RESULTS SERVICE

AGE-GROUP CLUBS' MATCH REPORTS (Northants)

29/03/03

“Lightning” are struck down,

“Dynamite” blow up,

………but the “Knights go charging on.

There was massive disappointment for the Northants “Lightning” last weekend as they slipped to defeat in the National Cup Final. The “Dynamite’s” season came to and end in the 1^st Round of the Play Offs but the “Knights” moved on with a battling win over Middlesbrough College. 

Sure Shot Junior Women’s Cup Final

Northants “Lightning”            51 - 75             Ellesmere Port “Panthers” 

Last season the Northants “Lightning” won the National Junior Cup with a win over Ellesmere Port in a pulsating match which went into double overtime. In the ensuing twelve months the power base has definitely moved to the Wirral. At the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield last Saturday the “Panthers” got revenge in full for last season’s disappointment with a convincing win over a “Lightning” side who never performed to their full potential. 

In fact the game started well for the holders with first minute scores from Angelina Browne and Andrea Wanstall. After seven minutes the two teams were level at 10 all before Johanna Leadham hit a jump shot and a free throw to give Ellesmere Port a 17-14 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Significantly Leadham who went on to win the M.V.P. Award had scored 13 of her side’s first quarter points. 

The “Lightning” managed to keep in touch for seven minutes of the second period but were then hit by a 7-2 “Panther” surge which gave the Cheshire side a 36-24 half time advantage. 

Needing a good start to the third period the “Lightning” carved out numerous scoring opportunities only to miss easy shots and more infuriatingly put backs from those misses. For seven minutes the “Lightning” managed nothing but four free throws to keep the score board moving and a three pointer from Leadham at the end of the period took Ellesmere Port to a 56-34 lad and to all intents and purposes it was “game over”. 

The “Lightning” battled hard during the final period only losing it by two points but they knew they had been beaten by the better side although the 34 point contribution from Leadham was a major factor. For the Northants girls Angelina Browne and Lucy Chilton battled hard throughout the game scoring 16 and 14 points respectively but no other “Lightning” player could make it into double figures. 

The team won’t be in domestic action until the Final Four Play Offs in May but they will be travelling to Calais to defend their title in the COB International Tournament later this month.

RAF Cadette Women’s 1^st Round Play Off

Northants “Lightning”            77- 83              Ellesmere Port “Panthers” 

Ironically less than 24 hours after the Junior Women’s Cup Finals the same two clubs were doing battle in the 1^st Round of the Cadette (Under 16) Women’s Play Offs. The Northants “Dynamite” had qualified after winning the Midland Regional Conference while Ellesmere Port had come 4^th in the Premier League North. For the “Dynamite” Angelina Browne was making a rare appearance while the “Panthers” fielded the previous day’s Junior Women’s Cup Final, Most Valuable Player Johanna Leadham. 

The “Dynamite” coaching staff, Karen Goodrich and Andy Cox had decided on a tight marking job on Leadham supported by a zone defence behind and this tactic paid dividends in the first period which the Northants girls took 24-20. For their part the “Panthers” were employing a full court pressing defence which forced a number of “Dynamite” errors but at half time the home side still led 40-36.

The third period continued in much the same vein as the first two with the “Lightning” trying to contain Leadham and the “Panthers” pressing aggressively. For the “Dynamite” Browne was not surprisingly playing a major role with coast-to-coast dribbles and long passes to beat the ‘press’, and when she hit a three-pointer from the halfway line at the end of the quarter to give her side a 68-61 lead the possibility of a major shock was very much on the cards.

The hoped for surprise wasn’t to be however. The “Panthers” switched to the same defensive tactic that the “Dynamite” were employing keying in on Browne and with the England international’s threat nullified the rest of the Northants girls were unable to exploit the resulting gaps. In the last quarter of the game the “Dynamite” could manage only nine points while the “Panthers” poured in 22 to take the tie 83-77.

In the disappointing six point defeat the mercurial Browne scored a massive 39 personal points but of the other “Dynamite” players only Nauel Saeed with 13 could make it to double figures.

RAF Junior Men’s 1^st Round Play Offs

Northants  “Knights”            110 - 88            Middlesbrough College 

Coach, Barry Powell’s “Knights” were handed a tricky looking 1^st Round Play Off tie against Middlesbrough College the winners of the Northern Regional Conference. Like many of the “Knights” the Middlesbrough players attend a Basketball Academy so practice every day. The “Knights” knew this would be a tough one and so it proved after the visitors arrived an hour and a half late after their bus had broken down.

For much of the first quarter it was nib and tuck before the “Knights” went on a 14-6 burst to end the period ahead 29-19. The north-easterners were causing the “Knights” a lot of problems with their accurate perimeter shooting particularly from Robert Shanks, and their big inside players while the “Knights” looked the better organised team. Despite this the sheer enthusiasm of the College players kept their side in contention and at half time they had closed the gap to 53-42.

As is often the case the start of the third period was to prove all important. The “Knights” “ employed a 1-3-1 zone defence forcing Middlesbrough to take hurried shots. With Rudi Perrin dominating the defensive boards the “Knights” were able to mount a number of counter attacks. Such was the success of this strategy that the “Knights” outscored their opponents 23-11 in the quarter to take a 76-53 lead which was to prove unassailable.

The final period resembled the gun fight at the O.K. Coral with Middlesbrough shooting on sight and the “Knights” instantly responding. Try as they might there was no way back for Middlesbrough who really had thought they could upset the Premier Division side. In the 22 point win which earns the “Knights” an away tie against East Durham College another Basketball Academy, Carl Rowland top scored a massive 38 points while Joe Forde with 20 and Chase Morton and Rudi Perrin with 16 apiece gave good support.

England Team News

Kanda gets a Junior Women’s call up

Kanda Rogers the Northants “Lightning” forward who attends Northampton School for Boys has been selected to play for the England Junior Women in the Four Countries Tournament to be staged in Arbroath, Scotland later this month. Kanda got the nod from England coach, Michael Ball after attending squad training in Birmingham last Sunday. Another “Lightning” player, Lucy Chilton asked not to be considered because of the pressure of school work.

