04/10; 11/10; 18/10; 25/10; 01/11; 08/11; 15/11; 22/11; 06/12; 13/12; 17/01; 24/01; 31/01; 07/02; 14/02; 21/03;

 

 

 

W/e 21st March 2010

Middlesbrough Lions Crowned 2010 Champions

Middlesbrough Lions U16 70-56 Bradford Dragons U16

The Junior Lions entered this game knowing that their Play-off place was secure but the North East Conference Title and Home Court advantage in the Play-offs was at stake. Standing between them and the 2010 Championship was a tough Bradford Dragons team that had already beaten the Lions twice this season and indeed were the only team to have a winning record against them.

The home team were up for the challenge and came out fired up from the tip, the tough defence which has been a feature of the whole season was evident from the start, with Jordan Nicholls and Dan Brown shutting down the top of the zone and Marshall Paterson, Shane Beadle and James Parkin forming an impenetrable wall at the back. The offence was proving just as effective with Nicholls threading the needle with full court passes finding the impressive Paterson who dominated early proceedings for the first six points of the game. The pair then linked up again with Nicholls finding Paterson open for a 3 pointer. Nicholls was next to register points for the home team after stealing the ball at the top of the key and taking it full court under pressure.

At the mid way point of the first quarter Danny Chirnside checked in and immediately contributed with an offensive rebound and put back to put the Lions up 13-0. With six minutes played the visitors had not registered on the score sheet until Forbes hit a 3, but this only galvanised the Lions who stepped it up even more with a 3 from Nicholls followed by an And 1 from Brown after being fouled on the drive and then adding a tear drop from the base line.

Chris Chapman registered his first points from a fast break to complete a 10-0 run, with only seconds remaining in the quarter Bradford managed a basket from inside the paint to leave the score at 23-5 at the end of the quarter but the tone had been set the Lions Defence was solid and the Offence was flowing well the superiority of the home team had been established and it looked unlikely to be broken.

The second quarter was a closer affair but the same tough defence was evident with nothing being given up cheaply, David Budd got the scoring started for the Lions with the other points being shared between Chapman, Chirnside and Alan Slasor. Parkin was having an influential game under the boards but the home team were being lead by Nicholls and Paterson, the former was distributing the ball brilliantly with vision and control and Paterson was dominating the boards at both ends and blocking out shots and scoring at will, the half time score was 39-20 in favour of the Lions.

The second half continued in the same manner with the tough Defence setting the tone regardless of the home team line up. The Dragons could not establish a foot hold in the game with the lead extending to as much as 27 in the third quarter. Shane Beadle registered his first points being in the right place at the right time on 3 occasions to finish off 3 fast breaks, the scoring was being spread around the whole team and despite the Bradford full court press the Lions were comfortable. Oliver Clarke and Hamza Askari both two years younger than the rest of the team, added valuable minutes to ensure the whole squad contributed to the win and the final score of 70 -56 did not accurately reflect the dominance shown by the Lions.

Nicholls had an excellent game at point orchestrating the offence finishing with double figure assists, Parkin was as tenacious as ever and Marshall Paterson dominated at both ends to cap off another great team performance. Patterson led all scorers with 21pts and added a host of rebounds and blocks.

Coach Nicholls said after the game "This reflects the improvement of every member of the squad over the season, they have worked hard to maintain a 100% home record and have only lost three games in total, fully justifying their first ever league Title."

The team now hold home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs and welcome North West League runners up Barrow to Middlesbrough allowing no rest for the Lions, but with the young guns in a confident mood and producing the best basketball of their season, the next game couldn't come sooner!

Club Chairman, James Thomson was full of praise after the game "Our juniors are the pride of the club this season. With so much to do, I have not been able to attend as many games as I would have liked, which makes these occasions even more special. Well done Sid, Stuart and the team."

Top scorers for Lions: Patterson 17, Brown 10, Parkin 8, Chapman 7, Chirnside 7, Beadle 6, Nicholls 5

 

The final period of the final game proved to be a tough one for Barnsley Leaders U16s. Leading by one point against the Vikings at York College the final period saw Zac Danks and Aivarus Vosylius fouled out as the Vikings hit twenty eight to the Leaders nineteen to win by eight points. (Sunday 21 March EBL NE Conference).

Ryan Bramley was quick off the mark with the game’s first two baskets, he added two more  and a further eight points from Arron Bailey helped Barnsley to a 17-12 lead at the first break. A Jack Hallsworth three pointer, six points from Zac Danks and two from Luke Rowley contributed to Barnsley’s eleven points in the second period as the Vikings hit twelve.

The second half started with Barnsley four points up but a 7-2 run put the Vikings one in front. Two lay ups from George Bentley helped Barnsley to a 38-34 lead but the Vikings pulled back at 38-38. Bailey, Bramley and Josh Addy were on target to give Barnsley a one point lead as the third period closed.

Captain Bailey kept scoring to the end, but the Vikings finished strongest to win 71-63. Power forward Bailey hit 29 points to bring his total for the season to 415 points in 15 games to make him the highest ever Barnsley EBL point scorer, having top scored in every age group from U13 to U16.

Leaders U16s: Arron Bailey capt.29, Ryan Bramley 10, George Bentley 6, Zac Danks 6, Jack Hallsworth 5, Josh Addy 3, Michael Watson 2, Martin Farmery, Aivaras Vosylius, Jake Wainwright. Coach Dave Dibb.

Other players who played in all fifteen EBL games were Jack Hallsworth (92 points),Aivaras Vosylius ( 76), Ryan Bramley (59). Other squad members were George Bentley (13games, 69 points), Jake Wainwright (13,13), Josh Addy (13,11), Zac Danks ( 12, 83), Martin Farmery ( 12,21), Reece Marshall ( 11,46), Matthew Wassell (11,18),

Michael Watson (10,6), Luke Rowley (9,30) and James Banner (3,1). Fifty three of Bailey’s season’s points came from the free throw line where he achieved a 53% success rate. Luke Rowley was best from the free throw line with 75% success.

 

W/e 14th February 2010

BOYS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

BEDFORDSHIRE KNIGHTS 84 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 49

With a depleted squad due to the late arrangement of the under 18 game, Southend Swifts under 16 boys team travelled to Bedfordshire Knights looking to build on their victory the previous week. The teams were in joint 5th place in the league table although Knights have played three games less.

