With contemporary dramas like Bullet Boy, Kidulthood, Dead Man Running and Fish Tank doing little to dispel the notion of 'broken Britain', it's nice to come across a tale of inner city yoof that accentuates the positive.

Rapping on Romeo and Juliet, Freestyle follows the on-court trials and off-court tribulations of self-educating homeboy Leon (EastEnders fringe player Arinze Kene) and posh-schooled Ondene (Lucy Stanhope-Bosumpim).

They meet on the basketball court where Leon and his bruvs bust their moves – and a few balls.

But while the arrival of a middle-class priss-miss don't play with the local crew, it seems the girl got game.

The rivalry intensifies when a passing NBA scout (Colin Salmon) offers up ￡15,000 to the winner of upcoming freestyle competition.

Talent-wise, Ondene isn't in the same ballpark as Leon. She just needs an escape from her overbearing mother (Suzann McLean) and the relentless pursuit of a place at Oxford University.

Leon, on the other hand, needs the prize money to fulfil his own dreams. He becomes her coach, she becomes his muse, and together they find... that in life there's no such thing as a free throw.

Although the acting is generally closer to Grange Hill than Drury Lane, Kene shows bags of potential and Alfie 'brother of Lily' Allen is suitably obnoxious as the only white character of note, a wannabe 'playa' just begging to be happy-slapped.

It's also good to see that old Red Dwarf cat Danny John-Jules popping up as Leon's dad.

But while the plot sticks to the playbook, basketball star-turned-director Lee ensures the on-court action scores every time.

Big points too for a soundtrack that takes it to the baseline with the likes of Toddla T, Plan B and JME.

Keep your eye on the ball and it's an easy dunk.

Elliott Noble