Raptors hosted a junior tournament on Saturday at Haslingden Sports Centre. The tournament had two age groups, U12s and U14s and hosted teams from accross east lancashire including some of the Raptors satellite clubs.

The U12s tournament including teams from Rossendale Raptors, Bacup Raptors, Accrington Raptors, St Wilfrids School, and Burnley fought it out in what was a very competitive competition. All teams played extremely well in the round robin format, and there were a lot of good performances from some promising youngsters.

The tournament came down to the penultimate game where St Wilfrids played Burnely. Both terms were unbeaten and for both teams this was their final game. Burnley led early but the girls team from St Wilfrids came back to claim victory in the latter stages of the game. 10 year old Lennon from Bacup was awarded as the best player iun the U12's follow a performance full of energy effort and exuberance despite being one of the smallest players on the court.

In the U14s an experience Preston Pride team came out on top following wins against two girls teams from St Wilfrids and Burnley who joined forces with young men from Rossendale on the day. Preston were worthy winners, and as a mark of respect and gentlemenly gesture awarded their prizes to the girls teams from St Wilfrids.

Overall the event was a big success. On the day organiser Steve Warburton commented: "It's brilliant to see so many young people enjoying playing the game. It was played in great spirits and good sportsmanship. What was really good was to see so many girls taking part and competing with the boys so well. The future of basketball is looking really good."