GIRLS UNDER 16 PLAY OFF - QUARTER FINALS

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 79  DONCASTER PANTHERS 40 

After the success of their under 18 and under 14 teams, Southend Swifts under 16 girls looked to equal the club's 2007 achievement in getting all three teams to the National Finals being held at RAF Cosford on the weekend of 19th and 20th April.  To achieve this, Southend would need to defeat Doncaster Panthers, who had finished as runners-up in the very competitive Midlands Division. 

From the outset, Doncaster made their game plan very clear; they would stop Swifts Christina Gaskin by any means necessary.  The initially caused the hosts to alter their offensive formation giving other players greater room close to the basket.  From 4-2 down, Swifts made a 9-2 run, with Jennie Rodgers contributing five. Panthers hit back with the next four, to trail just 11-10 after eight minutes.  But a score from captain Francesca Whitby triggered nine straight for her team that took them 20-10 ahead at the end of the first quarter. 

Even more was to follow as Rodgers and Hannah Culwick both made three-point shots (Rodgers her second in three minutes) and an 8-1 run took Southend 34-11 ahead; a 23-1 spell in seven minutes.  With Gaskin freeing herself from the generally illegal attention, she managed seven points in the period that saw Swifts go into the half time interval with a 41-17 lead. 

A Whitby basket was the start of a 10-4 stretch that took the margin above 30; Maisie Elston with a three-pointer that ended the run.  Constant changes of personnel had little effect and a three-point play from Katie Doubleday helped her side to a 59-28 lead with one period remaining.

Gaskin and Whitby shared the first four points and a Doubleday three-pointer moved the scoreboard out to 68-30.  Doncaster, as to be expected, battled throughout the contest showing huge defensive effort and determination.  But this Swifts team had nothing in their vision other than the big dance in two weeks time and a Culwick three-point play rounded off proceedings as they won by 79 points to 40.  Despite the close attention, Gaskin led the scorers with 20 points followed by Rodgers and Whitby both on 18. 

GIRLS UNDER 16 PLAY-OFFS - FIRST ROUND

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 117  WILTSHIRE DEMONS 36 

The play-offs in the girls under 16 National League brings together the top 16 teams from the 4 regional divisions that have competed since last October.  Southend Swifts, by virtue of winning the South 2 division, will have home court advantage for both the first round and the quarter final in their quest to reach the Final Fours at RAF Cosford.  Their opponents in the opening fixture would be Wiltshire Demons who finished in 4th place in South 1. 

From the opening tip, there was never any doubt of the outcome of the game.  Led by captain Francesca Whitby, Southend scored eight points in the first two minutes to establish their superiority. There was no let up from the hosts and with Jennie Rodgers and Christina Gaskin finding their way to the basket with regularity, Swifts registered the first 30 points of the contest before Wiltshire finally got onto the scoresheet.  Three Whitby scores kept her teams total moving and at the end of the opening quarter Southend led 38-2, with the captain already with 14 points. 

Changes of personnel had little effect as Maisie Elston, Emily Robson, Kitty Hall and Ellie Shaxon found the basket and the re-introduction of Gaskin saw the England international score 10 points in a three minute period as her team led 64-6 at the half time interval. 

Despite a change to a much less aggressive defensive formation, the third period saw the barrage continue with three-pointers from Hannah Culwick and Emma Scudder helping Southend to an 86-8 margin midway through.  Demons replied with the next five but 13 straight for Swifts took them 97-15 ahead with one quarter remaining.  Despite the one-sidedness of the contest, the hosts were producing basketball of the highest level that produced prolonged applause from the sizeable crowd. 

To their credit, Wiltshire continued to battle and actually shaved the final period as they put together their best spell of the match.  But the result was never in doubt as Southend recorded a resounding 117-36 victory to reach the quarter finals.  As is generally the case, there was an excellent spread of the points with Gaskin on 31, Whitby 23, Elston 16 and Rodgers 12.

CADETTES ARE NO MATCH FOR MANCHESTER

Cadette Women’s Play Offs 1^st Round

Manchester “Mystics”                             68 - 42                   Northants “Lightning”

The Northants “Lightning” cadette women gave a good account of themselves in this 1^st Round Play Off game against one of the strongest teams in the country. In the end they just couldn’t match the intensity and speed of the “Mystics”  play. Some of the county girls were also slightly intimidated by the reputation of their oppoents.

Manchester won all four quarters but none of them by a massive margin and it was very interesting that 24 of their points were scored by a young lady from Stoke. For “Lightning” Whitney Bain and Ayesha Hillman scored 12 and 11 points respectively

w/e 16/03/08

GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH DIVISION

NORTHANTS LIGHTNING 37  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 86 

Southend Swifts under 16 team travelled to Northants knowing that victory would clinch the divisional title.  Unavailabilities meant just seven players made the trip but there was no lack of determination to bring back the win. 

