GIRLS ACADEMY NEWS
LEWIS
LIGHTS UP
RIVERSIDE
ISLINGTON 55 - RIVERSIDE 62
Islington vs Riverside – Game Recap The Islington Basketball Academy girls tipped off their 2025/26 campaign with a spirited performance on the road against Riverside, falling narrowly 62–55 in a competitive, high-energy contest that showed real promise for the season ahead.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for Head Coach Swift to take from the outing. After a slow start in the opening quarter, Islington found their rhythm through the sharp shooting of Demi Lewis, who delivered a standout performance worthy of any highlight reel — dropping a game-high 29 points, including seven three-pointers that kept her team within striking distance throughout.
Riverside's physicality on the boards and quick transition play made the difference late, but Islington's defensive grit and improved ball movement down the stretch were clear signs of progress for a group still finding its identity early in the season.
Coach Swift praised the effort post-game: "We showed heart, togetherness, and flashes of what this team can become. Demi was fantastic tonight, but what excites me most is how much better we can still get."
The girls will look to build on this strong showing as they continue preparations for their next fixture, aiming to turn potential into wins and make their mark in the 2025/26 campaign.
The Islington Basketball Academy girls tipped off their 2025/26 campaign with a spirited performance on the road against Riverside, falling narrowly 62–55 in a competitive, high-energy contest that showed real promise for the season ahead.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for Head Coach Swift to take from the outing. After a slow start in the opening quarter, Islington found their rhythm through the sharp shooting of Demi Lewis, who delivered a standout performance worthy of any highlight reel — dropping a game-high 29 points, including seven three-pointers that kept her team within striking distance throughout.
Riverside's physicality on the boards and quick transition play made the difference late, but Islington's defensive grit and improved ball movement down the stretch were clear signs of progress for a group still finding its identity early in the season.
Coach Swift praised the effort post-game: "We showed heart, togetherness, and flashes of what this team can become. Demi was fantastic tonight, but what excites me most is how much better we can still get."
The girls will look to build on this strong showing as they continue preparations for their next fixture, aiming to turn potential into wins and make their mark in the 2025/26 campaign.
OUR PROGRAMS
- International competitions
- 10 training sessions per week
- 2–3 games per week
- Professional coaches
- Career guidance
- Strength and conditioning
- Individual skills development
- SAT support
- Pathways to pro basketball
- Exposure events
- Player rankings
- Full player profile online
- Games streamed online
- Player showreels
- Academy training reversibles
- Academy tracksuits
- Academy branded tees
- Physio support
- Free gym and fitness suite
- Free Advanced Skills Camps
- Free coaching courses
- Free officiating courses
- Basketball Ambassador Program
- Work experience in basketball sector
- Free tickets to professional games
- 6 training sessions per week
- 1-2 games per week
- Professional coaches
- Strength and conditioning
- Individual skills development
- Academy training reversibles
- Academy tracksuits
- Academy branded tees
- Physio support
- Free gym and fitness suite
- Free coaching courses
- Free officiating courses
- Basketball Ambassador Program
- Work experience in basketball sector
- Free tickets to professional games
- 2 training sessions per week
- 1 game every 2 weeks
- Academy branded tees
- Free coaching courses
- Free officiating courses
- Basketball Ambassador Program
- Work experience in basketball sector
- Free tickets to professional games
Next Level Academies are dedicated to the comprehensive development of ambitious student-athletes. Combining elite coaching, top-level facilities, and a wide variety of academic courses that prepare players for higher education or employment, our academies foster an environment where potential is realised and refined and supported through to your 'Next Level'.