Southend made the worst of starts, finding themselves 27-2 behind against a team with just six players on their squad and at the end of a very disappointing first quarter the score stood at 33-6. But there was much greater resolve in the second period. Led by Ross Mann, Swifts gave a much better account of themselves. They restricted their opponents to just 21 in the 10 minutes whilst scoring 16 themselves to trail 54-22 at half time.

The third quarter was an even better effort as the very young squad actually outscored Bedfordshire, with George Cassidy, Jack Adams and David Goates all finding the basket. The result was never going to be changed but the 66-36 score showed the young mens ability to battle.

The home side came out firing in the final 10 minutes but Swifts played some excellent defence, again keeping the very athletic Knights team below 20 points as they ended with an 84-49 loss that was entirely due to the first quarter display. Mann leading the way with 20 points.

 

After two defeats, earlier in the season, at the hands of Derbyshire Arrows, Leaders U16s turned the tables with an excellent fifteen point victory at Darfield on Saturday. (EBL NE Conference, Saturday 13 February).

With half term activities taking out three players Leaders faced the Arrows with a nine player bench. Forwards Arron Bailey and Ryan Bramley were supported by guards Jack Hallsworth, George Bentley and Aivaras Vosylius in the starting five. Forward Rory Wheatcroft won the tip for the Arrows but the visitors failed to take their first scoring chance and it was Bailey who hit the first points for the Leaders. Jack Hallsworth converted two free shots to give his team a 5-2 lead in the second minute.  George Bentley was Barnsley’s next scorer and Ryan Bramley worked well under the boards to add six points but the skilful guard, Nelson Mario, contributed fourteen points for the Arrows to help his team to a 16-15 lead at the close of the first period.

Top scorer Arron Bailey had a spell on the bench after picking up two early fouls but Martin Farmery was soon on target for the Leaders, then Aivaras Vosylius hit a three pointer to put Barnsley 22-20 in front. Arrows captain Matt Oakey hit a three pointer as the Arrows hit back to lead 33-25 before baskets from George Bentley, Matt Wassell and Ryan Bramley reduced the arrears to two points at 33-31 at half time.

Arron Bailey, back in the action, was first on target for the Leaders in the second half, and a three pointer from Jack Hallsworth edged a 38-37 lead for Barnsley. Mario beat the Leaders defence to score two more baskets but five points each from Vosylius and Bailey in a 15-4 Leaders’ run gave them a 53-41 lead at the close of the third period.

Bailey’s dominance under the boards became the key factor as he hit fourteen consecutive points in a 14-4 run for the Leaders as the Arrows main rebounder Rory Wheatcroft left the game with five fouls. Arrows captain, three point specialist, Matt Oakey tried to keep his team in the game with two three pointers but his scoring was restricted by good defensive work from Jack Hallsworth. Leaders’ George Bentley and Martin Farmery and the Arrows’ Connor Hindley were each fouled out as the final period progressed. With his team 71-46 in front Bailey took a well earned rest on the bench. The Arrows finished with a 10-0 run but the damage had been done and the Barnsley players celebrated a fine win after one of their best displays of the season.

Barnsley Leaders U16s

Arron Bailey 29, Ryan Bramley 12, Jack Hallsworth 9, Aivaras Vosylius 9, George Bentley 6, Martin Farmery 4, Matt Wassell 2, Jake Wainwright, Josh Addy. Coach Dave Dibb.

 

W/e 7th February 2010

BOYS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH CONFERENCE

ESSEX PIRATES 53  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 62

After the excitement of the under 18 boys game, it was the turn of Southend Swifts under 16 boys team to seek victory against Essex Pirates, who they have already beaten on two previous occasions this season.

Southend took an early 9-5 lead as captain Alex Gilbert found his way to the basket and they maintained their advantage to lead 13-9 at the end of the first quarter.  The home side hit back to lead 18-17 and the teams traded scores for the remainder of the 2nd period as the hosts led 31-30 at the midway interval.

Baskets from Gilbert, Ross Mann and the tireless Graham Oluwadare took Swifts 41-35 ahead and despite conceding a 6-2 run, Southend were able to hold on for a 47-43 lead going into the final 10 minutes.  An 8-3 start in the first five minutes settled the nerves and despite some indifferent foul shooting, just three scored from eight attempts, Swifts defence held strong as they recorded a well-deserved 62-53 win with Gilbert on 23 points and Oluwadare 19.

Second quarter slump costs Cadets dear

Cadet Men Premier League North

Northants “Thunder”  67 - 93  Sheffield “Sharks”

The losing streak of the Northants “Thunder” Cadet men was extended to five at the Northants Basketball Centre last Saturday. “Thunder” took on high-flying Sheffield “Sharks” and for three of the four quarters were totally competitive. The reason for their defeat was apparent to everyone in a healthy crowd as the home team were outscored 31-10 in the second period.In those ten minutes “Thunder” showed a surprising lack of discipline in offence and a worrying frailty in defence. It said a great deal for the team’s character that they came back strong in the second half which they actually won 37-35 but unfortunately it was a case of too little too late.

In the 26 points defeat Garnet Walters top scored with 15 points; Ben Care supported well with 11 points while James Harrison, Ali McClure and Matt Yates all made useful contributions.

W/e 31st January 2010

After Barnsley Leaders and the Dragons had each won one of their two earlier games Bradford Dragons won the decider  as the teams met at Darfield for the final time this season. (Saturday 30 January EBL NE Conference).

Zac Danks hit four consecutive baskets to put Barnsley 14-11 in front in the sixth minute but Forbes hit his second three pointer to level the scores for the Dragons. The visitors then edged in front at 19-17 as the first period closed.

The Dragons increased their lead to six at the start of the second period but free shots from Josh Addy and Jake Wainwright narrowed the gap to three points. Two three pointers then helped the Dragon’s to a 37-29 lead at half time. Eight points from Arron Bailey and four from George Bentley kept Barnsley in contention just nine points behind as the third period closed. Martin Farmery opened Barnsley’s scoring in the final period and Bailey hit his fourth consecutive free shot but then the Dragons fired off a trio of three pointers to jump into a twenty point lead and effectively write off Barnsley’s challenge, to finish with a 79-55 victory.

Barnsley Leaders U16s: Arron Bailey capt. 18, Zac Danks 14, Martin Farmery 6, George Bentley 4, Reece Marshall 4, Jake Wainwright 3, Ryan Bramley 3, Jack Hallsworth 2, Josh Addy 1, Aivaras Vosylius, Matthew Wassell, Michael Watson. Coach Dave Dibb.