Southend started well, scoring the first five points and back-to-back three-pointers from Hannah Culwick helped the margin move out to 15-2.  The home side showed excellent resolve and they scored the final three baskets of the opening period to reduce the deficit back to 19-10. 

Three-pointers from Grace and Abbey Keys helped their team to a 19-1 run over the first six minutes that effectively put the game away and although the intensity level dropped, the half time margin stood at 41-15. 

Grace Keys and Maisie Elston shared the first 10 points although Lightning hit back with the next six.  A 9-2 spell, with further treys from Grace Keys and Culwick, again took the margin over 30 and further concentrated work made it 67-27 going into the final stanza. 

Northants, who are all one year below the age level, showed excellent defensive energy as they battled at every stage.  10 straight for Swifts made it 82-32, Katie Holland with a three-pointer, but the home side never let up despite the 86-37 loss.  For Swifts it was again an excellent points spread with Elston on 20, Grace Keys on 19 and Culwick and Abbey Keys on 18.

CADETTE WOMEN COME UP JUST SHORT AGAINST “HATTERS”

Cadette Women’s Midland Conference

Sheffield “Hatters”                              71 – 58                  Northants “Lightning”

Including a National Cup game this was the third time these two teams have met this season and each time they get a little closer to the hard-nosed northerners. On this occasion the county girls can look back on a 12 –zero run midway through the second quarter for defeat on this occasion. At all other times “Lightning” looked well capable of handling the team who came runners up in the National Cup.

Coach, Andy Cox was pleased that ten of his players contributed points but only Whitney Bain with 15 and Ayesha Hillman with 11 could get into double figures.

The team has qualified for the end of season Play Offs but almost certainly face an away game.

“LIGHTNING TOO” HIT A BIG LOW

Cadette Women’s South Conference

Northants “Lightning Too”                32 - 65             West Herts “Warriors”

Three weeks ago these two teams battled out a nail-biting triple overtime game which the “Warriors” won by just two points; so the Northants “Lightning Too” went into the latest contest full of hope of gaining a win. In the event the game turned out to be one sided affair with “Lightning Too” never getting into their stride and struggling to score throughout the entire game.

06/03/08

w/e 02/03/08

GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 112  READING ROCKETS 29 

Southend Swifts under 16 girls welcomed Reading Rockets to their home court at Fitzwimarc School for their latest league fixture.  The teams have met twice previously this season, with Southend recording 62 and 74 point victories, but since then Reading have shown distinct improvement and currently sit in third place in the table. 

From the start Swifts were determined to stamp their authority on the game.  Playing with breathtaking speed and power, they opened a 17-2 lead after just five minutes, with birthday girl Katie Doubleday prominent.  Rockets had the next score before Southend registered 22 points in a row that effectively ended the match as a contest.  Jennie Rodgers seemed to have the ball magnetised as she had numerous steals that she either fed to her team mates or converted herself; the score at the end of the first quarter 39-8. 

Changes of personnel had little effect as Grace Keys, Kitty Hall and Maisie Elston came off the bench to score freely and with Doubleday converting her second three-point shot on her way to a personal haul of 18 first half points her team held a huge 67-18 lead at the midway interval. 

Southend went to a more passive defensive formation in the second half, which slowed up the rate of scoring but with Hannah Culwick scoring seven in a 13-0 run, the margin moved above 60 at 80-18.  Abbey Keys converted some excellent moves around the basket as Swifts made the last 10 points of the third period to lead 92-21 going into the final 10 minutes. 

The intensity naturally dropped as the hosts rested their front line players before making a final flourish with a 16-2 spell in the last five minutes that gave Southend a very good 112-29 victory.  Once again all 12 players made excellent contributions led by Katie Doubleday with a season high 22 points.       

CADETTE WOMEN COMPLETE DOUBLE OVER BIRMINGHAM

Cadette Women’s Midland Conference

Northants “Lightning”                         64 – 53                  Birmingham “Force”

The Northants “Lightning” cadette women kept their bid for a Play Off place alive with a battling 64-53 win over a determined Birmingham “Force” team. The county girls edged the first two quarters and by half time had established a 37-30 lead. Not for the first time this season the team lost their momentum in the third quarter allowing “Force” to get back into the game and take the lead at 47-45.

Coach Karen Goodrich impressed on her team that the game was there for the taking if they were prepared to lift the tempo of their play. Her team responded superbly and outscored the West Midlanders 19-6 to take the game 64-53.

In an excellent team performance Whitney Bain was the top scorer with 18 points. She received excellent support from Sarah Beatty who had her best game for some time with 13 points while Hannah Matthews contributed 10 and Katie Bayliss a vital 9.