08&09/03/03  

“Knights” and “Lords” do the double over Solihull and “Flyers” become Conference champions.

The Northants “Knights” and “Lords” travelled to Solihull last Sunday and both returned with wins. For the “Lords” it was their first NBL win of the season. Elsewhere the “Flyers’” win over West Herts and Leighton gave them the Passerelle League Eastern Conference title.

Junior Men’s National League Premier Division North

Solihull “Dakotas”                  75 - 83             Northants “Knights”     

The Northants “Knights” duly picked up the expected win against mid-table Solihull “Dakotas” but except for a golden spell at the end of the third quarter they were never at their best. The raw truth was they actually lost two of the quarters, tied one and won one but in the end that was enough to secure third place in the Premier Division North. This means they will face the top team in the Northern Regional Conference with a quarter final tie against East Durham in prospect. 

In the first quarter of the game the “Knights” squandered numerous scoring opportunities and at the end of the first ten minutes found themselves trailing by 25-20. Things didn’t improve much in the second half with the “Knights” frustrated by the “Dakotas” patient and varied offensive strategies. A three pointer from George Adeseko at the end of the quarter tied the period at 19 all which meant the “Knights” still trailed by five at half time. 

Coach, Barry Powell urged his troops to increase their defensive effort for the final two quarters but the “Dakotas” remained well controlled through the third period and midway through that period still led 53-49. By now Northants had resorted to a zone defence with Dwayne Lawson pressurising the Solihull ball handler and this strategy began to force errors. Carl Rowland scored back-to-back baskets, Joe Forde scored with vital put backs as the “Knights” went on a 19-5 scoring blitz to take a 68-58 lead into the final period. 

Solihull opened the final period with a brace of three-pointers but the “Knights” maintained their defensive intensity which continued to force errors allowing “DJ” O’Neal to score from interceptions. Things looked black for the county boys when leading scorer Rowland hobbled out of the game with a knee injury but they held on to take the game 83-75. The looks of relief on their faces was an indication of what a close call it had been. In the five point win Carl Rowland top scored with 23 points, Joe Forde gave good support with 18 while DJ O’Neal and Chase Morton with 12 and 11 respectively made important contributions.  

Cadet Men’s National Premier Division North

Solihull “Dakotas”                  67 - 71             Northants “Lords”  

The “Lords” have been making steady progress all season but they have been guilty of losing concentration at vital times in games. Last weekend there were occasions when Solihull seized the initiative but the “Lords” just refused to capitulate and going into the final quarter they were still in contact at 46-51.  The “Lords” had been using alternating and switching defences to confuse their opponents who in turn had caused the “Lords” problems with their ‘trapping’ defences. The “Lords” had been very dependent on the ball handling skills of Robert Morgan and when he fouled out of the game with seven minutes of the game remaining and Solihull ‘pressing’ things looked black for the county boys. 

Their new found resolve however, became apparent and with numerous players taking over ball handling duties and Matt Barber on hand to score vital baskets they stayed in contention. Going into the final minute of the game they still trailed 66-65 but scores from the Johns Sweeting and Murray and two converted free throws from top scorer Barber gave the “Lords” their first win of the season by 71 points to 67. 

Matt Barber led all scorers with 34 points, 16 of them in the final period; David Nuttall contributed 11 and John Sweeting and Robert Morgan 8 apiece.

Girls Friendly Match

RAF Mildenhall            61 - 71             Northants “Lightning”

Still looking for games before their Premier Division South title decider against Essex the “Lightning” travelled to Suffolk to take on the Americans of RAF Mildenhall. The “Lightning” who were without the services of Rachel Taylor, Vikki Hinds and Lucy Chilton, found the going tough in the first half and trailed 30-23 at half time. 

In the second half the county girls adapted better to the American interpretations of the rules and came to grips with the game. Boosted by the aggressive play of Andrea Wanstall and the excellent outside shooting of Hayley Swann the “Lightning” won the second half

48-31 to take the game 71-61. Swann top scored with 18 personal points, Wanstall had 17 while the consistent Angelina Browne had 15 rebounds to go with her 14 points.

Under 14 Girls BAM Passerelle Tournament

Leighton “Leopards”            10 - 45                        Northants “Flyers”

West Herts                             14 - 72                        Northants “Flyers”

The Northants “Flyers” hardly broke sweat in recording the two wins which gives them the Eastern Conference title with a 100% record. In the first round of the Play Offs the “Flyers” will face the fourth placed team from the Southern Conference.

Under 13 Boys BAM Passerelle Tournament (Midland Conference)

                        Northants “Mavericks”     34 - 65     London “Towers”

                        Northants “Mavericks”     31 - 42     Tassis American School

In the first two quarters the “Mavericks” were overwhelmed by a talented “Towers” team but responded well in the second half while against the Americans of the Tassis Community School they just lacked the fire power to clinch victory.

Under 13 Boys BAM Passerelle Tournament (Southern Conference)

Kingston “Wildcats”                 21 - 51             Northants “Tornadoes”

Reading “Rockets”                  31 - 44             Northants “Tornadoes”

After securing a win over Kingston the “Tornadoes” playing a year young in this competition were just unable to get the better of Reading. 

Schools News

English Schools Basketball Association Championship

Under 16 Girls Individual school Semi Final

Ellesmere Port Catholic High School            78 - 82             Northampton School for Girls

Competing for the first time in an ESBBA competition Northampton School for Girls have shocked the basketball community by reaching the Final of the Under 16 Girls Individual Schools Championship. In the semi final stages at Parmitter’s School in Watford, NSG overcame Ellesmere Port Catholic High School in match of high quality and great drama. 

NSG coached by Northants “Lightning” coach, Karen Goodrich led 36-35 at half time and were grateful for the points contribution of England international Angelina Browne with 31 and Nauel Saeed with 16 but Goodrich was quick to emphasis that this was a team effort of the very highest order and she made special reference to Naomi Sterling who did a magnificent ‘marking’ job on Port’s international player Johanna Leedham. 

