Lightning secure unprecedented hat-trick of title wins

lightning basketball players lift the championship trophy

Image provided by Ella Raper.

Loughborough Lightning’s Wheelchair Basketball side continued its phenomenal dominance in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) by winning a third consecutive title on Saturday evening.

two basketball players pose with a trophy
(L-R) Lynsey Speirs and Bo Kramer with the championship trophy. Image provided by Ella Raper.

The crushing 73-44 play-off final victory over East London Phoenix confirmed George Bates’ team’s place in the history books – all while going unbeaten throughout the whole campaign.

Lightning’s performance proved to be indicative of the entire season as Loughborough scored with a free-flowing ruthlessness that left little doubt that the winners’ trophy would be returning to the East Midlands once again.     

With a side littered with international experience and global medals to their name – including prolific Paralympic Games gold-medallist Bo Kramer – Lightning ultimately made light work of securing another title to remain the only team to take the championship crown since the league’s inception in 2021.

“I’m incredibly happy for this group of players and staff,” said George Bates, Head Coach of Lightning.

“It’s been a long year and to be champions three years in a row is a great achievement. Everyone has contributed in their own way to this win and that’s something I’m proud of.

“We wanted to make a statement this year and continue the fine run of the form we’ve worked so hard for. It’s proved to be another incredible show by the team, and we’ve certainly made memories to last a lifetime.”

Lightning players will now have a period of rest before embarking on a busy summer of international wheelchair basketball before returning to Loughborough for the 2024/25 campaign.

For more information on Loughborough Lightning Wheelchair Basketball visit: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/performance/lightning/wheelchair-basketball/