YOUNG basketball players from Haringey have plenty to celebrate after winning gold and silver medals in the finals of the London Youth Games at Crystal Palace.

Both teams played Newham in the finals and while the girls team were victorious 20 – 13 after defeating Richmond in the semis, the boys narrowly lost 33 – 30, having beaten Croydon in the previous round.

Team manager, Dan Bowmaker, said: “We had a really frustrating loss last year in the semi-finals, so it’s really been about a year preparing to try and come back and win this trophy.

“All of these players were on the team last year, so it’s been on their mind to come back and try and go one better this year.

“It’s a huge event in our calendar. Haringey have won it for many years, it’s kind of a legacy and a tradition for girls at our club, so to be part of a team is huge for them.”

Haringey improved on last year’s overall standing of ninth in the overall table to finish sixth this time round.

Former England international and London Youth Games alumni Roz Mason, said: “It was very competitive out there, but it was lovely to see so many girls competing and allowing them to understand what basketball is about at this level.

“Both finals were a joy to watch.

“When you come to a venue like this and you’ve got basketball happening in here, swimming going on next door and archery and netball – it’s like a mini-Olympics – it’s amazing.

“It reminds me of when I went to the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

“It’s always a pleasure to come back and watch what’s going on.

“For me it’s really about taking part. Sport is a great platform for young people to go on and do lots of other things.

“It builds self-confidence and is really valuable.”

Chief executive Jon Hughes, said: “The finals weekend was an amazing climax to the 2017 London Youth Games year.

“It was great to see over 6,000 young people from every borough in London coming together to see just what they can achieve working together as part of a team.”