“Swish Squad in Five”: Burnaby’s Most Resilient Team Finally Claims the Roundball Championship
After four straight seasons of heartbreak, close calls, and crushing finals losses, Swish Squad from the Burnaby Recreational Roundball League finally completed their long-awaited redemption story — capturing their first-ever Roundball Championship title in their fifth consecutive finals appearance.
For years, the team had become synonymous with grit, chemistry, and heartbreak. Season after season, they battled their way through the league’s toughest competition, only to fall just short in the final game. But this time, in a commanding 75–49 win over longtime rivals Glory Boys, Swish Squad left no doubt — their time had finally come.
Former league MVP Ryan Akin delivered a vintage performance, leading all scorers with 26 points and earning Finals MVP honors. Alongside him, Karmal Omerkodie added 14 points and anchored the team defensively, setting the tone with hustle and heart that defined Swish Squad’s identity all season long.
But beyond the stats, this championship represented something much deeper — a triumph of resilience, belief, and trust in the process.
“Swish Squad in Five”: The Journey Comes Full Circle
Team Captain Mike Infante reflected on their five-season journey with honesty and pride:
“For the last four seasons we had the privilege of making it to the big game — only to fall just short for one reason or another. There were definitely times during that stretch when frustration set in, but deep down we always knew we had what it took to win it all. That belief is why we never made any major changes to our team. We trusted our path.Heading into last season, we adopted the moniker ‘Swish Squad in Five’ inspired by Shannon Sharpe, and fully bought into the idea that this was our season. Funny enough, a post from Roundball about us being so-called ‘cursed’ before the final gave us even more motivation.In the end, the final game and the championship proved one thing: no matter how many times you get knocked down, getting up and continuing to fight is what truly defines a champion.”
A Testament to Resilience
Swish Squad’s story isn’t just a sports victory — it’s a symbol of what the Roundball community stands for. Season after season, they embodied perseverance, unity, and belief in one another. Their journey serves as a reminder that true champions aren’t defined by a single game, but by how they respond to adversity and continue to show up.
For the past nine years, Roundball Impact, the league’s non-profit arm, recognizes this same spirit through its Youth Resilience Award and Bursary, honouring one male and one female athlete who demonstrate exceptional determination and perseverance both on and off the court.
Resilience is one of the core mantras that Roundball stands on — and Swish Squad has lived it to the fullest. Their persistence, teamwork, and unshakable belief have now earned them not only a championship title but also a place in Roundball history as one of the league’s most inspiring teams ever.