THEY may not be the Harlem Globetrotters but two basket ball teams from Helsby High School have proved they have what it takes to cut it at national level.

The U14 and U16 teams have both fought their way through to national finals after beating off competition from some of the finest schools in the country.

Both teams won all their north west league matches and then moved into the regional section of the national tournament.

The U14s had wins against Ashton and Stoke Park to move into the eight team finals competition held in St Albans on March 14, 15 and 16.

Wins against Baverstock, Homerton and Shenfield took the youngsters through to a tight semi-final against London-based Raines Foundation.

The Helsby team fought hard throughout the match and finally took the game in overtime by a narrow 62-57, setting up a national final with Ellesmere Port Catholic High School which they lost 72-45.

Matthew Elder was top scorer for Helsby who were led by captain Devan Bailey.

The U16s have set up their third national final in as many years after narrowly beating St Bonaventure School 63-61 in a tense quarter-final and then cruising to a 63-42 win against Thorncliffe.

Captain Tom Griffths scored 21 points in the semi-final victory and will be looking for a repeat performance both from himself and the rest of the team when they take on Stockport side Ashton in the national final on Saturday, April 5, at Hemel Hempstead.