 

Heartbreak for Cadets in double overtime

Cadet Men’s Premier Division North

Newcastle “Eagles”  86 – 83  Northants “Thunder

The Northants “Thunder” cadet men made the long trip to Newcastle on Tyne and ended up on the wrong end of an 86-83 score line after double overtime.

W/e 24th January 2010

Barnsley Leaders U16s frustrated their young coach Dave Dibb, who had steered his team to an eleven point lead, only for them to freeze in the final period and lose by eight points. (Eston Sports Academy, Middlesbrough, Sunday 24 January)

Leaders travelled to Tees side to take on the Middlesbrough Lions looking to avenge a thirteen point defeat in November. Experienced guards Reece Marshall and Jake Wainwright and Welsh trialist Zac Danks were unable to travel and EBL first season Rookies James Banner, Josh Addy and George Bentley were in a nine player squad.

Lithuanian born guard Aivaras Vosylius got his team off to a flying start with two three pointers in the opening two minutes. Another three pointer from Vosylius and contributions from forwards Ryan Bramley (4) and Arron Bailey (3) helped Barnsley to a 21-17 lead in the first period. Top scoring captain, power forward Bailey, hit ten points in the second period and guard George Bentley added four as Barnsley extended the lead to seven points at 38-31 by half time.

Two baskets from Jack Hallsworth, one from Bramley and another three pointer from Vosylius hoisted Barnsley’s lead to fourteen points mid way through the third period. Bentley having his best game so far, scored two more baskets as Barnsley finished the third period eleven points in front, having led the scoring from the first minute. Then came the big freeze, for some reason the Leaders lost their composure, could not retain the ball and suffered a 23-6 final period split, to lose the game 69-61 and give coach Dave Dibb a frustrating journey back to Barnsley. On the positive side two players Aivaras Vosylius and George Bentley both recorded their best EBL point scores, and the team hit sixty five percent from the free throw line, led by captain Bailey who has top scored in every game and hit his season’s best eleven out of fifteen free shots (73%).

On Saturday the U16s entertain Bradford Dragons, in what promises to be another close encounter. The action starts at 10.30am at the Darfield Foulstone School of Creative Arts Sports Hall. Leaders U14s travel to Bradford on Saturday morning to take on the Dragons and Hartlepool Heat.

Leaders U16s: Arron Bailey capt. 23, Aivaras Vosylius 14, George Bentley 11, Jack Hallsworth 7, Ryan Bramley 6, James Banner, Josh Addy, Luke Rowley, Michael Watson. Coach Dave Dibb.

 

Cadets join the fourth quarter slump club.

Cadet Men’s Premier Division North

Northants “Thunder  52 – 64  City of Birmingham

It was a case of double déjà vu for the Northants cadet men last weekend. For the second weekend running they threw away a game they should have won because of careless errors and like other teams in the club they suffered a fourth quarter slump.

Going into the final period of play against a gutsy and determined City of Birmingham side, the Northants boys trailed by just one point at 44-43. They were then outscored 20-9 to hand COB the advantage and despite their best efforts they were unable to close the gap and slipped to a very disappointing 12 points defeat.

Jordan Marshal was the only Northants player to get into double figures. He showed his new found perimeter shooting skills with four three pointers in his 16 point haul.

W/e 17th January 2010

Barnsley Leaders U16s gave NE Conference top team Durham Wildcats a scare, conceding defeat only in the final minute by three points, in their opening game of 2010. (Saturday, 16 January, Darfield Foulstone School of Creative Arts Sports Hall)

Leaders captain, Arron Bailey troubled the Wildcats with his strength under the boards, hitting all his team’s fourteen points in the first period, but the Wildcats had four players on target and edged a 16-14 lead.

Barnsley were showing their best form of the season against the Conference leaders as Bailey added ten more points and Luke Rowley opened his account. The Wildcats were not to be outrun and matched Barnsley point for point to maintain their two point advantage at half time.

Reece Marshall (6), Jack Hallsworth (5), Arron Bailey (4) and Zac Danks (2) were on target as Barnsley won a 17-15 split in the third period to level the scores at 43-43.

Ryan Bramley and Bailey were on target at the opening of the final period to put Barnsley four points in front. Durham hit back through top scorer Alex Riley and a Harvey Gallagher three pointer but half way through the final period Barnsley led 51-50. Durham hit back to lead 59-58 going into the final minute and a basket from Thomas Loveday sealed their victory at 61-58. Barnsley came very close to becoming only the second team to defeat the Wildcats this season and if they can maintain this level of performance they should be able to forge wins against lesser opposition in the second half of the season.

Leaders U16s: Arron Bailey capt. 33, Reece Marshall 8, Jack Hallsworth 7, Zac Danks 4, Luke Rowley 2, Ryan Bramley 2, Martin Farmery 2, George Bentley, Jake Wainwright, Aivaras Vosylius, Josh Addy, Michael Watson. Coach Dave Dibb.

 

Brave Cadets return empty handed

The Northants Under 16 Boys faced a tough weekend with a league game against Cheshire “Jets” on Saturday followed the next day with a National Cup quarter final against Sheffield “Jets”

Under 16 Boys North Premier League

Cheshire “Jets” 85 –  69  Northants “Thunder”

An under strength Cadet Men’s team travelled to the Wirral to take on Cheshire “Jets” a team they had defeated earlier in the season. “Thunder” found themselves trailing 28-12 after the first period of play but got back into the game in the second and by half time had reduced the arrears to just four points at 40-36.

By now “Thunder” were feeling the pressure of playing with just five players and fatigue combined with some poor defensive rebounding saw “Jets” edge the third and fourth periods by six points to take the game 85-69.

In the 16 points defeat Ben Care led the scoring with 21 points; Ali McClure supporting well with 17 points while Piers Toone and Jordan Marshal chipped in with 14 points apiece.

Cadets exit National Cup

Cadet Men’s Sure Shot National Cup Quarter Final

Sheffield “Sharks”  90 – 78  Northants “Thunder”

Less than 24 hours after their game against Cheshire the Northants cadets strengthened by their under 15 players took on Sheffield “Sharks” in a Sure Shot National Cup quarter final tie.

By the end of the first quarter the county boys had eased out to lead 24-18 but “Sharks” took the second 22-14 to lead 40-38 at half time.

The third period saw some excellent basketball with “Thunder” persisting with their full court man to man press and “Sharks” countering with excellent offence. Sheffield took the period 22-21 to open up a three point lead at 62-59 but the county boys were confident that they could take the tie. In the event and as on the previous day fatigue began to play a major part in the “Thunder’s” performance and this allied to some poor shot selection saw “Sharks” take the fourth period 28-19 and the game 90-78.