LIGHTNING NO MATCH FOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Cadette Women’s South Conference

Northants “Lightning Too”                30 - 87             Haringey “Angels”

Against one of the best under 16 girls teams in the country the Northants under 15’s refused to give up even though the odds were stacked against them. They lost all four periods of play but kept trying to the end. The final margin of defeat was rather cruel with “Angels” going on a 12- zero run at the end of the game.

For “Lightning Too” Alex Harper was her usual competitive self with 8 points a tally matched by Holly Brown.

w/e 24/02/08

GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH DIVISION
WEST HERTS WARRIORS 36  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 79

Southend Swifts under 16 girls team travelled to West Herts Warriors for their latest league outing as they looked to remain in first place in their division.  The teams had met on two previous occasions this season, with Southend winning by 64 and 43 points, and they took the opportunity of resting England international Christina Gaskin from their line-up.

Swifts, fresh from their National Cup triumph, immediately stamped their authority on proceedings scoring the first 14 points of the contest with Ellie Shaxon and Hannah Culwick on five apiece.  A three-pointer from captain Francesca Whitby continued the barrage and it wasn't until the 9th minute that Warriors managed their first basket  from open play, although this failed to stem the tide as Southend led 20-6 at the end of the first quarter.

Another Whitby three-pointer got her team underway in the second period and Shaxon showed her huge improvement with her team's next eight as the margin increased to 31-14 and a further 6-2 run made it 37-16 at half time.

West Herts had their best spell at the start of the third period, scoring the first six points, but normal service quickly resumed as Swifts put together a 12-0 stretch that took them 49-22 ahead; Whitby with her 3rd and 4th long range efforts from 100% shooting.  A further 5-2 spell leaving Southend 54-26 ahead at three quarter time.

Constant changes of personnel had little effect and with Emma Scudder producing an excellent display at both ends of the court the margin continued to grow.  Jennie Rodgers found her shooting touch with 8 in the final period as Southend closed out victors by a 79-36 margin. 

Shaxon led the scorers with a career high 21 points, with Whitby on 18 and Rodgers 15,

GIANTS NO MATCH FOR RAMPANT CADETTE WOMEN

Cadette Women’s Midland Conference

Mansfield “Giants”                               108 – 58                                Northants “Lightning”

Like a number of the Northants teams the Northants “Lightning” cadette women’s team has had to cope with more than their fair share of injuries. For last Saturday’s game against Mansfield “Giants” the team was still missing two key players while several others were far from 100% fit. In the end the Northants girls recorded an emphatic win with all nine players making a contribution to the scoring.

Coach, Andy Cox was delighted by the contribution of all his players and the manner in which they tackled the team and individual goals he set the team. “Lightning’s” ability to play at pace was too much for the Mansfield girls but the home side battled manfully to the end of the game refusing to give up.

High scorers for “Lightning” were Whitney Bain, Chloe Burdett and Sascha Thompson. Hannah Matthews made a significant contribution while Sarah Beattie scored 11 points and made an important defensive contribution.  

Cadette Women’s South Conference

Northants “Lightning Too”                45 -34                          Ipswich “Bobcats” 

Both Ipswich and Northants are fielding under 15 teams in this under 16 league and for the third time this season “Lightning Too” came out on top of a low scoring game. The Northants girls kept their noses in front despite a determined performance from the Ipswich girls who won the second quarter and tied the fourth. 

“Lightning Too” got points contributions from all nine of their players but not one of them managed to get into double figures.

Late on Friday evening the Northants club were informed that Leicester couldn’t raise a Cadette women’s team for the next day so the game was awarded to Northants “Lightning” 20-zero.

SURESHOT UNDER 16 GIRLS NATIONAL CUP FINAL
SHEFFIELD HATTERS 61  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 87
Southend Swifts under 16 girls team travelled to the superb Wildcats Arena in Nottingham looking for the clubs first ever junior cup win in their 12 year history.  Their opponents were Sheffield Hatters, the most famous and successful club in the history of women's basketball in England.

In front of a large crowd, despite an 11 am tip-off, Southend made the brighter start scoring the first three points and a Hannah Culwick three-pointer took them 8-2 ahead.  Sheffield made their first field basket after four minutes to reduce the deficit to 9-5 before a 7-2 run, with 5 from Christina Gaskin, took Swifts 16-6 ahead. Hatters showed their renowned tenacity by scoring 9 of the final 11 points of the quarter to trail just 18-15 after the opening 10 minutes.

Southend’s pressing defence was constantly troubling Sheffield and with Gaskin and Jennie Rodgers dominating close to the basket, the lead extended to 31-21 after four minutes. Captain Francesca Whitby controlled proceedings and although Hatters scored the next four points, a 10-1 spell for the Essex side made it 41-26; Maisie Elston working particularly well at both ends of the court.  A Rodgers three-pointer helped maintain the momentum and at the half time interval Swifts held a 48-34 lead; Gaskin already with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

But the Yorkshire side simply would not lie down and they had their best spell, outscoring Swifts 11-6 over a four minute period, to trail just 54-45 and make it a real contest.  The next six minutes, however, would see a complete transformation of the match.  A change of defensive formation brought immediate rewards as Swifts rapidly turned defence into attack.  Fast break scores from Abbey Keys and Rodgers gave them 11 straight points and after a Sheffield score, Gaskin and Whitby combined for the next seven to give their team a seemingly
unassailable 72-47 lead going into the final stanza.

