25/04/04
Solent Stars
83 (32,49,70) In their first year back into the National League Solent Stars womens team completed the treble at the weekend, winning their Division 2 National League Play-off Championship against Birmingham Force by 14 points. The game, at the Amaechi Centre in Manchester, promised to be full of incident as the champions of the north and south played each other for the first time this season. Birminghams powerful half court game and three point shooting threat was going up against Solents pressing defence and fast break style of uptempo basketball. The first quarter was Solent's best offensive display all season - scoring 32 points with a show of quick dynamic passing and moving linked to great finishing. Claire Wiseman, Catherine Brownsell and Sarah Cooper all scored points attacking the basket whilst almost all of Birmingham's offensive output was coming from Wendy Smith who was hitting points in every kind of conceivable manner. A timeout by Birmingham led to four more points for Smith closing the Solent lead to only one point, 14-13 after 5 minutes. However Lizzie Cloke in for Katerina Syngellakis, who had picked up two early fouls, hit a big three in transition and then Brownsell, Carrie Jones, Cloke and Wiseman continued to pour in the points. After a breathless first quarter the score was 32-18! Solent's challenge was to maintain their defensive intensity without getting into further foul trouble and to try to shut down Smith who had already hit 12 points. However the second quarter started with Wiseman picking up two quick fouls putting her on three and sending her to the bench for the rest of the first half. But if Solent were anxious they need not have been as Chrtistie Rourke came off the bench to provide instant offence. Birmingham also had their own trouble with captian Elaine White, on three fouls from the first quarter, picking up a fourth in the second. Solent rotated their bench with Vikki Willmore, Kath Hield and Lynne Powell all backing up Rourke to keep the score ticking over. The second quarter finished with the 14 point lead still intact. At half time Solent decided to keep up their defensive pressure but to switch from a man to a zone trap. The first few minutes were vital if Solent wanted to withstand any potential Birmingham comeback. Again Solent started with real purpose, and when Syngellakis hit a basket trailing another Solent fastbreak, all of the Stars had got on the scoresheet and the lead was extended to over 20 points. But Birmingham refused to quit and seven more points for Smith added to two big three pointers from Renton helped pull Solent's lead back to 16 points. As the quarter closed White picked up her fifth foul ending a frustrating game for Birmingham's leader. The fourth quarter saw Solent shut the door on any potential Force comeback with Cooper and Jones scoring on the baseline against Birmingham's zone. Klamporova finally got a couple of decent looks at the basket and Renton and Carla Blake also hit from the perimeter. But the Solent lead was too big to be under serious threat and as the clock ticked down the south coast outfit finally ran out 83-69 champions. The MVP was jointly awarded to Claire Wiseman and Catherine Brownsell. Afterwards a jubilant Coach Ball added "players on both sides deserve credit for an entertaining game. I thought that the first quarter was vital for us to come out and set the tempo. We have not started well in many games this season but the players got their preparation right tonight. The Brownsell - Klamparova matchup was vital as Kalmparova creates so much for them and Catherine really provided an early spark for us. "The whole team responded and at times some of the basketball played by us in the first quarter was really exciting to watch. I even stopped shouting for a few minutes! "I felt sorry for Elaine White. Some of the calls she got were very tough, but equally we were in foul trouble early on but our strength in depth really paid dividends. When Claire Wiseman had to sit on three fouls Christie Rourke stepped up big tonight. For Birmingham I thought Wendy Smith played her heart out and it was great to see Carla Blake back on a basketball court. "Now it's time to let the players celebrate and for CJ and myself to look to see how we can keep progressing and try to compete next season with the likes of Rhondda, Sheffield, Nottingham and London. I cannot wait."