As on the previous day Ben care led his team’s scoring with 19 points. Piers Toone scored 16 while Ali McClure and Matthew Yates supported well with 16 and 15 points respectively.

W/e 13th December 2009

Defensive effort takes cadets into Cup quarter finals

Cadet Men’s National Cup 3rd Round

Northants “Thunder”  65 – 49  Reading Rockets

A magnificent defensive effort which saw Reading “Rockets” restricted to 29 points in the first three periods of play was instrumental in taking the Northants “Thunder” cadet men into the quarter finals of the National Cup.

The opening stages of the game saw both teams struggling to score points but an 8-zero run in the final two minutes of the period gave “Thunder” a 15-11 lead. The second period of play was the most productive for the county boys as their defensive effort forced s number of Reading turn-overs and easy scores. “Thunder” outscored their opponents 22-6 during that second quarter to a 37-17 half time lead.

“Rockets” came out in the third quarter with more defensive intensity in the third quarter but the “Thunder” ball handlers Matt Yates and James Harrison coped with the pressure well but the visitors use of a double high post offence caused the Northants defence some problems. Fortunately Reading missed a number of easy scoring opportunities and “Thunder” took the quarter 17-12 to set up a seemingly unassailable 54-29.

To their credit Reading came out for the final period of play with massive determination and a trapping defence which helped them go on a 13-2 run to get the score back to 56-42. It proved to be too little too late for Reading as “Thunder” kept their composure and closed the game out at 65-49.

Coach Peter Dewsnap was pleased that four of his players, Ali McClure, Piers Toone, Garnet Walters and Matt Yates all scored in double figures and by his team’s first half performance but less pleased by the fact that his team missed 15 attempts from the free throw line.

In the quarter final the Northants Boys will face fellow North Premier League side Sheffield “Sharks”

 

Guard George Bentley, in his first season in national league basketball, achieved his best ever EBL points haul with ten points, but Barnsley Leaders U16s trailed by fourteen at the close of their encounter with Derby Arrows at the Institute of Sport, Sheffield, on Saturday.

Baddeley opened the scoring for the Arrows, then Jack Hallsworth hit two free shots for the Leaders. Arrows captain, hot shot Oakey, posted a warning with his first three-pointer, as the Arrows took a 9-2 opening lead.

Leaders captain, power forward Arron Bailey, opened his account with two free shots and a rebound to narrow the

margin to 9-6.  George Bentley hit his first points by sinking two free shots to post an 11-8 score line in Derby’s favour. Bailey added five more points but at the close of the first period his team were 18-13 in arrears.

The first five minutes of the second period saw Oakey demonstrate his shooting prowess as he hit fourteen consecutive points, including three three-pointers to stretch The Arrows lead to 36-19. The 26-12 second period split gave the Arrows a 44-25 lead at half time and meant that the Leaders had a mountain to climb to get back into the game. The Arrows remained in control in the third period with a 17-11 split raising their lead to 61-36 with one period left to play. In a final effort to reclaim the initiative the Leaders pressed hard in the Arrows territory to build an 11-0 run with Jack Hallsworth hitting four consecutive baskets and Aivaras Vosylius adding a three-pointer.

The Leaders were, however, unable to maintain this resurgence and the Arrows consolidated with a 9-9 run which was sufficient to earn them a 70-56 winning margin. Oakey top scored for the Arrows with 29 points and Mario added 11. Bailey hit 20 for the Leaders with Bentley and Hallsworth adding 10 each

At the close of 2009, with seven EBL games completed, captain Arron Bailey’s leads the way with 193 points. Jack Hallsworth is next with 43 points illustrating the gap in scoring potential which the Leaders need to address, if they are to raise their game in the New Year.

Leaders U16s

Arron Bailey capt. 20, Jack Hallsworth 10, George Bentley 10, Aivaras Vosylius 5, Zac Danks 4, Reece Marshall 4, Mike Watson 2, James Banner 1, Jake Wainwright, Josh Addy, Ryan Bramley. Coach Dave Dibb.

W/e 6th December 2009

BOYS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 61  OXFORD BROOKES EAGLES 76

Next was the turn of Southend Swifts under 16 boys who met Oxford Brookes Eagles for the first time this season.  Southend went into the game with two wins from six games played whilst Oxford had three wins from their opening five games.

Swifts made a strong start with captain Alex Gilbert scoring his team’s first six points but Oxford hit back to lead 10-6.  Graham Oluwadare made his presence felt around the basket as neither team could seize the initiative and at the end of the first quarter the visitors held a 16-13 lead.

A three-pointer for Eagles looked set to take them clear but an 8-0 run for the hosts gave them a 21-19 advantage four minutes into the second period.  Oxford hit back well, with some excellent shooting from distance, and they re-took the lead at 30-27.   Oluwadare had the next three points to tie the game up before the visitors had the final basket to hold a narrow 32-30 advantage at the midway interval.

Southend made a slow start to the third quarter as they conceded the first six points but a superb 13-4 run took them 43-42 ahead after six minutes and the crowd becoming very animated.  Eagles battled back to get their noses in front but good work from Jordan Smith, having his best Swifts game of the season, got it back level before Oxford just winning the period to lead 52-47 going into the final 10 minutes.

Strong work from Oluwadare further reduced the deficit but an excellent 16-1 run gave Oxford the conclusive advantage.  Swifts continued to battle but there was no way back as they lost what had been an excellent contest by 76 points to 61.  Oluwadare with 28 points, Smith 13 and Gilbert 12 leading the scoring.

W/e 22nd November 2009

BOYS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

BADDOW EAGLES 61  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 52

The latest round of league fixtures saw the two elder Southend Swifts boys teams make the relatively short journey to take on Baddow Eagles.  First into action were the under 16s who had two wins from their five games with Baddow with four wins from their five.

Swifts captain Alex Gilbert again led by example with four of his team's first five points as they led by one.  The home side hit back with a 6-2 run and they maintained the initiative to lead 21-13 at the end of the opening quarter.

The margin increased to double digits as Southend’s offence completely dried up.  They managed just five points in the period with the only saving grace that Eagles themselves were only able to score 11 which left the score at half time at 34-18.

Swifts still could find little cohesion with just Gilbert and Graham Oluwadare finding the basket with any regularity.  A succession of three point shots from the home side enabled them to increase the lead to 49-24 before Oluwadare had three scores in a row but his team still trailed 52-34 going into the final 10 minutes.

