Dynamite duo earn spots at Aspire All‑Star National Tournament

Two Leicester Dynamite U16 players will be showcasing their talent on the national stage this weekend as they compete in the annual Aspire All-Star National Tournament.

Asher Ogan and Artemii Pasechnyk have been selected to take part in the event, which brings together some of the best young players in the country. 

Across three days of competition, from 10-12 July, the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester will host four “super regions” - North, South, Central and London - as they go head-to-head in a showcase of elite junior basketball.

The U15 tournament will include Scotland and Wales as an extension of the ongoing Home Nations activity with the 5x5 tournament following on from last weekend’s 3x3 competition.

Last month Asher took part in the Home Nations tournament in Cardiff for U14 boys which saw the England side win all their games.

For Asher and Artemii, selection for the Aspire tournament is a reflection of the hard work they’ve put in throughout the season with Leicester Dynamite - on the practice court, in games, and in their overall approach to development. 

Representing their region at this level is a fantastic opportunity to test themselves against top opposition, learn from high-level coaching, and experience a performance environment designed to prepare players for the next step in their basketball journey.

The Aspire All-Star National Tournament is recognised as a key stage in the talent pathway, giving young athletes a platform to demonstrate their skills, decision-making and competitiveness under pressure. 

Head Coach Dave Harris said: “We’re incredibly proud of Asher and Artemii. Their selection is a reward for the work they put in every week, and a great chance for them to test themselves against some of the best players in the country.”

“Opportunities like Aspire are what our programme is all about - helping young players push themselves, learn in a high‑performance environment and bring that experience back into the club.”

“Asher and Artemii have shown real commitment on and off the court this season. Seeing them earn a spot at a national tournament is fantastic for them and for Leicester Dynamite.”