Charnwood College – Riders Basketball

Riders Media - 2nd November 2020

Charnwood College Fall Short in L Lynch Trophy Opener

Charnwood College Riders fell short in a hard-fought battle against Loughborough Riders in the L Lynch Trophy.

Both sides were slow to open the game, with Loughborough being the first to strike and open a small lead behind the inside play of Loughborough newcomer CJ Hayden, to lead 17-13 at the first break.

Charnwood’s Greg Wild exploded in the game, leading the way for Charnwood on route to 28 points on 7-11 shooting to help Charnwood out to a lead until mid-way through the final quarter.

Jonas Dieterich (21 points, 9 rebounds) and Harrison Gamble (27 points, 11 rebounds) led the way scoring wise for the Loughborough Riders and it was a fourth quarter explosion on the offensive end that saw the home team extend the lead and grab victory.

“This was a good good starting point for this group of players, however there’s much more for us to work on. I thought our lack of experience showed down the stretch and a couple of mental lapses saw the game get away from us in the fourth ,” commented Coach Maynard.

“Credit to Loughborough for making big-time plays. For our first game, I am happy with how we competed, especially due to circumstance we have been in over the past month.”

Solid performances from Victor Ndoukou (15 points, 7 rebounds), Giovanni Emejuru (14 points, 13 rebounds) and Kanu Gudza (11 points, 7 assists) to keep the game competitive in the season opener.

BOXSCORE

Charnwood now look to Wednesday where they will face the Derby Trailblazers Academy in the EABL.

Two home victories against Sheffield

Greg Wild signs first professional contract

Charnwood College Boys Development Squad

Two Victories Over Manchester

Riders Media - 11th September 2020

Katie Januszewska joins the Leicester Riders

Katie Januszewska has joined Charnwood College and will play in the WBBL and WEABL this upcoming season.

The 5’11 guard previously played for the Derby Trailblazers division 2 and helped the U16s make an appearance at the junior final fours. Last season, the scoring machine averaged 30 points per game with a monster triple-double against Sheffield Hatters – 50 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists.

“I am excited to join the Riders this season,” commented Katie. “This is a great opportunity for me to learn and work alongside such talented players.”

“The team has been hugely welcoming and supportive and are always happy to share their knowledge with me which I appreciate.”

Januszewska has also represented both England at the u15’s Copenhagen invitational tournament and Great Britain at the 2019 FIBA European Championship.

WBBL Head Coach Jesper Sundberg commented: “it’s been a pleasure working with KJ these first weeks of preseason. She has already shown a desire to compete with our more experienced players.”

“I’m extremely excited to see how she can develop and improve in a senior environment.”

Katie is now the 12^th and the youngest player announced by the Riders for the WBBL 2020-21 season.

Two home victories against Sheffield

Greg Wild signs first professional contract

Charnwood College Boys Development Squad

Two Victories Over Manchester

Riders Media - 10th August 2020

Charnwood’s Emejuru gets overseas experience at Euroleague Adidas Next Generation Tournament

Giovanni took part in the Euroleage Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Kaunas, Lithuania against some of the best teams in Europe. Giovanni has only been playing 3 years and is now competing against NBA prospects. The Team Finished 5th out of 8 teams.

Giovanni believes that his experience in Lithuania will only help him develop more as a player. “I didn’t really know what to expect because I haven’t really been to a tournament outside of the uk. I found it to be a once in a lifetime experience that will help me grow as a basketball player. It was a different playing style I found it to be alot quicker and their offences flowed at a high pace with short actions.”

“The level of competition was extremely high most teams had NBA prospects and playing against that level of competition is challenging but it will only improve me as a basketball player.”

Head Coach James Vear was impressed with what he saw from Giovanni despite him not being with the team long. “A lot of credit must go to Will on the job he is doing with Gio in the short term he has been with Charnwood, Gio did incredibly well at the Tournament both on the offensive and defensive end. It isn’t easy coming in and playing with the team with only a few practices before we left for the tournament, he is a great prospect and a great kid”.

Charnwood College Head Coach Will Maynard has been impressed with Giovanni’s improvement since joining the Programme. “Giovanni has excelled in the past couple of months being with us. Extremely proud how he represented himself on and off the court. From going to playing u15s basketball last year to competing at the biggest stage in europe is credit to his hard work and dedication.”

Game 1 vs Juventut Badalona

Favourites to win tournament from sources

Huge upset

70-67 win

21 minutes 7 points 4 rebs

Game 2 vs Rytas Vilnius

Winners of the tournament

89-37 loss

20 mins 5 points 5 rebounds 3 assist 2 steals

Two home victories against Sheffield

Greg Wild signs first professional contract

Charnwood College Boys Development Squad

Two Victories Over Manchester

Riders Media - 10th August 2020

Charnwood College Riders Head to Portugal with Erasmus+

Charnwood College Riders travel overseas today to begins a 2-week educational trip in Portugal made possible by Erasmus+.

The trip will consist of a mix of on and off the court development for the players. The basketball development will open players eyes to local coaching and competition, furthering their understanding of different cultures of the game.

The trip will feature 27 students and 5 staff over the two week period, with fixtures lined up against local opposition in the Sangalhos – Anadia region of Portugal as well as day trips to local cities and historical sites.

Head of the Academy, Krumesh Patel, is looking forward to the trip.

“The time away is an opportunity to gain some European exposure for the students. On the court the teams will be able to learn from local coaches and teams in a way different to the leagues we play in in the UK.

“This holiday period allows the group to spend some quality time together and not only gain basketball experience but learn about a new culture away from the game with some excellent experiences being lined up by our hosts.

The players and staff seem really excited and I think it will be a trip they will remember!”

Be sure to follow @CharnwoodBball on social media for an insight to the trip.

Two home victories against Sheffield

Greg Wild signs first professional contract

Charnwood College Boys Development Squad

Two Victories Over Manchester