With Baddow running their bench, Southend finally came back into the fray with Gilbert and Ross Mann scoring well but it was never going to be enough as Baddow ran out deserved winners by 61 points to 52 with Gilbert on 21 and Oluwadare 19 leading the Swifts scoring.

 

Barnsley Leaders U16s raced to a 15-2 lead after seven minutes against Bradford College Dragons at Bradford on Saturday but the Dragons, in their own den, fought back with a pressing defence to win by seven points at 72-65.

(EBL NE Conference, Bradford College, Saturday 21 November)

Forwards Arron Bailey (11) and Zac Danks (4) hit the points as Barnsley shot ahead in the first seven minutes.

After a time out called by Dragon’s coach Pournoori, the home side hit back to reduce Barnsley’s lead to 21-13 at the close of the first period.

Captain Bailey hit eight points as Barnsley built a thirteen point lead after four minutes of the second period. The Dragons again raised their game with an 11- 2 run to reduce Barnsley’s lead to four points at half time.

The Leaders missed four free shots as the Dragons hit seven points to take the lead for the first time at 38-35. Jack Hallsworth, Zac Danks and Jake Wainwright each contributed two points in a 6-0 run which restored Barnsley’s advantage at 41-38. The lead changed three times before the scores were again level at 44-44 with two minutes left in the third period.  The Dragons top scorer Dean then hit five points in a 7-5 run to restore the home team’s lead at 51-49 as the third period ended. George Bentley hit his second basket for Barnsley to level the scores at 51-51, then Bailey levelled at 53-53 after which the Dragons pushed ahead with a 8-0 run to lead at 61-53. The home side then maintained their lead to the end.

Barnsley’s weakness in turning over the ball in the back court proved to be their downfall as this gave the home side more scoring opportunities than the Leaders. Captain Bailey again gave the Leaders the opportunity of

a victory with a twenty nine point haul, and Zac Danks hit his season’s best of twelve points but until the guards improve the team’s ball retention these scoring feats will be in vain.

Barnsley Leaders U16s: Arron Bailey capt. 29, Zac Danks 12, Aivaras Vosylius 8, Jack Hallsworth 7, George Bentley 4, Jake Wainwright 3, Reece Marshall 2, Matthew Wassell, Luke Rowley, Ryan Bramley, Martin Farmery. Coach Dave Dibb.

W/e 15th November 2009

BOYS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 60  BEDFORD KNIGHTS 69

The first game of a hectic club weekend saw Southend Swifts under 16 boys welcome Bedford Knights to their home court at Eastwood High School.  Southend came into the game with two wins from four games whist Bedford had one victory from their three outings so far.

Swifts captain Alex Gilbert led by example early on, scoring his team’s first seven points, and two baskets from Alistair Smith put the home side 11-8 ahead.  Knights hit back with the next five and the teams traded baskets for the visitors to lead 18-17 at the end of the opening quarter.

A 6-2 run took them five ahead but the hosts scored nine straight to lead 28-24 midway through the second period; Graham Oluwadare with six.  Bedford replied with a 16-3 spell of their own as Southend contrived to miss seven out of eight foul shot attempts.  An Alfie Garrard score and four points from Oluwadare helped to stem the tide and at the half time break Knights led by 42 points to 37.

Swifts came out strongly scoring the first seven points to lead by two but six straight for Bedford gave them back the initiative.  Smith and Gilbert tied the game up but a 5-2 run made it 53-50 to Knights going into the final quarter.

Just four Southend points in the first five minutes got the visitors 62-54 ahead and despite two baskets from Oluwadare, Swifts could get no closer as they fell to a disappointing 69-60 defeat; Oluwadare on 22 points, Gilbert 16 and Smith 15 leading the scoring.

 

Captain Arran Bailey and Foulstone school mate Jack Hallsworth both hit their best points returns of the season, but finished on the losing side, as Middlesbrough Lions out shot the Leaders in the third period to take the game by thirteen points. (EBL NE Conference, Darfield Foulstone School of Creative Arts, Saturday 14 November).

Bailey out jumped the Lion’s big man, Beadle, to set up Luke Rowley to open the scoring for Barnsley. The Lions countered, with Nicholls scoring all ten, as the visitors led 10-6 after four minutes. The Bailey and Rowley combination then contributed eight more points to put Barnsley 14-10 in front. Middlesbrough regained the lead with an 8-2 run but points from Hallsworth (4), Bailey (2) and Reece Marshall(1) gave Barnsley a 23-18 advantage at the close of the first period.

The Lions opened strongly with a 6-0 run, but Bailey’s dominance under the boards, kept Barnsley in front at 36-32. The Leaders captain then turned an ankle and left the game for treatment. The Lions took advantage with a 7-2 run to lead by one, at 39-38, at half time.

The Leaders good work in the first half was undermined as docile defending allowed Brown to hit twelve points from long range shots in the opening four minutes of the second half, in a 12-2 run.  Jack Hallsworth hit seven points in succession for the Leaders but his team mates put too little pressure on the Lions’ sharpshooters  who shot their way to a 27-13 third period split, which effectively won them the game.

Barnsley pulled back two points in the final period with a 20-18 split but the third period lapses meant that this was too little, too late, as the Lions won by an 84-71 margin.

Barnsley Leaders U16s: Arron Bailey capt. 36, Jack Hallsworth 13, Reece Marshall 10, Luke Rowley 4, Ryan Bramley 2, Martin Farmery 2, Mattew Wassell 2, George Bentley 2, Zac Danks, Jake Wainwright, Aivaras Vosilius, Mike Watson. Coach Dave Dibb.

Mixed weekend for Cadet Men

Cadet Men’s Premier Division North

Northants “Thunder”   56 – 76  Trafford

National Cup 2nd Round

City of Birmingham  64 – 67   Northants “Thunder”

It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for the Northants cadet men with two performances that were totally different in character. In the league game against Trafford on Saturday the team defended with little or no intensity while their offensive effort was far too individual.

Trafford playing simple team basketball dominated the game and Coach Peter Dewsnap was horrified by his team’s record of 23 missed shots from the free throw line. In the 21 points defeat Garnet Walters top scored with 16 points while Piers Toone and Matt Yates contributed 15 and 12 points respectively.

In the Cup game against City of Birmingham the next day it was a completely different story with “Thunder” playing with much more energy. The team recovered from an eight point deficit at the end of the first quarter to trail 31-29 at half time. They stayed in touch with their opponents throughout the next two periods of play defending tenaciously, rebounding strongly and most importantly not turning the ball over.

