London Lions assistant coach Laurent Irish delighted with dedication and commitment of his young squad

East London Advertiser: Raines Foundation face the camera in their basketball kit (pic: Raines Foundation School).Raines Foundation face the camera in their basketball kit (pic: Raines Foundation School). (Image: Archant)

Raines Foundation School will compete at the England Basketball under-14 national finals later this month after a stunning run of form.

The Tower Hamlets-based school have seen their hard work pay off with London Lions coach Laurent Irish playing a pivotal role.

Raines progressed through the group stages before winning in the quarter-finals and last four to book a spot in the big finals.

Irish will take his squad to the home of Leicester Riders at the end of March, he said: “The Year Nine boys have shown a lot of dedication and commitment in training which has led to their success in the National Schools competition

“After become Greenhouse Sports champions last year, the boys have continued to progress and excel and truly deserve to be on the biggest stage of schools basketball.”

London Lions assistant Irish has been working with Raines for three years and doing sessions at 7.30am to help them.

He has also done half term training camps and it has paid off as the local school shone to reach the finals.

Raines beat St Aloysius, Bishop Challoner and St Bonaventures to progress into the quarter-finals.

Irish watched his talented youngsters see off Platanos Academy 74-65 and then thrash Shoeburyness High School in the semi’s.

Raines Foundation head teacher Robert Hullett said: “We have a long history of success at basketball.

“Students enjoy a fantastic experience with our partners Greenhouse and we are very proud of them all for reaching the national finals.”

David Patten, Raines Foundation’s head of PE, added: “The boys have worked extremely hard to get to the National Finals.

“They have dedicated themselves to basketball during a time when there are so many distractions for young people.

“We have seen a positive change in their attitude, academic effort in lessons and behaviour around school that makes them true ambassadors for Raines Foundation.”