Gaskin and Whitby shared the first four points and even the loss of Rodgers, having committed her fifth foul, failed to stop the flow as the margin extended to 80-51. Hatters, to their great credit, replied with the next six but the dominant Gaskin had the same total to herself and allowed Southend the luxury of removing all of their starting players to huge applause from the crowd.

The final margin of 87 points to 61 was just reward for a superb team effort that saw all 12 players have a major involvement in the victory. But the statistics line showed the contribution of three of their players.  Captain Francesca Whitby had 11 points, seven assists and three steals as she directed the tempo of the entire match.  Jennie Rodgers contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds, seven steals and four assists.  Christina Gaskin, still with a further year to play at this level, had 38 points, a monumental 25 rebounds and five blocked shots that earned her the Most Valuable Player award for the game.

The match had been played in a superb spirit with both sets of spectators supporting their own teams but offering fulsome applause to their opponents; a true testimony to how sport should be played.

SECOND CADETTES BEATEN BY READING

Cadette Women’s Midland Conference

Northants “Lightning Too”                              44 -73                    Reading “Rockets

The Northants under 15 girls playing a year young in the Cadette Conference slipped to a 29 points defeat against Reading “Rockets” but once again showed that they are learning a great deal. Their experiences this season will only benefit them when they play in the same age group next season.

Against “Rockets” they lost all four periods but were competitive in three of them until fatigue became a major factor in the fourth. The whole team battled hard with Imogen Aisbett enjoying her best game of the season in scoring 19 points.

CADETTES DISAPPOINT IN YORKSHIRE

Cadette Women’s Midland Conference

Doncaster “Panthers”                           67 – 42                  Northants “Lightning”

Earlier in the season these two teams battled out a four point game, but on Saturday “Panthers” ran out comfortable winners. On the evidence of this game Doncaster have improved considerably but in all fairness “Lightning” did not play to their full potential.

The first quarter saw “Panthers” make the more confident start as the county girls started slowly after the drive to Yorkshire. They did respond later in the quarter but still trailed 20-11 at the end of the period. Doncaster edged the second quarter 17-11 with “Lightning” ruing a number of missed scoring opportunities.

Trailing 37-22 at the break the Northants girls needed a good third period but in fact they too frequently lost possession and gave “Panthers” easy scoring opportunities. They outscored “Lightning” 15-6 during this quarter and at 52-28 the game was as good as over. The two teams ‘went through the motions@ in the final period Doncaster finally running out winners by 67 points to 42.

In the 25 point defeat Whitney Bain  scored 12 points and Sarah Beattie gave of her very best and contributed 10 but no other “Lightning” player could get into double figures.

SECOND CADETTE TEAM BEATEN IN DOUBLE OVERTIME

Cadette Women’s South Conference

Northants “Lightning Too”                 55 – 57                  West Herts “Warriors”

[47-47]   [51-51]

The Northants “Lightning Too” cadette women playing a year young in the South Conference just failed to pick up their third win of the season. They were beaten in double overtime by West Herts “Warriors” after staging a spirited comeback which looked like giving them victory.

At 44-26 down after the third quarter “Lightning Too” looked dead and buried but they raised the whole tempo of their game in the final period and outscored their opponents 21-3 to tie the scores at 47 all. Thanks to a successful free throw from Imogen Aisbett.

In both periods of overtime both teams had opportunities to win the game and the excitement kept a big crowd on tenterhooks but in the end it was the “Warriors” who scored the vital basket to take the win.

All ten “Lightning Too” players gave of their all none more so than Alex Harper and Saschon Marshall who both scored 11 points. Kayla Maynard contributed an important 10 points while Cheyka Holme’s 9 point haul came at a vital time.

w/e 20/01/08

GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL CUP – SEMI FINAL

ELLESMERE PORT PANTHERS 67  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 68 

After the disappointment of their under 18 team’s defeat in Manchester, it was for Southend Swifts’ under 16 team to see if they could get to a National Cup final when they travelled west to meet Ellesmere Port Panthers.  Both sides have had just one defeat in their league campaigns so far this season, so a close contest had to be expected. 

Swifts took an early 5-1 lead, but Panthers replied with the next six to lead by two.  An 8-3 run took Southend five ahead and after the teams exchanged a basket, the visitors ended the quarter with a 10-1 run that gave them a 25-13 first quarter lead. 

