An Unforgettable Night of Celebrations: Kent Panthers Basketball Club’s End of Year Awards
Celebrating Achievements in Unity
Gillingham, 16 May 2023 – A year marked by unprecedented success, the Kent Panthers Basketball Club wrapped up the 2022/23 season with a lavish End of Year Awards Night. Celebrating the amalgamation of the Kent Panthers and the Kent Tigers, the evening was a testament to the determination, unity, and shared passion that has driven both clubs to ascend to their most successful season yet.
The Venue, The Hosts, The Vibe
Set in the vibrant and expansive The Hub, Maritime, Chatham, the event echoed with the triumphant spirit of a club on the rise. The evening was led by the charismatic duo of Sten Mayunga, General Manager, and Lee Westbrook, Head of Youth, both of the Kent Panthers, who provided a warm and engaging atmosphere that truly encapsulated the essence of the Kent Panthers’ motto: ‘Respect all, fear none.’
The energy was kept high throughout the evening by DJ KA, whose dynamic set list created a pulse of joy and celebration, befitting the victorious journey the teams have embarked upon over the past year.
A Year to Remember
The limelight was deservedly claimed by the Kent Tigers’ Men’s teams, who were lauded for their resounding success in the Medway Basketball Association Division 1 and Division 2. Their unwavering resilience and exceptional performance have etched their name indelibly into the annals of local basketball.
On the junior front, the Kent Tigers’ squads had their fair share of recognition and applause. The U16 team took centre stage as they won the inaugural Kent County Junior Basketball League (KCjBL), marking a significant milestone in their basketball journey. Not far behind, the U14 team exhibited their prowess, going unbeaten in their age group and claiming first place in the KCjBL. The U12 team, though finishing 7th, displayed undeniable potential, promising great strides in the seasons to come.
Victorious Panthers
It was not only the Tigers who had their moment in the spotlight. The Kent Panthers’ youth squads impressed with their season performances. The U12 team concluded the season at a fantastic second place in the National Basketball League (NBL). Meanwhile, the U14 team bagged the second spot in the NBL South 4 Conference, now on the verge of rising to the NBL South East Premier – the pinnacle of U14 basketball in the country.
The Kent Panthers U16 team proudly finished at the top of the NBL Regional 2, and their promotion to the Conference level for the 2023/24 season stands as an accolade that will undoubtedly elevate their drive for continued improvement.
The U18 team, although ending in 6th place in the NBL U18 Conference league, showed determination and grit, painting a bright picture for future seasons.
The Spirit of Triumph
The End of Year Awards Night transcended beyond the celebration of victories; it acknowledged the resilience of each player, the unity of the club, and the spirit of basketball that forms the heart of the Kent Panthers. The teams, bonded by their shared success, now turn their gaze to the 2023/24 season, ready to take on fresh challenges and reach for even greater heights in the basketball arena.
As the night wrapped up, it left behind a sense of accomplishment, anticipation, and excitement. The journey ahead for the Kent Panthers, marked with potential and ambition, promises to be an exhilarating chapter in the story of this remarkable club.