In the Final on Saturday 5^th May, NSG will face Greensward College from Essex.

Under 19 Girls Individual Schools Semi Final

Ellesmere Port Catholic High School             95 - 70             Northampton School for Girls

Twenty four hours after their triumph in the Under 16 semi-final NSG stepped out against the same opponents in the Under 19 competition. Ellesmere Port were boosted by the addition of two England internationals and proved to be too powerful for basically the same NSG team. 

The Northampton girls battled superbly led by another 31 point haul from Angelina Browne who received excellent support from Crystal Sterling who netted 16.

College’s Championship Quarter Final

Moulton College                      129 - 56            Blackpool 6^th Form College 

The students of Moulton College breezed into the semi-final of the College Championships with a powerful display of aggressive running basketball. The Blackpool students were simply overwhelmed by the Northamptonshire team who will now face formidable opponents in the semi-final in the form of the East Durham Basketball Academy. 

In the win over Blackpool Adam Hunter top scored with 28 points while Carl Rowland, Rudi Perrin and Joe Forde also made excellent contributions. 

Playing for the first time in English Schools competitions Northampton School for Girls and Moulton College have certainly created an excellent impression.

01&02/03/03

“Cyclones” and “Dynamite” pick up NBL wins, while three “Lightning” players get the nod from the England coach.

Last weekend saw a restricted National League programme because of a combination of national team training and national trophy finals. Even so two county teams were in NBL action and both picked up wins.

Cadet Women’s National League Midlands Conference

Northants “Dynamite”     90 - 18     Redditch “Reign”

For the second week running the Northants “Dynamite” took on a young inexperienced Redditch team but on this occasion it was without the services of four of their more prolific points scorers who were on duty with the “Lightning”. Despite the absence of this quartet the “Dynamite” cruised to a comfortable win and so maintain their 100% record in the Conference.

Top scorer for the “Dynamite” was Mereway Upper School pupil Natatsha Wesley who scored 24 personal points while Katie Henesey of Ferrers School who is a relative newcomer to the game totalled 19. This duo received good support from Michelle Davis of Montsaye School who contributed 15 points.

Cadet Men’s Midlands Regional Conference

Northants “Cyclones”     85 - 37     Leicester “Colts”

Against another under 15 team the “Cyclones” were able to demonstrate just how much progress they’ve made over the past few weeks totally dominating this east Midlands clash. Hard nosed defence in the first quarter gave the “Cyclones” a 20-6 lead and when coach, Brian Johnson switches to a zone defence his team were able to make a number of easy steals and convert them into scores.

Leading 45-15 at half time the “Cyclones” lost their intensity in the third quarter but finished powerfully to complete their first double of the season.

In the 48 point win James French (Northampton School for Boys) and Mark Gardner (Montsaye School) both scored 25 points.

Friendly Match

Oxford Brookes University                  48 - 83             Northants “lightning”

In search of games before their crucial Premier Division South clash with Essex in two weeks time and the National Cup Final against Ellesmere Port a week later the “Lightning” travelled to Oxford to take on the Brookes University team. The superior fitness of the “Lightning” was clear to see in the first quarter as the county girls powered their way to a 34-8 lead. Coach, Karen Goodrich was able to use numerous combinations on the court for the remaining three periods on the way to a comfortable victory.

For the “Lightning” Andrea Wanstall of Moulton School top scored with 15 points while Northampton School for Girls pupils Kanda Rogers and Nauel Saeed both contributed 12.

England Team News

While it was a quiet weekend in the county Northants “Lightning” power forward Angelina Browne was with the England Cadette (Under 16) team for a tournament in France. Angelina featured in the win over Turkey and was one of the team’s success stories in the losses against France, Bulgaria and Belarus.

Meanwhile three of her team mates Lucy Chilton, Kanda Rogers and Hayley Swann were trying out for the England Junior (Under 18) team in Birmingham. All three players have been called back for the next practice at the end of the month.

15&16/02/03

“Knights” snatch defeat from the jaws of victory the “Lightning” and “Dynamite” maintain their 100% records and N.S.G make the national semi-finals……..twice.

Six county teams were in National League action last weekend and there was massive disappointment for the Northants “Knights” who came desperately close to beating table topping City of Manchester.

 Junior Men’s National League Premier Division North

Northants “Knights”                  86 - 87             City of Manchester

 For the second time in recent weeks the Northants “Knights” came within seconds of beating a team at the top of the league. Initially this opportunity came thanks to the determination and persistence of Chase Morton who scored five personal points at the end of the third period to drag his team to within two points of Manchester at 55-57. Throughout the final period Manchester kept their noses in front but then Moulton College student Carl Rowland grabbed the game by the scruff its neck and gave the “Knights” a seemingly unassailable lead.

At 72 - 70 to the visitors Rowland connected with three three-pointers and a brace of free throws to take the “Knights” into an 83-82 lead. Skipper, George Adeseko made a steal and scored to extend the “Knights” lead to 85-82. Manchester missed their next shot and tactiically fouled “Knights” guard Mikey Taylor to send him to the free throw. He scored with one of those free throws to take the score to 86-82 and with only seconds left it looked as if the county boys had secured a significant victory.

With time running out Manchester’s John Minster hoisted a hopeful three-pointer which crashed against the backboard and into the net but by now there were only three seconds left on the shot clock. All the “Knights” had to do was get the ball into play and hold onto it. Inexplicably they handed the ball to a Manchester player who scored as the final buzzer sounded; to give Manchester an unlikely 87-86 win.

Having lost on two occasions to both Manchester and Durham it seems certain that the “Knights” will have to settle for third place in the Premier Division North but yet again they showed that they can compete with the best teams in the division.

In the heart-breaking loss the mercurial Carl Rowland scored 32 personal points; “DJ” O’Neal contributed 10 but no other “Knight” could get into double figures.

