The next generation of basketball stars took centre stage at SportsDock, University of East London as the inaugural Jr. NBA 3v3 primary school tournament finals took place.
Following a city-wide competition featuring nearly 350 teams from across London’s primary schools, with teams playing the increasingly popular and fast-paced 3v3 format, 10 teams qualified for today’s finals. FinalistsLatchmere School were victorious in a dramatic final that was overflowing with talent.
The 3v3 tournament, featuring players from years 5 and 6, saw teams play quick-fire games on courts half the size of a traditional basketball court, with one single hoop and a 12-second shot clock.
Introduced to secondary school pupils in 2025, the Jr. NBA 3v3 is organised by London Marathon Events (LME) in collaboration with the NBA and was expanded earlier this year to include pupils from years 5 and 6, creating a new pathway for younger players to get involved.
Among those taking part in today’s primary schools finals were Latchmere School, based in Kingston Upon Thames, who beat Southbank International, representing central London, in the final game 14 – 11 to become the first ever Jr. NBA 3v3 primary school winners. Despite Southbank International scoring a 3-pointer with just one minute to go bringing the scores to almost a tie, it was not enough to stop Latchmere School from securing the well-deserved win.
Mr C. Matthew, PE coach at Latchmere School, said: “I am so proud of the team’s commitment and how much each of them have trained both inside and outside of school. The way they performed today was justsuperb, they dug in so well and they should be extremely proud of this moment, well done to them!”
Two standout players from Latchmere School included siblings Lyric (year 5), who played alongside his sister Liana (year 6). He said: “Today was very exciting and I am so happy that we won. It’s a pleasure to play with my sister because we know each other well and it helps us play together. The whole team did a great job, and we really enjoyed the tournament”.
Manorfield Primary, representing East London, came third in a nail-biting playoff against Salusbury Primary, representing West London.
The winning team will receive a brand-new basketball hoop for their school, to encourage and inspire more children to give basketball a try.
Polly Irvine, Children and Young People Engagement and Activations Manager at London Marathon Events, said: “Congratulations to everyone who took part today, it’s been brilliant to see the first-ever Jr. NBA 3v3 primary school tournament come to life, with so much energy, enthusiasm and talent on display. It’s been a pleasure to witness how much these young players have developed over the course of the programme, not only in their basketball skills, but in their confidence, teamwork and communication as well.”
LME are also hosting a free coaching clinic for primary school teachers who entered a team into the tournament, to equip them with the skills and knowledge to continue 3v3 basketball at their school and create more opportunities for children to get involved.
The Jr. NBA 3v3 excitement is far from over though. In just over one month (Thursday 9 July) the secondary school final will take place at Trafalgar Square, bringing elite youth basketball back to one of London’s most iconic locations for a second consecutive year.
Primary school finalists:
- Latchmere Primary
- Salusbury Primary
- Rhodes Avenue
- Southbank International School
- Manorfield Primary
- St Mary’s Primary
- St Raphael’s Primary
- Green Leaf
- Duncombe Primary
- Fern Hill School