The big play of the game came with just 23 seconds rebounding when Piers Toone coolly sank two free throws to give his side victory and a 3rd Round tie against reading “Rockets”. Toone led his team’s scoring with 27 points and he also pulled down 7 rebounds. He received excellent support from the ever reliable Garnet Walters who scored 12 points. The team only turned the ball over on four occasions thanks to the back court control of Matt Yates who scored 12 points and Ben Care who chipped in with 6 points. One statistic that must have pleased Coach Dewsnap was his team’s 14 from 23 record from the free throw line.

W/e 8th November 2009

BOYS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 69  ESSEX PIRATES 51

The final game of the weekend saw Southend Swifts under 16 boys team look to emulate their under 18 colleagues when they also took on Essex Pirates at their home court at Eastwood High School.  Southend had one win from three games whilst Pirates were still seeking their first victory of the season.  Southend went into the match missing captain Alex Gilbert and the injured Charlie Medina-Smith.

Pirates made a strong start, opening a 9-2 lead, as Swifts struggled to show any cohesion.  The margin increased to 16-7 but good work from Alistair Smith in particular got the hosts back into the game and at the end of the first quarter the deficit was just three at 16-13.

The teams swapped scores before a three-point shot from George Cassidy brought Southend level at 21 midway through the second quarter.  This seemed to inspire the home side and an 8-4 run, with six from Graham Oluwadare, took them four ahead and they just clung on to their lead at 32-29 at half time. 

When Pirates scored the first four points it looked like the game would be a nail biter but a 9-0 run, with four from Oluwadare and three from David Goates, took Southend eight ahead.  Oluwadare was dominating around the basket and a basket from Ross Mann gave Swifts a 48-41 lead going into the final quarter; nowhere near enough to feel comfortable.

Alfie Garrard was playing superb defence for Swifts and this gave the tireless Smith the opportunity of initiating fast breaks.  Oluwadare and Mann were grateful recipients of some outstanding passes and suddenly the lead was double digit; Mann pouring in seven straight.  The defensive effort was magnificent as Pirates were restricted to just two points in the final six minutes that saw Southend record an unexpectedly comfortable win by 69 points to 51.  Oluwadare with 26 points and Mann and Smith both on 12 leading a truly valiant team performance.

 

Despite a strong second half fight back Barnsley Leaders U16s could not stop Durham Wildcats from maintaining their unbeaten run at Ferryhill Leisure Centre County Durham on Saturday.

(EBL NE Conference)

Barnsley opened the scoring through guard Reece Marshall but the Wildcats then hit ten points before Marshall scored his second basket. Five points from Leaders captain, power forward Arron Bailey, the games top scorer with 32 points, narrowed the margin to 12-8. Luke Rowley added three points but the Wildcats continued to set the pace to lead 19-14 at the first break.

Bailey added six points in the second period, Jack Hallsworth and Ryan Bramley added two points each but it was too little to match  the  North East Conference pace setters, the Wildcats, who hit 19 to lead 38-24 at half time. Thirteen more points from Bailey , five from Aivaras Vosilius, and two each from Hallsworth, Jake Wainwright and Zac Danks won Barnsley a 24-21 split in the third period. The final period opened with Durham protecting an eleven point lead and the home side were prepared to trade fouls to stop Barnsley’s offence. This strategy proved to be successful as Barnsley went to the line for seventeen foul shots but could only sink four. Only Luke Rowley achieved better than one out of two with a seventy-five percent return from the foul line. As time ran out the scoreboard recorded a 77-60 win for the Durham Wildcats with Riley their top scorer with twenty six points.

Leaders U16s: Arron Bailey capt. 32, Aivaras Vosilius 8, Luke Rowley 5, Reece Marshall 4, Jack Hallsworth 4, Zac Danks 3, Ryan Bramley 2, Jake Wainwright 2, Martin Farmery, Mike Watson, Josh Addy. Coach Dave Dibb.

 

Cadet Men come up short in Sheffield

Cadet Men’s Premier Division North

Sheffield “Sharks”  72 -57  Northants “Thunder”

After their impressive win against Newcastle the previous weekend the Northants “Thunder” Cadet Men travelled to Sheffield with high hopes of recording a win. The main reason they didn’t achieve their objective was down to an appalling first period which saw them drop 20 points to 9 down.

In the other three periods of play “Thunder” were competitive although they were guilty of poor passing and decision making against the “Sharks” press defence throughout the game. Coach Peter Dewsnap described his team’s efforts as, “Dismal”

In the 15 points defeat Garnet Walters top scored with 15 points, Piers Toone and Jordan Marshall both scored 12 points while Matt Yates chipped in with 11

 

W/e 1st November 2009

York Vikings became the first team this season to hit over one hundred points against Barnsley Leaders, as they outscored Barnsley’s best by a two to one ratio, in the EBL U16 fixture at Darfield Foulstone on Saturday. Harry Dodds hit 39 and Will Freeman added 30 for the Vikings, whilst only forward Arron Bailey, with 25, seriously troubled the Viking’s defence.

The opening three minutes saw Barnsley create several good openings but the home side’s poor finishing meant that the Vikings took the early initiative with an 8-2 opening run. Leaders’ captain Bailey, who usually stays clear of foul trouble, collected his third foul in the third minute of the second period increasing the pressure on coach Dave Dibb, with forwards Luke Rowley(injured) and Zac Danks(half term holiday) missing from the bench. Poor ball retention and a lack of scoring threat from the Leaders allowed the Vikings to race to a 50-18 half time lead.

The third period started with forward Bailey back on court, supported by Ryan Bramley. These two hit thirteen points but the Vikings were still in control with a 30-17 split. The final period followed a similar pattern with Bailey and Bramley hitting all but one of Barnsley’s eighteen points as the visitors finished 102-53 winners.

Leaders U16s

Arron Bailey capt. 25 Ryan Bramley 12, Aivaras Vosylius 8, Jack Hallsworth 5, Jake Wainwright 2, Martin Farmery 1, Reece Marshall, Matt Wassell, Mike Watson, George Bentley, Josh Addy. Coach Dave Dibb.

 

Super Cadet Men ground “Eagles”

Cadet Men’s Premier Division North

Northants “Thunder”  85 -52  Newcastle “Eagles”

The Northants Cadet Men bounced back from their disappointing defeat against Birmingham with a convincing win over Newcastle “Eagles”. The victory was based on a second half off hard nosed defensive play combined with some high quality fast break basketball which saw “Thunder” outscore their opponents 55-24.

