Lennoxville Basketball Academy U-19 Team triumphs in Kentucky
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Lennoxville Basketball Academy (LBA) has achieved a groundbreaking victory, becoming the first Canadian team to win the NE2K Circuit National Championship in Kentucky. The U-19 girls’ team showcased remarkable talent and dedication, culminating in a triumphant run from July 10 to 22.
The team, under the guidance of Coach Steve Cassivi, participated in four major tournaments during their 12-day journey: the Run 4 the Roses Classic, the Run 4 the Roses Championship, the Splash, and the National Championship. The NE2K Circuit is a prestigious basketball league that draws top-tier teams from across North America, making LBA’s victory particularly significant.
“This has been an incredible journey,” said Cassivi in a July 26 interview. “We’re the first Canadian team ever to win a circuit championship, and we’re talking about all across Canada. It’s pretty amazing because there are quite a few Canadian teams that go there, but we managed to come out on top.”
The team was led by standout performances from several key players. Lily Langille earned the title of MVP and was named to the 1st Team All-Star, alongside Shanayka Ismar and Ingrid Khuong, who also made the 1st Team All-Star list. “Lily Langille really shone as the MVP of the final game,” Cassivi noted, highlighting her exceptional contribution to the team’s success.
Cassivi emphasized the significance of this achievement for the Lennoxville Basketball Academy, which operates independently from Champlain College during the summer. The academy focuses solely on girls’ basketball, nurturing talent from grade three through post-secondary levels. “We had about 40 girls in our mini girls’ basketball program and 44 in the travel team,” Cassivi mentioned, underscoring the depth of talent within the academy.
The victory has not only put Lennoxville Basketball Academy on the map but has also highlighted the potential of Canadian teams in international competitions. “I’m super proud of my team,” Cassivi said. “It was quite the ride, and we’re all excited to bring this championship back home.”
The team’s achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the high-quality coaching provided by the academy. As they return to Canada, they bring with them not only a championship trophy but also the pride of having set a new standard for Canadian basketball.
For more information on the Lennoxville Basketball Academy and their programs, visit their Facebook page. You can also follow their journey on Instagram at NE2K Circuit, where the academy’s historic win is celebrated with highlights and reels.
