GIANTS of the basketball court inspired Windermere School to their most successful season yet.

The Lake District school's under-19s boys team won both the Barrow League and cup competitions.

Elevated to new heights a by a training session and visit from members of the Manchester Giants British Basketball League team, Windermere saw their years of hard work and practice come together for a great season.

The Giants came to the Lake District for an afternoon of coaching sessions for all age groups, but it was the under-19s who really benefited.

The team travelled to Hoops, Barrow, every Wednesday evening over five months of the season for highly competitive matches against teams from Barrow Sixth Form College, Furness College and Ulverston Victoria High School, among others.

Losing only one of their matches, Windermere dominated the league, which guaranteed them a semi-final berth in the cup, a match in which they enjoyed a comfortable victory against the Criminals.

The final against Ulverston proved a tougher challenge, especially as a number of players were missing through illness or due to exams, but despite a close first half, Windermere ran out 44-25 winners.

Windermere School PE teacher Claire Davies was thrilled with the team's success, and said: “This has been a fantastic season of basketball for Windermere School.

“The boys have really put their all into training and it’s paid off in the competitive matches they’ve played.

“The boys thoroughly enjoyed learning some new techniques from the Giants, and clearly they’ve put them to good use.”

Dan Reid, head of PE and sport at Windermere, was full of praise for the Giants, with the likes of Dean Wanliss, Donatas Visockis and Callum Jones making the trip to the school.

He added: “We’re very grateful to the Manchester Giants for helping us out with some additional coaching sessions.

“They were fantastic with the students and everyone who was able to attend will have learned something from the sessions.

“They also took part in an exhibition match in the sports hall with our under-19s team, which drew quite a crowd and was packed full of three-pointers and slam dunks.

“It was a great afternoon and one I hope we can repeat in the future.”