The first two quarters were close run things with “Eagles” showing no adverse effects from their long journey. Employing a ‘soft’ zone press the northerners were able to contain “Thunder’s” attacking options with the home side guilty of over-dribbling the ball. “Thunder” also didn’t help their cause by missing 13 free throws in the first half. They shaded the first period 13-11 and tied the second 17 all to lead 30-28 at half time due in no small measure to the contributions of ‘bench players’ Cameron Emerson and Dominic Francis.

The third quarter saw the Northants boys take control as they passed the ball through the “Eagle’s” press so exposing their back line. “Thunder” took the quarter 20-13 despite missing another 6 free throws. Ben Care took control of the back court launching numerous fast breaks which were converted by Cameron Emerson, Jordan Marshall and Piers Toone.

Newcastle’s hopes of getting back into the game in the fourth quarter were well and truly dashed as “Thunder” went on a 26-8 charge to put the result beyond any doubt. This was achieved despite losing the services of their top rebounder, Garnet Walters with five personal fouls.

In the 30 points plus win Walters top scored for “Thunder” with 20 points while Toone, Marshall and Care scored 18, 16, and 14 points respectively.

The Northants boys face a real test next week when they travel to Sheffield “Sharks” and no doubt free throw shooting will be high on the Coach Peter Dewsnap’s practice plan with his team missing no fewer then 26 free throws in this game.  

 

BOYS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH CONFERENCE

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 82  LONDON SPARTANS 52 

The final game of a truncated weekend saw Southend Swifts under 16 boys in action at home to London Spartans - two club games, the senior women and the under 14 boys, having been postponed due to illness and injuries with their opponents.  Southend came into the game off of a very good cup win the previous week. 

Swifts made a superb start, scoring the first 16 points as they kept Spartans scoreless for the first five minutes.  The scoring was spread around all of the players, with Graham Oluwadare, David Goates, Charlie Medina-Smith and Alex Gilbert all on the scoresheet.  The dominance continued throughout the period and after the opening 10 minutes the lead was 24-7. 

Six points in the first two minutes strengthened the position, with the quickly improving George Cassidy contributing four, and with Oluwadare again dominating around the basket the visitors were restricted to just four points in the second quarter as Swifts held a commanding 47-11 half time lead: Oluwadare already with 25 points. 

Unsurprisingly the intensity dropped in the third period although six points from Alfie Garrard actually helped Swifts to further extend the margin to 68-23 going into the final stanza.  The hosts allowed all of their players extended playing time and the London side took full advantage as they had their best spell with runs of 9, 6 and 6 that gave the final result an air of respectability as Southend ran out winners by 82 points to 52.  Oluwadare with 31 points, Gilbert 22 in just 25 minutes and Cassidy 10 leading the scoring.

 

 

W/e 25th October 2009

Cadet Men just pipped by Birmingham

Cadet Men’s Premier Division North

City of Birmingham  71 -69    Northants “Thunder”

The “Thunder” Cadet Men had a disappointing loss against an athletic City of Birmingham side. Having led early in the second quarter a win looked on the cards and starting the fourth quarter with a 7 point lead the team was in confident mood.

Unfortunately “Thunder” failed to control the ball against the pressure inflicted by Birmingham and consequently lost the final quarter 12-24 allowing Birmingham to win. Coach Dewsnap will hope his team will learn from this defeat and come back strong in future games.

In the three point loss Ali McLure scored 24 points and he was well supported by Garnet Watson-Walters with 16 and Jordan Marshall with 14.

 

UNDER 16 NATIONAL CUP - 1ST ROUND

ESSEX PIRATES 59  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 67 

After a tough league defeat the previous day, Southend Swifts under 16 boys team went into their first round National Cup match against Essex Pirates with some apprehension.  Southend were missing captain Alex Gilbert, David Goates and George Cassidy, who were all unavailable, and with Ross Mann crying off with illness on the morning of the match, the omens did not look good. 

An Alistair Smith basket settled the nerves but 5 points for Pirates took them ahead.  Swifts Graham Oluwadare was dominating around the basket and he had six in an 8-2 run that took his team two ahead.  The defence was holding strong and two more Oluwadare scores gave his team a 15-10 first quarter lead; the Cornelius Vermuyden pupil already with 9 rebounds. 

Five straight for Pirates got them back into the game but Oluwadare had a similar amount personal and an Alfie Garrard basket in just his second game for the club helped the team to a decisive 30-19 lead before the home side had the last seven points to trail 30-26 at the half time interval. 

A Jack Adams score and six more for Oluwadare took Southend 38-32 ahead midway through the third period but they could not get clear with Garrard's two foul shots maintaining a slender 46-41 lead going into the final quarter.  A 10-1 run took the home side 51-47 ahead and seemingly on their way to the win but the Swifts boys showed their incredible determination.  Six straight took back the initiative and after Pirates drew level 10 straight points took Southend 62-53 ahead with two minutes remaining.  The foul shooting stayed strong during the very long 120 seconds as Smith made the final two to record an outstanding 67-59 victory. 

Garrard on 13 points and Smith 10 had made huge contributions but Oluwadare had by far his best-ever performance for the club with 38 points and 29 rebounds.

 

UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH CONFERENCE
ISLINGTON PANTHERS 77  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 38
For the second week running Southend Swifts under 16 boys encountered a very athletic team from London when they travelled to take on Islington Panthers.  The teams had had very competitive games in the past and expected something similar again.

Southend made a good start, leading 5-4 after six minutes as both sides struggled to make an impact.  But the North Londoners had the better of the opening period as a 7-2 run took them 11-7 ahead at the end of the first quarter.

A further 8-0 run took Panthers further ahead before good work from Graham Oluwadare and Alex Gilbert reduced the deficit to just 21-27 with two minutes to play before a catalogue of errors allowed Panthers to make a 14-1 run to lead 42-22 at the half time interval.

Five straight points for the hosts effectively ended the contest but Southend hit back with a 13-4 run with Gilbert scoring two three-point shots in the spell to trail by a seemingly respectable 34-51 with one quarter remaining.

But the final 10 minutes would be one-way traffic as Islington stamped their authority on the game to get a very well-deserved 77-38 win.  For Swifts Gilbert with 13 points and Oluwadare 11 led the scoring.