The margin increased to 14 after two Jennie Rodgers scores before Panthers hit back strongly to trail just 29-24.  But in the space of tow minutes Swifts looked to have made a decisive impact.  Two huge three-point shots from Hannah Culwick were part of a 10-0 run that took the lead to 15 and should have put the game out of sight.  But the Essex side entirely lost their concentration, conceding a 13-2 spell that saw them lead just 41-37 at the half time interval. 

Panthers immediately brought it back to one point with a three-pointer from the excellent Amy Bowen but four from Katie Doubleday were part of a 6-0 stretch that took Southend seven ahead.  Rodgers and Culwick combined for some intricate inside play and a three-pointer from captain Francesca Whitby helped their team to a 57-48 lead before Ellesmere Port scored the final two baskets to reduce the deficit to 57-52 going into the final stanza. 

The start of the final period would see a disastrous five minutes for Swifts as they failed to score, whilst Panthers 11 unanswered to lead 63-57 and the large crowd in a state of euphoria.  There seemed no way back for Southend as the momentum was entirely in the hosts favour.  But the young ladies had other ideas.  Rodgers and Whitby scored to make it a two point game.  Panthers had the next basket but four straight for Rogers tied the game up at 65 with three minutes left and the noise deafening.   

The home side again went ahead but Whitby snaked her way through to again level matters with one minute remaining.  Panthers turned the ball over and on a Swifts fast break Culwick was fouled heavily.  Despite her injury, she managed the second foul shot to put her team ahead and Swifts to retain the ball.  A shot was unsuccessful and Panthers had 19 seconds to make what would seemingly be the final shot.  Swifts defence was resolute but in a tussle Panthers got the ball back with 3 seconds remaining.  But again Southend stood firm as they recorded the closest of victories by 68 points to 67 and secure a place ion the final on February 10^th in Nottingham where they will meet the most famous club in womens basketball, Sheffield Hatters. 

It had been an outstanding team effort led by Rodgers on 26 points, Whitby 15 and Culwick 11.

ROUTINE WIN FOR ON-FORM CADETTES

Cadette Women’s Midland Conference

Hinckley & Bosworth “Lady Hoops”                        26 – 88                        Northants “Lightning”

The Northants “Lightning” cadette women kept their bid for an end of season play off berth on course with a comfortable win over Hinckley & Bosworth.

The game was as good as over by the end of the first quarter by which time “Lightning” had swept into a 22-4 lead. This was extended to 44-13 by half time and coach, Karen Goodrich was able to use the game to experiment with some alternating defences which might be needed in the stiffer tests to come later tin the season,

In the 40 plus point win all eleven players scored led by Chloe Burdett and Rovinj Allen who both scored 11 points while Hannah Matthews and Whitney Bain contributed 10 apiece.

BATTLING DISPLAY FROM UNDER 15 GIRLS

Cadette Women’s South Conference

Haringey “Angels”                     54 – 31                        Northants “Lightning Too”

The Northants under 15 girls playing a year young in the Cadette Women’s South Conference put up a battling defensive performance against one of the league’s strongest teams. “Lightning Too” got off to a shaky start after the journey to the capital and committed numerous errors against the “Angel’s” pressure defence.

Trailing 26-6 after the first quarter the team responded well for the remainder of the game restricting Haringey to just 28 points over the next three periods thanks to some hard-nosed defensive work. As confidence grew so did the point’s productivity and the team actually outscored their opponents 18-8 in the final quarter.

All the players gave of their all led not for the first time this season by the mercurial Alax Harper who scored 10 points and led the team magnificently.

w/e 13/01/08

“LIGHTNING TOO” RUN OUT OF STEAM

Cadette Women’s South Conference

Northants “Lightning Too”                 32 - 57                     LBR “Excelsior”

A “Lightning Too” side decimated by injuries and absences put up a superb performance for three quarters of this game against London side LBR “Excelsior”.

In the end sheer exhaustion and another injury were the main contributing factors to the defeat. Until then the team had put up a determined defensive performance and only trailed 26-34 going into the last period. Then the inspirational Alex Harper picked up a calf injury and “Excelsior” was able to launch numerous fast breaks. LBR took the period 23-6 to seal the win but all six players on the “Lightning Too” team could be very proud of their efforts

GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 72  WEST HERTS WARRIORS 29 

Southend Swifts under 16 girls team looked to continue on their winning ways when they entertained West Herts Warriors in their latest league match.  Southend had recorded a 95-30 victory when the teams met earlier in the season and took the opportunity of resting England internationals Francesca Whitby, Katie Doubleday and Christina Gaskin. 

A scrappy start saw Swifts lead 4-1 after four minutes but the team began to look a little more cohesive and at the end of the first quarter the lead was 15-3. 

Four points from Grace Keys and a Hannah Culwick three-pointer took the margin to 15 as all of the players got valuable court time.  Under 14’s Katie Holland and Francesca Moody showed little nerves as they made their introduction and a further Culwick three point shot helped her team to a 33-9 half time lead. 

