The basketball players of Den Helder Suns have seized the national cup. In the final in Landsmeer, Suns was 92-76 too strong for Landslake Lions. With that, the Carla de Liefde trophy goes to the Den Helder basketball formation for the eighth time.
Den Helder started the game as a favourite, Mario Bennes’ team is at the top of the competition and Landsmeer is number seven in the ranking. And that role of favorite did not cause extra pressure, because Suns prevailed in the packed and very bustling sports hall in Landsmeer. Halfway through it was already 47 to 32 in favor of the list leader. In the remainder of the game, the difference between the two teams remained significant.
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Reportage of the Den Helder Suns – Landslake Lions basketball final – NH News
Different emotions
It was an evening of conflicting feelings for the winning coach Mario Bennes. The coach of Den Helder Suns enjoyed the wonderful performance of his team and that made him very proud. On the other hand, sad emotions also surfaced. Bennes’ wife died last November. “She would have loved to see us win this prize.”
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Different emotions with Den Helder Suns coach Mario Bennes after cup win – NH News
Bond pin
In addition to the cup win, Bennes received another prize. The Suns coach was presented with the league pin. “I am very surprised to have been named a Merit Member.” Bennes received this appreciation from the Dutch Basketball Association for everything he has meant to the sport as a player and trainer.
Chris van Kampen had a less pleasant evening. The person ultimately responsible for Landsmeer Lions saw his team fall short against Den Helder on all fronts. “It was the little and big brother story.”
Balende Landsmeer Lions coach Chris van Kampen after losing in the cup final – NH News