Royal Liberty School celebrated a hat-trick of titles at the Havering Basketball Championships recently.

The year eight squad edged past defending champions Redden Court 49-47 after an extremely close contest, with officials and staff describing it as the most competitive and highly skilled final seen in years.

Subhan Q was named Most Valuable Player, as every student combined to produce a superb spectacle.

The same schools met in a very physical year nine final, with Royal Liberty eventually winning 55-46.

A strong offensive performance and stubborn defensive play made for an entertaining contest, with Michael E taking the MVP award as Royal Liberty avenged an earlier league defeat.

The year 11 final ended in a convincing 90-31 victory over Emerson Park, but the scoreline did not truly reflect the nature of the contest.

The first two quarters were very competitive, before Royal Liberty began to pull away in the later stages as Aharon G took the MVP prize, with Tyler W the top scorer.

"A great finishing game for both sets of students for their last ever basketball season with their respective schools," said Royal Liberty's Brad Bowen.

The year seven final was won by Redden Court, who beat Royal Liberty 51-34.

And year 10 honours went to Marshalls Park, who beat Royal Liberty in the semi-final and then saw off Hornchurch High 54-43 in the final.

The two sides battled it out in another end-to-end game, with Hornchurch High having won an earlier contest in the group stage.

There were moments of brilliance from both sides in each quarter, as MVP Mantas Draskinis kept putting the points away on fast breaks for Park.

Most improved player Brad Mead supplied some fantastic offensive rebounds as Matt Darguzas produced a superb defensive performance.

"The boys have worked extremely hard and to lose the final last year remained in their minds," said PE Paul Aylett, head of PE.

"It could have gone either way, but we had enough to get the win and become Havering champions. Very proud of the boys, and we will look to retain it next year."