The third quarter saw a much better performance with Ellie Shaxon and Kitty Hall scoring well and with Holland and Moody both getting onto the scoresheet it was 56-17 going into the final 10 minutes; Maisie Elston with a three-pointer ending the scoring run. 

Warriors certainly lived up to their name as they continued to battle, but there was really no way back and with Keys and Elston scoring well, Southend ran out comfortable victors by 72 points to 29 that leaves them at the top of the table.

w/e 06/01/08

GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH DIVISION

REDBRIDGE EXCELSIOR 19  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 106 

When these two teams met earlier in the season Southend recorded a 102-17 victory, but since then Redbridge have shown considerable improvement, winning three games out of six. Swifts were below full strength, missing captain Francesca Whitby, out with illness. 

After a slightly tentative start, with the scores tied at 2, Southend unleashed their range of moves as they scored 26 unanswered points to effectively settle proceedings; the first quarter lead standing at 28-4 with three different players already making three-point shots. 

Another 17-0 run, with two further players registering long range effort, took the lead above 40 and when Emma Scudder and Ella Rees got onto the scoreboard, all 11 participants had scored; the half time lead standing at 61-6. 

Kitty Hall dominated proceedings at the start of the third quarter, with eight of the first 10 points, and with Abbey Keys having her best game at this level, the lead was 85-10 going into the final period.  The intensity naturally dropped although Excelsior continued to battle bravely.  The 100 point mark was duly reached as Southend recorded a 106-19 victory with five players in double figures; the victory keeping Swifts at the top of the league table.

CADETTE WOMEN COLLAPSE TO “HATTERS”

Cadette Women’s Midland Conference

Northants “Lightning”                         60 - 74                   Sheffield “Hatters”

The Northants “Lightning” Cadette women lost heavily to Sheffield “Hatters” in a Cup match just before Christmas so when they were leading 45-30 early in the third period a real shock result looked to be on the cards. They then revealed the Jekyll and Hyde nature of their character as they allowed themselves to be outscored 18-2 over the next eight minutes of the period. The nightmare continued in the final quarter with the “Hatters” posting a 12-zero run to take a lead they were never to relinquish.

In the first two periods of the game “Lightning” played with calmness and purpose and they were good value for their 36-26 half time lead. When that lead was increased to fifteen points early in the third quarter victory looked to have been secured but as soon as Sheffield raised the intensity of their defence panic set in, poor passes were made and Sheffield were able to make steals which they converted into easy scores.

In the game which saw a 29 point turn around only Ayesha Hillman scored in double figures for “Lightning”.

 “LIGHTNING TOO” CLINCH WIN AGAINST “BOBCATS”

Cadette Women’s South Conference

Ipswich “Bobcats”             33 - 79                   Northants “Lightning Too”

The under aged Northants “Lightning Too” completed the double over Ipswich “Bobcats” at Maidenhall Leisure Centre last Saturday. The result came as the result of an excellent team effort despite the fact that the team were missing a couple of key players.

The Northants “Lightning” cadette women cruised to a forty points plus over Mansfield “Giants”. The county girls totally dominated the game winning all but the third period comfortably. Sascha Thompson and Chloe Burdett lead the “Lightning” scoring with 25 points apiece while Hannah Matthews and Whitney Bain also score din double figures.

For the visitors Helena Palmer turned in a quite remarkable performance scoring 30 of her team’s 45 points.

This is the third time these two teams have met this season and on each occasion the county girls playing a year under age have reduced the losing margin. Last weekend they could reflect on appalling start which saw them hand “Rockets” an 11 points start. To a large extent this was down to poor preparation which was due to a late arrival caused by Christmas traffic in Reading centre.

 For the rest of the game “Lightning Too” were competitive with their opponents but they never quite had the fire power to close the gap although they could be proud of winning the fourth quarter.

Coach, Sarah Kelly was proud of the effort put out by the whole team but she made special mention of a battling performance from Alex Harper who scored 13 points. Lucy Thomas and Isabel Sayer also battled hard in a team which is growing in confidence every time the play a game.

GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH 2 DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 86  IPSWICH BOBCATS 5 

This match saw the teams at either end of the league table meet; Southend with a 100% record from 5 games, whilst Ipswich were looking for their first win after 4 defeats. 

And so it proved that the table doesn't lie in a match that provided little help for either team.  A 34-0 lead in the first quarter slowed to 41-4 at half time as the hosts sat out their starting five players. 

At the end of the third period it was 55-5 and a further 26 unanswered points left it at 86-5.  The win keeps Swifts at the top of the table but they gained little else from the encounter.

GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH DIVISION

HARINGEY ANGELS 60  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 54 

The top two teams in the South Division met for the second time this season when Southend Swifts under 16 girls travelled to Haringey Angels.  Southend were without 6' 1" England centre Christina Gaskin, injured the previous evening, so would be conceding a huge height advantage to the London side. 