Cadet Men’s National Premier Division North

Northants “Lords”            55 - 105      City of Manchester

When these two sides met earlier in the season the winning margin was three figures so this 50 point defeat marked quite an improvement for the “Lords”. They were competitive in all but one of the periods and displayed a great deal of character and determination. Matt Barber led the scoring for the “Lords” with 22 personal points.

Cadet Women’s National League Midlands Conference

Stoke “Stealers”                 28-88               Northants “Dynamite”

The Northants “Dynamite” maintained their 100% record and continued their seemingly unstoppable progress to the Conference title. In the 60 point win Naomi Sterling top scored with 20 points while sister Crystal, Angeline Field and Nuael Saeed were all in double figures.

Junior Women’s National League Premier Division South

London “Towers”                   42 - 54             Northants “Lightning” 

The Northants “Lightning” maintained their 100% record but this was a far from impressive performance and coach, Karen Goodrich expressed her disappointment after the game, “We seem to have lost our sparkle. This was a very lacklustre performance and the girls will have to take a long hard look at themselves before the National Cup Final and the Play Offs.

Leading 28-22 at half time “Towers” stayed in contention during the third period and the “Lightning” players seemed phased by the referees reluctance to blow the “Londoners” for some defending which bordered on the illegal. With her team leading by just six points going into the final quarter Goodrich introduced a pressure defence. They took the period 16-8 to win by 54 points to 42 with Angelina Browne and Lucy Chilton leading the scoring with 20 and 12 points respectively.

Cadet Men’s Midlands Regional Conference

Northants “Cyclones”            77 - 79             RAF Lakenheath 

The young “Cyclones” playing a year young in this competition came within a hairsbreadth of recording a shock win. Before Christmas the Americans from the airbase won by 40 points so this nail-biter was testament to how much the “Cyclones” have improved.

Trailing 40-32 at half time the county boys rallied strongly in the last two periods and were finally beaten by some dubious time-wasting tactics by the Americans. Coach, Brian Johnson was delighted with his team’s efforts which saw Marvin Adams, Ben Chiou, Shane Walker and James French  all scoring in double figures .

Under 20 Men’s National League Southern Division

Northants “Moulton”            57 - 85             London “Towers”

Despite playing well below their full potential the students of the Moulton College Centre for Basketball were still in contention at 62-51 going into the fourth quarter. It was then that they produced their worst ten minutes of the season conceding 23 points while managing just 6 themselves.

In the 28 point setback Carl Rowland produced 21 points less than 24 hours after his heroics for the “Knights”, while Joe Forde and Leon Grant both contributed 11 points.

Double triumph for Northampton School for Girls

English Schools Individual Schools Championships

NSG Under 16’s            93 - 53             Francis Bacon Under 16’s

NSG Under 19’s      104 - 49                    Moulton School

Playing in the English Schools competition for the very first time NSG have now advanced to the semi-finals in both the Under 16 and Under 19 competitions. Those semi finals will be staged at Parmiters School in Watford on 5^th and 6^th march and by a quirk of fate their opponents on both occasions will be the very powerful Ellesmere Port High School.

09/02/03

“Knights” back to winning ways.

 Last weekend saw six county teams in National League action with the Northants “Knights” getting back to their winning ways whilst two female teams maintain their 100% record.

Junior Men’s National League Premier Division North

Shropshire “Warriors”                 58  -  98            Northants “Knights”     

The Northants “Knights” got back to winning ways with a comfortable win over Shropshire “Warriors”. At the end of the first quarter the “Knights” led by just four points but it was in the second quarter that the Northants  team stepped up the intensity on defence and at half time had extended their lead to 19 points (46-27). The second half saw the “Knights” show their superior class and extend their lead to 35 points at the end of the third quarter (72-37)

The final quarter was much closer with Shropshire only losing the ten minute spell by 5 points but by then the game was really over. John Peasland (Northampton School for Boys) had his best game of the season with  a personal tally of 27 points. He was well supported by Joe Forde (Moulton Centre for Basketball) with 21 points. Three other players also reached double figures as coach, Barry Powell was able to give all his team valuable playing time.   

The team now have to prepare themselves for a big game this coming weekend when they take on top of the table Manchester. 

Cadet Women’s National League Midlands Conference

Northants “Dynamite”            68 - 47             Notts “Nova”

The Northants “Dynamite” maintained their 100% Conference record with a win over Notts “Nova” but left it to the second half to show their real true potential.

The first half was very low scoring and in fact the score after 6 minutes was just 2 points each. The “Dynamite” led 18-8 at the end of the first quarter but only by 5 points at half time 26-21.

Coaches, Andy Cox and Sarah Kelly demanded a much improved second half and it was then we saw the true “Dynamite”. Nauel Saeed (Northampton School for Girls) top scored with 26 personal points while Angeline Field (Northampton School for Girls) pulled down numerous rebounds for her team. 

Cadet Men’s National League Midland’s Regional Conference

Redditch            88 - 80             Northants Cyclones 

A disappointing result for the young Northants teams having beaten Redditch in their first encounter by more than twenty points.

At the end of the first quarter “Cyclones” led by 9 points but leading up to half time slipped up badly with Redditch outscoring them 15 points to 2 in a four minute spell giving a half time score of 37-42 in favour of Redditch.

Coach, Brian Johnson’s half time talk demanded more concentration and determination from his team and the Cyclones seemed to respond to this initially but then once again a lack of concentration saw Redditch take the initiative. With two minutes remaining in the game scores were tied at 79 a piece but the Cyclones only managed 1 more point in repsonse to Redditch’s 9 .In this disappointing game which Cyclones should have won Mark Gardner scored 19 points backed up by Ben Chiou with 15.

Under 14 Girls BAM Passerelle Tournament

        Northants “Flyers”            55 - 29                        Leighton Leopards

       Northants “Flyers”            55 - 22                        Moulton

Two more wins for the Northants “Flyers” which almost guarantees them a home draw in the Play Offs and a great chance of making it to the end of season Final Four.