W/e 18th October 2009

Comfortable win for Cadet Men

Cadet Men’s Premier Division North

Northants “Thunder”  80 - 53  Cheshire “Jets”

Inspired by 22 points Piers Toone and 19 points from Alistair McClure the Northants Cadet Men got their National League season underway in the best possible style with a comfortable win over Cheshire “Jets”. Coach Peter Dewsnap’s team won all four quarters totally dominating proceedings.

By half time “Thunder” had built up a 42-20 lead thanks to some uncompromising defensive play with Jordan Marshall looking particularly impressive. At the offensive end Matt Yates controlled the play and as well as Toone and McClure, Garnet Walters also impressed in scoring 15 points; while Ben care chipped in with 11.

Coach Dewsnap commented, “This was a good start but this is a very, very tough league.”

 

UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH CONFERENCE
SOUTHEND SWIFTS 66  HARINGEY BOROUGH 76

After three weeks of watching the other club teams in action, Southend Swifts under 16 boys team finally got their 2009/10 season under way when they welcomed Haringey Borough to their home court at Eastwood High School.  The squad have trained hard during the summer and despite some relative inexperience at this level are hopeful of continuing their progress.

Southend made an excellent start as captain Alex Gilbert fought his way to the basket, scoring his team’s first seven points as they opened a 7-3 lead after five minutes.  Haringey hit back with a 7-2 run but 5 straight for Alistair Smith put the home side 14-12 ahead.  Borough came back with a 6-2 spell of their own and at the end of a very lively opening 10 minutes, they led 18-16.

Swifts narrowed the gap to just one before the visitors made what would turn out to be the crucial break.  They scored 12 unanswered points in a four minute spell that took them 13 ahead as their athleticism took them to the fore.  But the home side hit back, with Ross Mann showing his vast improvement, as they put together a 9-2 run that reduced the deficit to just 36-30 at the half time interval.

Smith, Mann and David Goates all found the basket early on as the gap reduced to just four but some excellent work from Haringey’s N’Gon and Idaposa restored the margin out to 10.  Swifts Graham Oluwadare was outrebounding the opposition at both ends of the court but simply had no luck with his shooting as the visitors moved out to 57-41. Swifts
introduced Charles Culwick into the play and to the delight of the spectators, the Cedar Hall pupil hit a huge three-point shot as time expired at the end of the third quarter to give his team some renewed hope of victory.

Five straight for Borough took the lead back to 18, but a 10-0 run increased the excitement; Gilbert and debutant Charlie Medina-Smith sharing the points.  But the visitors maintained their composure and another three-pointer from N’Gon took them 71-57 ahead.  Six straight for Swifts gave some sign of hope, but they could get no closer as
Haringey ended deserved winners by 76 points to 66, in a very good contest.

Gilbert 24 points, and Mann and Oluwadare both with 10 led the scoring on a very promising opening performance for the team.
 

Captain Arron Bailey hit 31 points as Barnsley Leaders U16s lost out in the final minute of a closely contested game against Derbyshire Arrows. A good crowd was present to see the Arrows score nine points before Luke Rowley opened Barnsley’s scoring with a free shot. By the end of the first period the Leaders had closed the gap to one point at 11-10 with Rowley (5) Bailey (3) and Jack Hallsworth (2) scoring the points. The Arrows extended their lead to 25-20 by half time, the lively Mario hitting 12 points. Luke Rowley left the game with an ankle strain and the Leaders were heavily dependent on power forward Bailey who hit all fourteen points in the third period as the Arrows led by seven points at 41-34. Bailey added six points and Reece Marshall finished off a fast break in a Leaders 8-1 run which brought the scores level at 42-42 half way through the final period. Mario then hit two free shots for the Arrows and Bailey did likewise for the Leaders. Baddeley  scored next for the Arrows and Marshall responded for the Leaders to post 46-46 with one minute left. The Arrows greater depth in shooting paid off in the final minute when Mario and Wheatcroft hit the target to give the Arrows a 50-46 win.

Leaders U16s

Arron Bailey capt. 31, Luke Rowley 5, Reece Marshall 4, Jack Hallsworth 3, Zac Danks 3, Matthew Wassell, Jake Wainwright, Aivarus Vosylius, Josh Addy, James Banner, Ryan Bramley, Martin Farmery. Coach Dave Dibb.

Top scorers for the Arrows were  N Mario 19, and M Oakey 15.

 

W/e 11th October 2009

 

 

W/e 4th October 2009

A Luke Rowley free shot in the final seconds of regular time cancelled out Bradford Dragons’ one point lead to post a 52-52 scoreline to send the game into overtime. The five minutes overtime was almost over, with the scores level at 54-54, when Leaders’ captain Arron Bailey was awarded two free shots. Bailey, who had only hit five out of fourteen free shots in the game so far, missed the first but kept his cool to score the second, to record a dramatic win for the Leaders in their opening game of the 2009/10 EBL NE Conference. (Foulstone School Sports Hall, Saturday 3 October.)

Forward Ryan Bramley opened Barnsley’s scoring in the first minute. Arron Bailey, Reece Marshall, Jack Hallsworth and Luke Rowley were also on target as the first period ended with Barnsley 17-15 in front.

The defences were on top in the second period when only twelve points were scored. Barnsley got seven of these, including a first EBL basket for George Bentley, to lead 24-20 at half time.

After the break the Dragons fought hard to get back into the game and after six minutes went ahead at 28-27. The lead changed six times in four minutes but the Dragons scored twenty two to the Leaders fifteen, in the period, to finish three points in front.

Six points from Arron Bailey restored Barnsley’s lead at 45-42, but the Dragons responded with a 5-0 run to lead 47-45 with three minutes left. Luke Rowley, on his way to his best EBL haul of fourteen points, hit two free shots to post 47-47 but a 5-1 Dragons run put them 52-48 up as the tenth, and final minute, opened. Rowley and Aivaras Vosylius then, in turn, went to the line for two free shots and converted all four to reduce the Dragon’s lead to one point. In the dying seconds Rowley won two more free shots. After previously hitting five in succession, he missed the first but scored the second to send the game into overtime. Rowley had hit eight out of ten free shots in the game. The Dragons restored a two point lead in a tense overtime but Vosylius, Barnsley’s Lithuanian born guard, hit back to level the scores, before Bailey stepped up to win the game with his final free shot.

Leaders U16s

Arron Bailey 20, Luke Rowley 14, Aivaras Vosylius 7, Reece Marshall 6, Ryan Bramley 3, Jake Wainwright 2, George Bentley 2, Jack Hallsworth 1, Matthew Wassel. Martin Farmery, Zac Danks, Josh Addy. Coach Dave Dibb.