Ocean Brobbey. Remember the name, respect the game. The Brent Panthers multi-skilled wing showed up in the biggest game of the season, when his team needed him the most, in taking down the perennially powerful Southwark Legends, 73-57.
Through a combination of post pull-ups, hard drive and finishes, offensive put backs and a couple of long 3-balls thrown in for good measure, Brobbey hit the Legends for a monster game of 26 points alongside 15 rebounds and 2 blocks, enroute to an easy-choice Finals MVP. The ‘do-it-all’ forward can shoot consistently out to beyond the 3 and is equally comfortable posting up or putting the ball on the floor from the wing. He has a soft touch around the basket and a good nose for the ball on both the offensive and defensive glass, which led to a number of crucial put-backs, often with the ‘and 1’. Relatively new to the game, playing in his first season of organised basketball – he’s definitely one to keep an eye on as his potential belongs at the next level.
Panthers were also fuelled by the evolving scoring prowess of 6’5 wing Oliver Rudzinkski, who has emerged from the shadows last season into a prime time option who delivers when called upon, this season. Rudzinksi has a nice stroke from 3 but can also put the ball on the floor and possesses a crafty lay-up package and floaters that proved hard to guard, tallying 13 points in the final. In the final, the promising wing also showed an ability to contest and compete on the defensive end, challenging shots and coming up with 3 blocks of his own in the game.
Though beaten on this day, the Southwark Legends were led by undoubtedly one of the most talented players on the court in lightening quick guard, Nathaniel Byfield who contributed 16 points and 6 rebounds in the loss. Byfield was certainly up to for the game on the day, but against a well-organised and deep Panthers team, his mercurial combination of shifty handles, athletic finishes and ‘always active’ scoring ability wasn’t quite enough to get it done on this day. However, keep an eye on this young stunner – he can play.
Panthers talented point guard, Axel Thibault, also contributed to the championship deciding performance with 8 points, 6 assists and 3 steals – but beyond the stat sheet, made his presence felt every time the Legends looked like they may go on a run and get back into this one. Whether an incisive score, demoralising assist to one of his teammates for an open lay up or slowing down whomever looked like they may be about to get hot, Thibault steered his team from the backcourt to provide Panthers with the ‘3 headed monster’ (alongside Brobbey and Rudzinksi) that ultimately overcame the Legends and secured the Panthers their second championship of the day.
The victory cemented Brent as the most successful CBL club this season, setting a record with 5 championships - the most ever won by a club in a single campaign (16U Division 1, 12U Division 1, 16U Division 2, 14U Division 2, 12U Division 2). An impressive feat for a club that had never previously claimed a CBL crown.
Panthers sideline supremo Coach Swift reflected: "It's been a great season for Panthers basketball at all age levels. What we accomplished today exemplifies the dedication and hard work the boys have put into every practice, drill and session all year long. This didn't happen by accident. In Wembley, we've built a special environment founded on hard work, family, discipline and putting in the hours, training and competing the right way. It's taken time, but we're here now and hungry for more."
Congratulations to the Panthers on a phenomenal season across the whole club.