Both games proved quite easy for the Northants girls with coach, Karen Goodrich being able to give all twelve players valuable court time. Natasha Wesley (Mereway Upper School, Northampton) was again on fine form and well supported by Hannah Scott Evans (Northampton School for Girls) and Erin Clarke (Mereway Middle School).  

Under 14 Boys BAM Passerelle Tournament

London United     30 - 85     Northants “Hurricanes”

       West Herts     46 - 43     Northants “Hurricanes”

With some key players unavailable coach, Richard Leaf travelled to London in the hope of two wins to help the “Hurricanes” make the end of season play-offs.

A delay to the tip-off time in London because the referees hadn’t shown up didn’t help the Northants boys who had an uneasy start to their first game against London United.

They eventually gained control of the game and were convincing winners.

The second game was a much closer affair and “Hurricanes” again started badly trailing 14-3 at the end of the first quarter. At half time they had pulled it back to 7 points deficit and at the end of the third quarter trailed by just 3 points. Hurricanes took the initiative during the fourth quarter but eventually lost by just 3 points. Simon Mills and Pritesh Parmar were the pick of the bunch but the team will rue the fact that they missed 19 free throws in the game.

Under 13 Boys Passerelle Tournament

        TASIS American School            71 - 31                        Northants “Mavericks”

        West Herts                                    21 - 58                        Northants “Mavericks”

The “Mavericks” like the “Hurricanes” are also hoping to qualify for the end of season play-offs travelled to TASIS American School to take on the hosts and West Herts “Warriors”.

The game against West Herts proved quite easy for the Northants Boys and coach, Tony Stewart was pleased with the efforts of Robin Jack and Aaron Weekley in their convincing win. The game against TASIS was much harder for the “Mavericks” but even though the score was a forty point loss for the county boys it counts as a win as TASIS field all foreign players and are not eligible to qualify for the play-offs.

Northants Challenge Match

Northants “Lightning”            56  -  62            Northants “Lords””

In the absence of any opposition for the Northants ”Lightning” as Richmond College refused to travel the girls took on Northants “Lords” who were without a game this weekend.

In this excellently contested game watched by a very excited crowd of well over 150 people, Angelina Browne top scored for the “Lightning” with 25 points and Matt Barber had 21 for the “Lords”. These two were well supported by Andrea Wanstall who notched 15 points for the girls and Balraj Samrai with 17 for the boys.

JG Audio Visual JD Tournaments

Around 50 young players aged 8 to 11 played in a tournament watched by a host of excited parents. The “Super Stars” Tournament also included this time a visiting team from Ellesmere Port. The visitors won the intra-group tournament and the finale was a game between a J.D.“All Star” team and Ellesmere Port. This game went to “Sudden Death” which the northerners won.

02/02/03

“Lightning” make it to the Cup Final but it’s a nightmare weekend for the “Knights”

Last weekend saw two county teams in National Cup semi-final action and the Northants “Lightning” made it to the Cup Final after a close game with Doncaster but the Northants “Knights” lost their semi against Hackney and a vital Northern Premier Division game against East Durham.

Junior Women’s National Cup Semi-Final

Doncaster “Panthers”            61 - 69             Northants “Lightning”

The Northants “Lightning” will defend their National Cup title on Saturday 29^th March after a battling win over Doncaster “Panthers”. In that Final they will face Ellesmere Port the team they beat in double overtime last year.

This season the Doncaster club decided to play in Division 2 of the senior women’s National League so they presented formidable opposition for the cup holders. It was the “Lightning” who made the more positive start leaping out to a 10-2 but by the end of the first quarter the “Panthers” had closed the gap to 19-16.

In the second period both teams found scoring difficult with defences dominating and with the scores at 31-30 to “Lightning” at half time it was obvious this was going to be a very close run thing. The county girls kept their noses in front during the third period but going into the last ten minutes it was still desperately close at 50-48 in favour of the “Lightning”

Coach, Karen Goodrich demanded a massive final effort from her charges in the fourth quarter and they delivered the goods with an 11-zero charge at the start of the period including an unlikely three-pointer from Angelina Browne. Doncaster responded with a 9-3 burst of their own and were now fouling the “Lightning” players in the hope that they would miss the resulting free throws. This in fact happened with the county girls missing eight free throws in the last quarter but they held their nerve to take the tie 69-61.

In the eight point victory Angelina Browne top scored with 21 points and she received superb support from the ever improving Lucy Chilton who scored 21 while Hayley Swann and Rachel Taylor made important contributions with 11 points apiece.

Junior Men’s National League Premier Division North

Northants “Knights”                  69 - 71             Eat Durham

East Durham’s recent win over City of Manchester made this match of particular importance. With the two leading teams now both having lost one game a win over the East Durham Academy would move the “Knights” into joint second place. Their task wasn’t helped by the late withdrawal of leading scorer Carl Rowland with a back injury but there was an air of confidence amongst the “Knights” players as the game began.

This confidence wasn’t misplaced as the county boys ‘bossed’ the first period to take  a 20-13 lead. By now the “Knights” had switched to their much preferred zone defence which was causing East Durham all sorts of problems while at the offensive end Rudi Perrin was piercing their defence with aggressive drives to basket. At half time the “Knights” led 39-30 and when this lead was extended to 12 at 48-36 midway through the third period a shock looked to be on the cards.

Even though Durham reduced the arrears to 54-45 by the end of the period such was the “Knights” dominance that there didn’t seem any way back for the north-easterners. So it was as the game went into the final four minutes with the “Knights” up by seven and time running out for East Durham. The Durham coach took a time out and in an act of desperation put his players into an aggressive man to man press. In less than a minute they stole the ball on three occasions and scored to get the scores back to 66-65. By now the “Knights” had slipped into panic mode and three missed free throws only served to boost Durham’s growing confidence as they ran out unexpected 71-69 winners.

The “Knights” well knew they had handed victory to Durham despite 22 points from Rudi Perrin and 20 from the battling Joe Forde. That loss means the “Knights” will probably have to settle for third place in the league although they do have the chance to inflict a defeat on Manchester when they meet them at home in two weeks time.

