Monrovia – NPA Pythons have been crowned champions of the 2026 Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) First Division League after defeating LPRC Oilers 3–2 in a thrilling best-of-five championship series on Saturday, August 15, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Gymnasium.
By Christopher C. Walker | [email protected]
The Pythons secured the championship after winning the decisive Game Five 46–38, bringing an end to a closely contested series between two of Liberia’s leading basketball clubs.
With the championship series tied at 2–2 heading into the final game, both teams entered the decisive encounter knowing that victory would determine the 2026 league champion.
NPA Pythons, however, held their composure when it mattered most, producing a determined performance to defeat Oilers and lift the First Division championship trophy.
The victory caps a competitive campaign for Pythons, who displayed consistency and resilience throughout the five-game championship battle.
Pythons Earn International Opportunity
The championship also comes with an important opportunity beyond Liberia’s domestic competition.
As 2026 LBA First Division champions, NPA Pythons will represent Liberia in the upcoming FIBA Men’s Club competition, giving the club an opportunity to compete against some of Africa’s leading basketball teams.
The international assignment is expected to provide Pythons with valuable experience while giving Liberian basketball another opportunity to gain exposure on the continental stage.
Oilers Finish as Runners-Up
LPRC Oilers finish the season as runners-up after pushing the championship battle all the way to a decisive fifth game.
Oilers had entered Game Five with the opportunity to reclaim the title but were unable to overcome Pythons in the final encounter.
Their performance throughout the series, however, underlined the competitiveness of the LBA First Division.
D-Rockas Capture Women’s Championship
In the women’s division, D-Rockas emerged as the 2026 LBA champions after defeating Flames 3–2 in their best-of-five championship series.
D-Rockas sealed the championship in the decisive Game Five with a 61–58 victory on Saturday.
The closely contested final reflected the growing competitiveness of women’s basketball in Liberia, with both teams battling throughout the series before D-Rockas ultimately claimed the title.
Individual Awards
The 2026 LBA season also saw several players and coaches recognized for their outstanding performances.
First Division MVP: Jerror Tarwo – NPA Pythons
Women’s Division MVP: Ginny Johnson – D-Rockas
Third Division MVP: Bedell Freeman – JR Rockies
Best Coach: Raphael Quaye – NPA Pythons
The awards recognized individual contributions across the various divisions while highlighting some of the standout performers of the 2026 basketball season.
For NPA Pythons, the championship represents both a domestic triumph and the beginning of a new challenge, with the club now preparing to carry Liberia’s name into FIBA’s international club competition.