Both teams struggled to score early on as defences held the upper hand.  But Swifts pressure defence began to reap rewards.  Led by captain Francesca Whitby, they took the initiative, opening a 12-5 first quarter lead, keeping Angels to just two baskets. 

With Whitby and Jennie Rodgers continuing to dominate an 8-0 run took Southend 20-7 ahead but Haringey made their customary fightback to reduce the deficit to four at 22-18 and that was the margin at half time as the visitors led 26-22. 

Angels quickly tied the game up with the first two baskets but a 7-2 stretch for Southend gave them the advantage.  Hannah Culwick, having perhaps her best game for the club, was a dominant force at both ends of the court and she scored a three-point shot to take her team 38-32 ahead.  The hosts again replied with the next four but a 9-2 run for Swifts, with seven from Whitby, took them 47-38 ahead going into the final quarter. 

But Haringey never know when they are beaten.  They used their height advantage to keep Southend away from the basket and make a decisive 14-2 run to lead by three.  Swifts recovered their composure and a 5-2 stretch left the score at 55-54 going into the final minute.  A steal got Southend the ball back but they couldn't convert it into a score and Haringey were able to get the final five points to record a fine victory. 

For Swifts it had been an outstanding team performance led by Whitby on 24 points and Rodgers 15.

NO PROBLEMS FOR CADETTES

Cadette Women’s Midland Conference

Leicester “Cannons”                           36 – 65                  Northants “Lightning”

The Northants “Lightning” cadette women recorded a 29 point win over local rivals Leicester “Cannons” last weekend. The win came thanks to an excellent first half performance which saw the county girls coast to a 31-9 lead. The third and fourth periods were very different affairs with “Cannons” ‘upping’ the physicality of their play. This approach knocked the “Lightning” out of their rhythm but there was never any doubt about the final result.

All eight of Coach, Karen Goodrich’s players scored led by 12 apiece from Whitney Bain and Ayesha Hillman

SECOND HALF WOES COST “LIGHTNING TOO” DEAR

Cadette Women’s Southern Conference

West Herts “Warriors                            72 – 46                  Northants “Lightning Too”

Leading 32-29 at half time the Northants under 15 girls could manage only14 points in the third and fourth quarters combined as they slipped to defeat against older and physically stronger opponents from West Herts.

For “Lightning Too”, Isobel Sayer top scored with 10 points while Imogen Aisbett, Holly Brown and Georgia Wiles contributed to an n encouraging team effort.

“Lightning Too” are a n under 15 team playing in an under 16 league and one or two players showed their potential in this game. Alex Harper was industrious throughout the game and Lucy Thomas made some impressive moves but it was top scorer Isobel Sayer who caught the eye.

Despite a gutsy performance full of determination and commitment the county’s under 15 team were overpowered by a talented and athletic Haringey “Eagles” team. “Lightning Too” struggled against the “Angels” pressure defence and were guilty of committing a number of turn overs leading to easy scores for their opponents.

Once Haringey took off the pressure the game was far more competitive with “Lightning Too” only outscored 17-12 in the third period. In the heavy defeat all the county players battled hard and Isobel Sayer showed just how much she has improved with 12 points while Alex Harper and Georgia Wiles pplayed with a great deal of energy and commitment.

Northants Director of Coaching, John Collins was very critical of a system that pits less experienced players against the best teams in the country. “We have a group of young committed girls but the only competition open to them is the National League. Because this competition is organised on a regional basis it means we have to come up against the Haringey’s and Southend’s of this world on three occasions during the season. At a time when Long Term Athlete Development theories are telling us that young players should play against players of their own ability this is surely counterproductive. All credit to the teams who have developed talented players but surely it makes more sense for those teams to play exclusively against each other. This would help their players improve and give more encouragement for development teams like our.”

GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 92  READING ROCKETS 18 

These two teams had met the previous week in the National Cup, when Swifts had recorded a 62 point victory, so had to be favourites as they looked to record their fifth successive win. 

And so it proved as the home side scored the first 23 points of the contest in just six minutes to effectively settle proceedings.  Baskets were scored almost at will with Southend holding a 34-8 first quarter lead. 

The second period was a tamer affair as the hosts made constant changes in playing personnel to allow all 12 of their players court time; the half time margin standing at 51-16. 

The third quarter was a bizarre 10 minutes as Reading failed to find the basket even once while a very passive Southend registered 22 points of their own to lead 73-16.  The final period was little better for the visitors as they managed just two points as Swifts ended very comfortable victors by 92 points to 18, which keeps them firmly at the top of the table.