Junior Men’s National Cup Semi-Final

Northants “Knights”             72 - 88             Hackney “White Heat”

Less than 24 hours after their disappointing loss against East Durham the “Knights” stepped out on court for a National Cup semi-final against the highly talented Hackney “White Heat”. Once again the “Knights” were without the services of Carl Rowland and against the winners of the Christmas Hoopfest Tournament they knew they would have to be at their very best.

A good start to the game was absolutely essential but coach, Barry Powell was helpless to stop the points avalanche from the Londoners as they cruised into a 17-2 lead. The “Knights” closed the quarter 24-12 down but rallied well at the start of the second period outscoring the “White Heat” 11-4 to close the scores to 33-23. The Hackney coach called a time out and his players responded with 19-4 charge to lead 47-27 at half time.

That twenty point lead was extended to thirty by the end of the third period and to all intents and purposes it was, ‘game over’. To their credit the “Knights” never gave up and as the Hackney players went into cruise control the Northants boys took the final period 30-16 to reduce the arrears to a respectable 88-72 led by 15 points from captain, George Adeseko and 11 apiece from Chase Morton and Joe Forde.

Cadet Women’s National League Midlands Conference

Shropshire “Warriors”            39 - 60             Northants “Dynamite”

The Northants “Dynamite” maintained their 100% Conference record with a comfortable win over Shropshire but never played at the top of their form. They won all four quarters with Nauel Saeed top scoring with 18 personal points while Naomi Stirling contributed 13.

Cadet Men’s National League Midland’s Regional Conference

Northants “Cyclones”            39 - 64             Birmingham XL

The final score doesn’t tell half the story of this match. After the two minutes of the final period the “Cyclones” playing a year young in this league trailed 37-45. Excellent defence earned them the ball on three occasions and a chance to launch counter attacks. On all three occasions though, they missed the ensuing lay up and with it their confidence drained away. Birmingham responded with a 19-2 charge to take the game which had been in the balance for three quarters of its duration.

Cadet Men’s Challenge Match

Northants “Lords”                      77 - 59             Southall Under 15’s

The much improved “Lords” picked up their first win of the season albeit against an Under 15 team thanks to 23 points from Matt Barber and 14 from David Myers.

Under 14 Girls BAM Passerelle Tournament

        Moulton School                   27 - 40                   Northants “Flyers”

       Northants “Flyers”            39 - 30                        Ipswich

With these two wins the Northants “Flyers” gave themselves a great chance of making it to the end of season Final Four Play Offs. In the nine point win over Ipswich coach, Karen Goodrich made particular mention of Hannah Scott-Evans (Northampton School for Girls) who scored 11 points, Natasha Wesley (Mereway Upper School, Northampton) who contributed 10 and Gabby Patrick (Delapre Middle School, Northampton) whose end of game points sealed victory for the county girls.

JG Audio Visual JD Tournaments

Almost one hundred young players aged 5 to 12 played in two age group tournaments watched by a host of excited parents. The Budding Stars Tournament was won by the pupils of South End Primary School, Rushden while JD “Jets” took the Superstars Tournament for older players.

26/01/03 UNDER-20 SOUTH & UNDER-14 TOURNAMENTS

County Under 14 Boys and Girls are triumphant in Midland’s Inter Association Tournaments but “Moulton” go down again. 

Last weekend was a national teams training weekend but the Northamptonshire Under 14 Boys and Girls played in a Midlands Inter Association Tournament while Northants “Moulton” took on Waltham Forest “Spitfires” in the National Men’s Under 20 League

 National Under 20 Men’s League (South)

Waltham Forest “Spitfires”                 78 - 71             Northants “Moulton”

The students of Moulton College Centre for Basketball are still looking for their first win of 2003 but came mighty close to beating high flying Waltham Forest “Spitfires” last Saturday. Despite trailing by as many as ten points in the second half “Moulton” tied the scores at 71 all with just three minutes of the match remaining thanks to a Leon Grant jump shot. In the remaining three minutes “Moulton” not only failed to score but missed an unopposed lay up, missed two free throws, and were guilty of turning the ball over under their own basket to virtually hand victory to the grateful “Spitfires”.

Moulton made an excellent start to the game leaping out to a 14-6 lead by efficiently running their half court offences and playing tenacious defence but in doing so their leading rebounder Rudi Perrin picked up three fouls in six minutes, and coach, John Collins had to sit him out for the next fourteen minutes of the game. During that time the “Spitfires” were able to use their substantial height advantage to take a 38-31 half time lead. 

By the end of the third period that lead had been narrowed to 61-58 and at 71 all “Moulton” knew the game was theirs for the taking before they were guilty of committing those fatal errors. Their cause wasn’t helped by the loss of Perrin and Joe Forde with five fouls and John Collins wasn’t very happy with the fact that the game had been officiated by just one referee. He commented, “Overall, the referee did an excellent job considering he was by himself but with a game played at high pace he was bound to miss a lot. Unfortunately for us in the last couple of minutes he missed a ball being dropped out of bounds, one of our players being pushed out of bounds and a blatant end line travel. This is the third time we’ve been to London and only one referee has turned up. In Northamptonshire we guarantee two referees but obviously different rules apply in the capital.” 

In the seven point defeat Carl Rowland scored 22 points and he was well supported by Leon Grant and Joe Forde with 17 and 16 points respectively but no other “Moulotn” player was able to get into double figures.

Under 14 Boys Inter Association Tournament

Birmingham     26 -56     Northants

Shropshire     22 - 67     Northants

The county boys qualified for the knock-out stage of the competition thanks to two comfortable wins although they did trail 11-10 after the first quarter of their match against Birmingham. They were also relieved to see the Midlanders miss no less than fifteen free throws in the game.

Coach, Tony Stewart was well pleased with an excellent team performance and made particular mention of the contribution of David Evans (Bishop Stopford School, Kettering).

