London Knights struck first and set the early tone, edging the opening quarter and carrying momentum through the middle of the game. As they have done all season, they moved the ball well, shared the scoring, and repeatedly answered A4U runs with timely baskets from arguably the strongest player in the division this season, Sasha Hoey. His game-high 18 points paced the Knights heading into the fourth quarter, as they maintained a narrow lead with the U10 title hanging in the balance.
But championships are decided by inspirational moments, and A4U coach Ruth Eytle has experienced enough of those moments to know exactly what to say when the game — and a season — is on the line.
In the fourth quarter, A4U raised the defensive intensity, forced turnovers, and began to turn pressure into points. The game became a test of composure, and it was here that Kyrie Stewart-Black imposed himself on the Finals. The young guard was everywhere — picking pockets, pushing the pace, and making reads that belied his age with the championship on the line. His impact went well beyond scoring, but the points came too, including key baskets during an 11–6 fourth-quarter surge that flipped the game on its head.
Brandon Echel-Thomson led all scorers for A4U with 9 points, consistently finding space and knocking down huge shots in front of a raucous crowd. Stewart-Black added 8 points, along with 4 steals and 2 assists, in a performance that ultimately defined the Finals. Around them, the All-Stars’ scoring was balanced and relentless, with contributions coming possession by possession as they chipped away at the deficit.
London Knights refused to go quietly. They fought with passion, pride, and skill that showed exactly why they entered the Finals as form favourites. Faris Rivera added 6 points of his own, with support from Magnus Mustmann and Sasha Espinoto, as the Knights continued to trade blows right to the final moments.
With under 30 seconds remaining, Hoey drilled a clutch basket to put the Knights ahead by one, threatening to snatch the championship at the death. But the response was immediate. Maxime Lendafe answered with an unexpected baseline jump shot that sent A4U fans spilling down the sidelines in delirium as the Lambeth-based outfit edged back in front.
London Knights were unable to convert on the next possession, and the rebound fell to Elijah Kibuye, who was quickly fouled. Calm under pressure, he stepped to the line and converted one of two free throws to seal the deal.
As the final buzzer sounded, A4U All-Stars were crowned 2025 CBL U10 Champions, completing a comeback built on resilience, teamwork, and belief. Both teams delivered a Finals worthy of the stage, doing their coaches, families, and themselves proud.
Kyrie Stewart-Black was named Finals MVP for his all-around performance and composure under pressure, while Sasha Hoey’s outstanding 18-point display stood as one of the defining individual performances of the season.
For everyone in attendance, the game was a reminder of what the Community Basketball League is about at its very best: development, competition, and unforgettable moments at the very start of the basketball journey.
