Vantaa’s Venom Basketball Competes at EYBL U23 in Amsterdam

01.02.26 – Some games give you answers. Others give you perspective.

The second stage of the EYBL U23 competition in Amsterdam belonged firmly to the second category for our club.

Across several days, Venom Basketball, representing Vantaa on the international stage, competed in stage two of the European Youth Basketball League’s (EYBL) U23 season. There we faced a rotating cast of international opponents and each game brought with it a different set of physical demands, defensive schemes, and in-game adjustments. The European Youth Basketball League (EYBL) is built around multi-stage competition, and Amsterdam delivered exactly the kind of pressure one would expect.

For us at Venom Basketball, this stage of the U23 season wasn’t about chasing perfection, rather it was about understanding which habits translate internationally, which players rise to the occasion, and what still needs refinement. We finished this stage of the EYBL season 2-2. These kind of competitions play a key role in the broader European youth basketball development pathway, and Amsterdam reinforced why this exposure matters.

The EYBL games offer a clear look at how our Vantaa based basketball program is continuing to grow into an international competitor, one with real physical tools and emerging young talent.

Establishing Ourselves Early in Amsterdam

From the opening stretch of the EYBL’s U23 Stage II in Amsterdam, Venom Basketball made a statement with physicality and presence inside. Ball movement helped us create advantages, defensive pressure forced mistakes, and rebounding quickly became a defining strength, and a key factor for our basketball team when coming up against international competition.

Michael Pietrzyk (Mike) opened Stage II with a statement performance, scoring 29 points while attacking mismatches and setting the offensive tone for Venom Basketball. Niklas Lalli delivered a strong 16-point, 10-rebound double-double, and our young center Alexander Osaayi-Edwins (Alex) controlled the paint and the glass with 14 rebounds, repeatedly extending possessions and anchoring stops. These performances reflect the style of play Venom Basketball aims to consistently reproduce.

Player Spotlight: Michael Pietrzyk

29 points in the opening game against Richards Elite
Efficient scoring from multiple areas
Set the offensive tone early for Venom Basketball

Michael’s ability to score within the flow of the game and remain aggressive throughout gave Venom Basketball early momentum and confidence against EYBL opposition, a trait that consistently separates high-impact players in elite European youth competitions.

Consistency Under Pressure

As Stage II progressed, games slowed, and physicality increased, a familiar pattern in EYBL competition. Success depended less on pace and more on patience, execution, and winning second chances.

This was also where small mistakes were magnified. Turnovers and offensive rebounds made stretches of Stage II harder than they needed to be, allowing opponents to extend possessions and preventing us from fully capitalizing on strong defensive sequences.

Against Rome City Institute, Alexander Osaayi-Edwins delivered a dominant 26-point, 16-rebound double-double, controlling both ends of the floor. His rebounding limited second chances, while his interior scoring stabilized Venom’s offense during key stretches.

Alongside him, Nima Divargar added 17 points, providing timely scoring. Atte Peltonen consistently influenced the game beyond the stat sheet, rebounding, defending multiple matchups, and keeping structure when pressure increased.

What this EYBL stage showed us is that our base level is good, we can compete physically, and we have players who can step up. But Stage II also made it very clear that every possession matters. When we rebound together and stay disciplined, we control games. When turnovers creep in, or we give teams extra chances on the glass, the margin disappears fast. That’s a valuable lesson for this group.

Damion Dantzler

Head Coach

Player Spotlight: Alexander Osaayi-Edwins

26 points, 16 rebounds vs Rome City Institute
Multiple double-digit rebounding performances
Consistent interior defense and physical presence

Alex’s Stage II performance reflected what players competing in high-level international basketball strive to provide their teams with: rebounding, rim presence, and physical consistency.

When Margins Decide Outcomes in the EYBL U23

Later in the second stage details began to decide outcomes. That challenge was intensified by scheduling, with the final two games of our Amsterdam journey being played on the same day. The team’s physical durability, focus, and recovery under EYBL conditions were being put to the test.

Against Hot Pepper Heat, Venom Basketball remained competitive throughout, with Atte Peltonen leading the way with 19 points, showing confidence and composure when scoring opportunities mattered most. Defensively, Venom continued to battle on the glass, but a combination of turnovers and second-chance points gradually shifted momentum.

EYBL competition is unforgiving, effort keeps teams close, and execution wins possessions.

Player Spotlight: Atte Peltonen

19 points vs Hot Pepper Heat
Strong rebounding impact
Defensive versatility across multiple matchups

Atte’s ability to impact games in several areas became increasingly important as Stage II progressed and margins tightened.

A Demanding Finish to Stage II

The final game of Stage II was the most physically demanding. Pressure was constant, and maintaining defensive structure required sustained focus.

During the final game, Alexander Osaayi-Edwins was forced to exit the game early in the first quarter due to injury. Alex had been one of Venom’s most consistent contributors throughout this stage of the U23 EYBL, and his early exit was an unfortunate way to close what had otherwise been a strong showing for him.

What Stage II of the U23 EYBL Ultimately Gave Venom Basketball

Beyond individual stat lines, this stage of the U23 EYBL delivered clarity for Venom Basketball.

It confirmed that we:

Have players capable of high-level EYBL scoring performances
Can produce double-doubles through physicality and discipline
Possess a rebounding and defensive foundation that translates internationally

It also highlighted where improvement is still required:

Reducing turnovers
Finishing defensive possessions by limiting offensive rebounds
Sustaining defensive focus across multiple games
Turning defensive stops into consistent scoring

These are exactly the lessons the European Youth Basketball League is designed to teach.

Bigger Than One Stage for Vantaa Basketball

For us at Venom Basketball, EYBL is part of a longer Vantaa basketball development pathway. Each stage builds toward consistency, maturity, and identity against international opposition.

For us, the U23 EYBL’s Stage II in Amsterdam delivered perspective and direction.

You can continue following Venom Basketball through our official website and on Instagram.