Fyllingen Lions Triumph Over Nidaros Jets: A Community Victory
In a thrilling home game on September 28, 2024, Fyllingen Lions secured a hard-fought 94-87 win against the Nidaros Jets, with star player Dashawn Davis leading the charge with an impressive 34 points. Eric Etienne Fongué followed closely with 24 points, while Lars Fredrik Espe added 14, Joel Kanyinda 11, Pol Olivier 6, and Nikolas Kvåle Skouen contributed 5 points. This victory led by head coach, Calix Black N’Diaye, meant much more than just points on the scoreboard—it was a celebration of community and the shared love of basketball in Bergen.
Hosted by the Lions' main sponsor, Meteva Sport og Helse, and its founder, Louise Mohn, the event was not just a basketball game but an incredible showcase how the Fyllingen Lions illustrates that basketball is - more than just a sport. President of The Norwegian Basketball Federation (NBBF), Jan Hendrik Parmann enjoyed the event from his courtside VIP seating. The energy in the air was electric, not only due to the players' efforts on the court, but also because of the many smiling faces from fans of all ages who filled the stands.
This game marked a special moment for the Lions, as it showcased the team's recent rebrand. The new logo, website, and redesigned uniforms added to the excitement, giving fans fresh and vibrant gear to wear with pride. The Lions' revamped social media aesthetic and waving flags brought a renewed sense of identity and connection to supporters both old and new. This rebrand reflects not only the team’s growth but also its deepening ties with the community, offering fans more ways to engage and show their loyalty.
The event also served as a shining example of collaboration and sportsmanship within the basketball community of Bergen. Together with Basketakademiet, Harald Reyes of Fyllingen Lions, and Baard Stoller of Frøya Basketball, a recent collaboration was formed, agreeing on a 10-year plan to lift the sport across the region. This spirit of this collaboration was symbolized before the game, with Frøya lending Fyllingen their bleachers, welcoming fans from both communities to come together. The collaboration also focuses on merging youth programs, encouraging children from Fyllingen and Frøya to unite and grow through basketball, creating a stronger, more connected basketball culture.
Geographically, the two clubs are linked by more than just basketball. Between Fyllingen and Frøya is Fyllingsdalen Theater, the home of Cirkus Balance Bergen, a place that embodies the spirit of creativity and community—two qualities that are integral to both sports and performing arts.
Beyond the game itself, the Lions partnered with Cirkus Balance Bergen for a show-stopping halftime performance that left the audience in awe. The dazzling display of acrobatics and talent mirrored the excitement and passion of the game, reminding everyone that sports and entertainment are shared experiences that bring people together and create lasting memories.
"Today's halftime entertainment was high-flying. Cirkus Balance started in Fyllingsdalen Theater, and today has 200 young students. The halftime performance featured Ida and Ariel, who started in Western Norway's only circus school as children. Today they are both instructors and artists. You will find them in the autumn's new season of Norske Talenter. Cirkus Balance is a welcoming space for all.” - Jørn Kvist, Cirkus Balance Bergen
Basketball may have been the main event, but the true success was seeing fans and supporters from all corners of Bergen come together, united by their love for the game and their pride in the city. The Fyllingen Lions continue to be a beacon of positivity, fostering connections through sport and promoting values of teamwork, kindness, and togetherness.
This event was a big win—it was an evening of joy and the celebration of community spirit, reflecting the impact basketball can have in uniting people and spreading positivity. The Lions’ rebrand and their collaboration with Frøya add another layer to strengthening the local community.