“WILDCATS” TOO STRONG FOR “LIGHTNING” 

Nottingham “Wildcats” with a team recruited from all over the East Midlands and beyond proved to be too strong for  a gutsy “Lightning” team. The home side took a low scoring first quarter 13-8 but the county girls got back to within one point midway through the second before losing their concentration to go behind 33-17 at half time. 

“Lightning” came out in determined mood for the third period and closed the gap to just eight points by end of the quarter. With just the glimmer of a chance of victory the Northants girls were unable to maintain the effort of that third period and as they grew more and more tired England player Jess Hurd began to dominate close to basket and she led her team to a 16 points win at 62-46. 

Northants “Lightning”                         102 -38                  Shropshire “Warriors” 

Twenty-four hours after their loss against Nottingham the Northants cadette women were back on court for a “Sure Shot” Cup game against Shropshire “Warriors”. In the end “Lightning” completed a comfortable win but they made to struggle for the first six minutes of the game. During that time they missed a number of easy scoring opportunities, gave the ball away far too easily and found themselves trailing 8-4. Some vital substitutions by Coach, Andy Cox restored order and from then on it was one way traffic. 

By half time the county girls had pulled out to a 52-21 lead and they continued to increase their lead for the remainder of the game. In the 102-38 win all ten “Lightning” players scored led by Chloe Burdett and Whitney Bain with 26 and 21 points respectively. 

POOR FOURTH PERIOD COSTS “LIGHTNING TOO” DEAR   

LBR “Excelsior”                 61 -39                    Northants “Lightning Too” 

Going into the fourth quarter of this South Conference game at Redbridge the young “Lightning Too” were still in contact at 43-33 but by this time they were totally spent and lost that last period 18-6 to put a rather one-sided look to the score. The county girls had been competitive for three quarters of the game and actually led 15-10 after the first period. 

In the 22 points defeat Alex Harper had another fine game scoring 14 points while Sashon Marshall rebounded exceptionally well

GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL CUP - 2ND ROUND

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 101  READING ROCKETS 39 

Southend Swifts under 16 side looked to build on their unbeaten league form when they welcomed Reading Rockets to Fitzwimarc School for a second round National Cup fixture.  The Berkshire side have also made a very good start to the season, winning their first three games as well as having a convincing 1st round cup win. 

From the start Southend were determined to stamp their authority on the game.  Pressure defence turned into almost instant attack and after four minutes it was 15-2 with all of the Swifts players on the scoresheet.  Reading managed to recover and got themselves into double figures in trailing 22-10, but the hosts seemed to get second wind and finished the opening quarter with a 14-2 run to lead 36-12. 

Unsurprisingly the second period was a more tepid affair as Southend continually rotated their personnel.  The lead extended to 51-17 but Rockets showed great resolve to register the final seven points of the quarter, to leave the margin at 27 points. 

This seemed only to spur Southend on and despite a change to a less aggressive defensive formation, they reeled off the first 17 points to take an unassailable 68-24 lead midway through the 3rd quarter.  Some of the passing between the players was a delight as they showed the team ethic in setting each other up for easy scores.  At the end of the period the score stood at 80-30. 

With the match effectively over, the play from both sides became very scrappy.  Swifts managed stretches of eight and seven points to lead 97-35 and despite Reading's best endeavours, the 100 point mark was reached in the dying seconds. 

Christina Gaskin had her second 30 point effort of the weekend with 34 points, Jennie Rodgers 19, Katie Doubleday 14 and Francesca Whitby 13 in a fine team performance. 

GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

WEST HERTS WARRIORS 30 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 95 

The start of a hectic days play and travel saw the Southend Swifts under 16 girls team in action at West Herts Warriors looking to maintain their unbeaten league record. 

Southend started well, taking a 10-2 lead after 5 minutes, before Warriors hit back with the next five to trail by just three points.  This, however, seemed to spur Swifts on and they scored 13 unanswered points to lead 23-7 at the end of the opening period. 

A 9-2 run further extended the margin and it was only constant changes in personnel that caused a slowdown in the scoring rate.  Despite this, the lead stood at 38-15 at the half time interval. 

Whatever was said during the break had a remarkable effect, as Southend gave some indication of their capabilities.  During the first five minutes of the third quarter they managed an incredible 30 unanswered points that took them 53 points ahead.  All five players on court showed great speed and dexterity as they forced their opponents into turnovers that were rapidly converted into baskets. 

Unsurprisingly the remainder of the contest was much quieter, although Swifts managed a further 24 points in the final quarter.  Christina Gaskin with 31 and Francesca Whitby on 19 were the leading scorers but this was a performance that saw all of their 12 player squad making major contributions.   

Cadette Girls Midland Conference

Northants “Lightning”               46 -50              Doncaster “Panthers”

Leading 40-31 going into the final period of play the Northants “Lightning” cadette women looked as if they would complete their first ever win over Doncaster. They did however, face one major problem and that was the number of fouls the team had picked up. In that fourth quarter no less than four “Ligh