Under 14 Girls Tournament

 Northants                   53 - 20             Shropshire

 Birmingham               17 - 67             Northants

The county girls hardly had to break sweat in progressing to the knock out stages of the competition after recording two very easy victories. The ease of victory clearly illustrated the value of playing in the National Passerelle League with the Northants girls displaying the ability to play as a team something the other two teams just couldn’t match.

In an impressive team performance the individual play of Hannah Scott-Evans (Northampton School for Girls) particularly caught the eye.

“Knights”, and “Cyclones” are triumphant, and the County Under 15 Girls are big winners in the Inter Association Championship.

 Six county teams were in action last weekend in a mixture of National League, Passerelle and Inter Association matches.

Junior Women’s National League Premier Division South

Haringey “Angels”               58 - 84             Northants “Lightning”

The Northants “Lightning” maintained their 100% league record but they were made to battle all the way by a feisty Haringey team. Coach, Karen Goodrich was the first to admit that the final score line wasn’t a true reflection of the match, “Midway through the final period we only led by ten points then we hit them with a 19-3 blitz to take the game by a flattering 26 point margin. 

Things had looked pretty comfortable for the “Lighting” as they breezed into a 25-15 lead after the first quarter. Perhaps complacency set in but against the athletic “Angels” the county girls only just won the second and third periods before going on that devesting burst over the last five minutes of the game.

In the 84-58 win Andrea Wanstall and Angelina Browne were in superb form scoring 29 and 22 points respectively and that win keeps the “Lightning” on course for the Southern title.

Cadet (Under 16 Boys) Midlands Regional League

Leicester “Riders”                    57 - 77             Northants “Cyclones”

Having picked up their second win of the season the pervious weekend the Northants “Cyclones” playing a year under age picked up their second league win on the trot with a 20 point triumph over local rivals Leicester “Riders”. Top scorer for the “Cyclones” was Ben Chiou with 29 personal points but coach, Brian Johnson’s was full of praise for his whole team making particular mention of Shane Walker for his superb rebounding.

Under 20 Men’s National League (South)

Richmond College “London United”            101 - 75            Northants “Moulton”

For the third time this season the students of the Moulton College Centre for Basketball went down to the talented Richmond side but once again they could find plenty of positives from their performance. Missing a number of regular players Moulton were forced to travel south with several first years and these players especially Seb Russell who scored 16 points performed creditably against one of the best Under 20 teams in the country. 

Not for the first time this season Moulton seemed totally intimidated by their opponents at the start of the game and after six minutes trailed 22-6 but for the remainder of the game were highly competitive. Coach, John Collins commented, “We’ve just got to be more positive about ourselves and stop giving teams respect just because of their reputation.”

Apart from Russell the main points scorers for Moulton were skipper Leon Grant with 12 and Joe Forde with 13.

ENGLISH  SCHOOLS  INTER-ASSOCIATION  TOURNAMENTS

Under the re-structuring of this competition county and area association’s now play in Regional Tournaments with the winners advancing through to the knock out stages.

Under 15 Girls Tournament

Northants            77 - 14             Birmingham

Northants            57 - 14             Shropshire

The county girls based on the “Dynamite” Cadette girls’ team had no problems in seeing off Birmingham and Shropshire in the tournament staged at Northampton School for Boys. High scorer for the county was Nauel Saeed (Northampton School for Girls) who had a total of 47 points in the two matches while Natasha Wesley (Mereway Upper School) and sisters Crystal and Naomi Sterling (N.S.G.) were also impressive. 

Under 15 Boys Tournament

                                    Nottinghamshire             9 - 31               Northants

Northants                       37- 43                        Shropshire

Northants                      29 - 18                        Birmingham

The county boys just missed out on qualification for the knock-out stage of the competition because of the six point defeat against Shropshire in the second match. The boys performed magnificently against Nottinghamshire and Birmingham but were just found wanting against Shropshire. Particularly impressive for the county were Shane Walker (Moulton School) and David Nuttall from Campion School. 

National Passerelle Under 14 Boys Tournament

Hackney “White Heat”            51 - 50 (60)            Northants “Hurricanes”

East London “Royals”            72- 17              Northants “Hurricanes”

The Northants “Hurricanes” actually lost their match against Hackney “White Heat” by one point but were awarded ten points and the victory because their opponents failed to field the statutory ten players. Against East London the reigning national champions, the county boys were just swept aside by a very tall and very talented team.

21&22/12/02

“Knights”, finish the year with a win but “Lords” and “Cyclones go down.

Junior Men’s National League Premier Division North

Northants “Knights”                  87 -78              Notts Nova

The Northants “Knights” closed 2002 in third place in the Premier Division North after defeating Notts Nova by nine points. Once again Coach Batty Powell was without five key players and the situation was exacerbated when Joe Forde had to withdraw from the game with a back injury sustained early in the ifrst quarter. Despite this handicap the “Knights” took the first period 22-15 with Carl Rowland proving a handful for the Nova defence.

The “Rowland Show” continued in the second period as the “Knights” extended their lead with some aggressive defence which forced a number of Nova turn-overs. At half time the “Knights” had established a 49-29  lead with Rowland contributing 29 of those points. Everything indicated an easy cruise to victory for the county boys but Notts had other ideas and in the second half came out with every intent of reducing Rowland’s scoring options.

Such was the success of the Nova tactics that they took the next two periods of play winning the second half by 11 points and had they not missed critical free throws near the end of the game they might well have caused the “Knights” a major scare. As it was the “Knights” ran out comfortable 87-78 winners and can look back on a league campaign which has seen just two set backs against East Durham Academy and City of Manchester.

In the nine point victory Rowland had 42 personal points but George Adeseko was the only other “Knight” to reach double figures.

Cadet Men’s National League Premier Division North

Northants “Lords”                      68 -104      Notts “Nova”

The Northants “Lords” ended 2002 still looking for their first win of the season. Against Notts Nova the “Lords” totally collapsed in the first quarter which they lost 31-11 and from there  was no way back. To their credit they battled hard and offensively looked far more effective than they had done in recent games but their defence didn’t match their offensive and by half time they trailed 58-33.

