the tournament.

Eagles coach Julie Hendricks keep a close eye on the action during her side’s Junior NBA cup final match against Montana Vikings, at UCT, last Sunday. Picture: Fuad Esack

Eagles coach Julie Hendricks rallies her troopers during time-out in their Junior NBA cup final match against Montana Vikings, at UCT, last Sunday. Picture: Fuad Esack

Eagles coach Julie Hendricks, quick to congratulate their opponents, had nothing but praise for her young charges and the tournament organisers.

"It was a wonderful event, an amazing experience for the boys. Being able to play in an amazing venue in front of a very enthusiastic crowd was an special experience for all players," she said.

Eagles Basketball Club’s Samuel Lawn slips past his marker during last Sunday’s Junior NBA cup final match against Montana Vikings, at UCT, last Sunday. Picture: Fuad Esack

En route to the finals, Eagles beat Cape Waves 22-21 in a nail-biting semi-final clash to book their spot in the cup final match.

“It is these types of games that really teach players lessons. How they handle pressure, how important it is to work as a team, how to be the best player for the team by supporting those on the court as loudly and positively as possible from the bench,'” said Hendricks, who took over the coaching reigns earlier this year.

The Western Province Chinese Sports Association will host its annual Spring Fair on Sunday October 6. Entry is free and there will be an array of activities and food stalls on offer. For more information, call 083 650 7026

Eagles Basketball Club’s Raees Jassiem looking to go one-on-one against a defender during his side’s Junior NBA cup final match against Montana Vikings, at UCT, last Sunday. Picture: Fuad Esack

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