This weekend saw four of our Academy teams in action, delivering exciting performances and demonstrating their growth on the court. The U12 Boys and U14 Girls travelled to face Northants Thunder, while the U14 Boys and U16 Boys hosted games at home. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the matches, along with key reflections from the coaching staff.

U12 Boys 57-70 Northants Thunder

The U12 Boys showed promise early on, taking an 8-point lead after the first quarter. However, Thunder stormed back in the second, leaving the team trailing by 6 at halftime. Despite their determination, challenges with ball handling, shot selection, and rebounding allowed Northants to capitalize on turnovers.
Top Scorers: Lucas R (19), Nate (12), Henry (12)

Coach’s Comments:
“The boys competed hard but struggled with consistency. Lucas R stood out with his defensive presence despite battling injuries, while Nate and Henry provided key contributions. There’s room for improvement, especially in maintaining energy and focus.” – Carl Stokes

U14 Girls 39-82 Northants Thunder

In a tough matchup against a disciplined and physical Thunder team, the U14 Girls faced challenges but showed significant improvement in the second half.
Top Scorers: Tripat (21), Florence (6)

Coach’s Comments:
“While the scoreline was tough, I’m pleased with the second-half effort. Keah showed fantastic progress, especially in her driving and playmaking under pressure. This was a step forward, and I’m confident the team will continue to develop.” – James Turner

U14 Boys 75-50 Nottingham Junior Hoods

The U14 Boys extended their winning streak with a dominant performance. From start to finish, the team showcased discipline, teamwork, and offensive efficiency.
Coach’s Comments:
“This was a solid, team-focused effort. The energy on and off the court was excellent, and our offensive execution reached its potential. It’s rewarding to know I can count on all 12 players to contribute. We’ll aim to carry this momentum into future games.” – Coach LG

U16 Boys 82-85 Manchester Magic

In a nail-biter at home, the U16 Boys narrowly fell to Manchester Magic. The game was a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with both teams pushing each other to the limit. Key performances and lessons from this contest will no doubt propel the team forward as they refine their play.

Stay tuned for more updates as our Academy teams continue their journey through the season