Stand in coach John Collins is still looking for a balance in the team and in the second half he seemed to have discovered at least some of the answers with Robert Morgan taking on ball handling responsibilities and David Nuttall switching to off guard. Although they lost the last two qurters both were close run things and Collins felt that improvements had been made.

In the 104-68 loss Matt Barber top scored with 20 points while Morgan had 11.

Cadet Men’s National League Midland Conference

Derby “Storm”            76 -57 Northants “Cyclones”

Coach, Brian Johnson was upbeat after this nineteen point defeat for his under-aged team. Against a big Derby “Storm” team the young “Cyclones” battled hard and in the end achieved their goal of keeping the losing margin below 20 points.

In the nineteen point defeat Shane Walker was the star of the show for the “Cyclones” with 17 personal points while Ben Chiou and Marcus Adams contributed 10 apiece.

Under 14 Invitational Tournament

Redwell Primary School won the Northants Schools Under 14 Invitational Tournament which attracted eight teams and over 50 boys and girls. The Wellingborough school had narrow victories over the “Dunkers” from the Schools’ Junior Development Programme who claimed second place and Delpare Middle School in Northampton who were third.

Tournament organiser Karen Goodrich was full of praise for the standard of the young players. She also paid tribute to the ten volunteer teachers and coaches and the team of referees and table officials

15/12/02

“Knights”, “Lightning”, “Moulton” and “Hurricanes” all pick up National League wins.

Last weekend five county teams were in National League action and four of them were victorious.

Junior Men’s National League Premier Division North

Derbyshire “Arrows”             39 -118            Northants “Knights”

The Northants “Knights” travelled north with a team so depleted that Coach, Barry Powell was forced to call  on the services of four players from the Cadet team. On the face of it this looked like a difficult hurdle for the “Knights” and it is a testament of their ability that they won so convincingly. 

The easy victory certainly didn’t look to be on the cards after the first few minutes of the game as the “Arrows” took an eight - zero lead. Powell immediately instructed his team to step up the floor with a pressure defence and to all intents and purposes it was, game over as the “Arrows” totally failed to cope with the pressure. The win was achieved with such ease that Powell was able to put all three of his under 16’s onto the court and all obliged by scoring.

In the scoring department three players scored 97 of the “Knights” points. Carl Rowland scored an amazing 41 points, Joe Forde contributed 34 and Rudi Perrin 22.

Cadet Men’s National League Premier Division North

Derbyshire “Arrows”            75 - 59             Northants “Lords” 

The Northants “Lords” failed to pick up their first win of the season but their recent improvement was once again clear to see as they were competitive against the northern side for most of the game. Their downfall came at the start of the second half when the “Aroows2 went on a 12-0 run which the “Lords” were never able to peg back.

In the sixteen point set back Matt Barber scored 16 points while David Myers contributed 14.

Under 20 Men’s National League Southern Conference

Northants “Moulton”            83 - 56             Enfield “Jets”

The strength in depth of the Moulton College Centre for Basketball was tested to the full as they went into this match without their contingent of “Knights” players in action in Derbyshire and Adam Hunter sidelined with suspected pneumonia. Despite these difficulties “Moulton” picked up their second league win of the season rather more easily than they had any right to expect.

The victory came thanks to an outstanding defensive display which restricted the north Londoners to a paltry four points while scoring 23 themselves. All this came after a competitive first half which “Moulton” just edged 32-30. The half time interval gave coach, John Collins the opportunity to make some defensive adjustments and how well they worked. Time and time again the “Jets” forced up shots, Shannon Banks hauled down the rebound, Leon Grant provided the penetration and the scoring pass for Matt Johnson to convert.    

Not surprisingly the “Jets” rallied strongly in the fourth quarter but “Moulton” weathered the storm and finished the game with a 10-4 charge. In the 83-56 win Matt Johnson top scored with 31 points, Leon Grant had four three-pointers in his haul of 22 while Shannon Banks contributed 10 points and pulled down an amazing 21 rebounds.

Junior Women’s National League Premier Division South

Northants “Lightning”            96 -53              Spelthorne “Acers”

The Northants “Lightning" go into the Christmas break undefeated at the top of the Premier Division South. In their last game of 2002 they saw off the challenge of Spelthorne “Acers” without ever reaching their best form. Even so their superior physical presence was too much for the “Acers”  so despite missing far too many shots they were able to pick up rebounds and score from ‘put backs’. 

Spelthorne battled hard in the first period but still trailed 29-13 after the first ten minutes. In the second quarter the “Lightning” extended their lead to 48-22 and to intent and purposes it was ‘game over’. To their credit the “Acers” never gave up the cause losing the third period by only four points but with coach, Karen Goodrich giving all her players extensive court time the floodgates opened in the final quarter with the “Lightning” outscoring their opponents 22-9 to clinch a convincing 96-53 win.

In the 43 point win Angelina Browne dominated the boards with 18 rebounds and 30 points. Hayley Swann contributed 19 points while, Lucy Chilton, Vicki Hinds and Andrea Wansatll were all in double points.

Cadette Women’s National League Midlands Conference

Northants “Dynamite”            69 - 41             Stoke “Stealers”

The Northants “Dynamite” bounced back from the previous week’s Cup defeat with a comfortable 28 point win. The victory was firmly based on the team’s performance in the first and last quarters which they won 18-4 and 21-7. In the other two periods they failed to find their best form which has given them top spot in Midlands Conference.

For the “Dynamite” Nauel Saeed top scored with 17 personal points and she received excellent support from Angeline Field with 14, Naomi Sterling with 13 and sister Crystal who contributed 11.

Under 14 Boy’s Passerelle Tournament

Northants “Hurricanes”            42 - 24             West Herts “Warriors”

Northants “Hurricanes”            63 - 28             London “United”

The “Hurricanes” picked up two impressive wins to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the end of season Play Offs. Their triumph over London “United” was even more emphatic than the score suggests because the “Hurricanes” received 50 further points because “United” didn’t have the statutory ten players.