Scorers
and points: 04/04/04
Solent Stars 61
(17,25,44) In a tough defensive battle Solent Starts came through their Play-off semi final encounter against Nottingham 61-49 to qualify for the Finals on Sunday April 25th where they will face the Northern Champions Birmingham who overcame Stockport. The first quarter started with Sarah Cooper and Katerina Syngellakis taking advantage of their advantage inside as they scored 10 of solents first 12 points between them. Nottinghams coach Chris Prior called a time-out and switched to a 3-2 zone which Solent found difficult to break down throughout the game. With their American star, Britney Scarberry, finding the range from the three point line and Sam Parry picking up the peices as Solent failed to box out the Wildcats drew level only for Christie Rourke to hit a jump shot to take Solent into a 2 point advantage. The second quarter was a nightmare for both teams on offence. Solent could only manage four field goals but Nottingham also strggled with one field goal and two free throws. With Solent up by six points at half time (25-19) Coach Ball decided to go with a smaller lineup hoping to get the game out of the half court tempo which Nottingham were controlling. The perimeter shooting for Solent certainly picked up hitting 5 threes during the quarter - Lizzie Cloke, Claire Wiseman and Lynn Powell all scoring from downtown. However Nicki Blakeway's aggressive driving to the hoop and Nottingham’s dogged refusal to lie down kept them in contention. The opening five minutes of the final quarter saw Solent start to generate points off Nottingham turnovers. Vikki Willmore scored two quick baskets in transition and then Wiseman, Cloke and Powell stretched the lead to 19 points after Willmore scored another three pointer. With Catherine Brownsell keeping a tiring Scarberry quiet during the entire fourth quarter it was Siobhan Prior who tried to pull her team back. First she penetrated, then she hit a pull up jump shot then a big three to reduce the deficit to 10 points. However the gap had grown too big and as Nottingham pressed, Solent ran the clock down and Brownsell scored the final basket to take Solent into the Play-off final.
Coach Ball added, "as you
would expect Nottingham came with a game plan today and for some time their 3-2
zone really frustrated us. Their young players played with real heart and I hope
that they will continue to develop and graduate into their first team in years
to come. However we are really looking forward to meeting Birmingham and testing
ourselves against such an experienced talented squad in the final. It should be
a great game with the champions of the North and South matching up."
Solent: Wiseman 12,
Powell 11, Cooper 10, Willmore 9, Syngellakis 6, Cloke 5, Brownsell 4, Rourke 4,
Ball, Jones. 14/03/04 BRIXTON TOPCATS 47 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 60 Southend played their last league game of the season against the team currently in fourth place in the division, some five places above them. It has been a tough season for Swifts, but they were looking to end the campaign in a positive manner following the victory at Cardiff two weeks previously. A scrappy opening saw the scores tied at 8 after five minutes before Swifts put together a 12-2 stretch to lead 20 - 10 at the end of the first period; Martina Michalickova already with 10 points. Brixton's excellent performances this year have been based on very tough defence and in the first eight minutes of the second quarter, they restricted Swifts to just 2 points. But Southend's rearguard was equally strong and they kept their opponents to just 7 in the same period; Swifts eventually holding a 27 - 24 half time lead. Still the battle continued with the score tied at 27. Southend recovered by scoring the next four but neither sid could find any fluency in scoring. At the end of three quarters, there was still nothing in it with Swifts leading 36-34 going into the final stanza. Topcats started much more positively and took their first lead at 43-42 but Swifts were getting huge defensive strength from two unlikely sources. The 6' 2" pair of Yetty Arayomi and Jane Barclay (aged 18 and 14 respectively) were beginning to dominate against much more experienced and physically stronger opponents, denying Brixton any rebounding opportunities to keep their team in the game. Arayomi, in particular, used her athletic prowess to block four shots as well as taking numerous rebounds. From 47 all with five minutes remaining, Southend denied Brixton any more scores as they put out a huge defensive effort. With Emma Camp and Sophie Day intercepting passes, the Essex youngsters simply refused to concede. And when they took the ball to the other end, it was the young Miss Barclay, with three successive scores, who settled matters while a third three-pointer of the afternoon from captain Jo Andrews was the icing on the cake. An excellent conclusion to a difficult season, with Michalickova on 16, Andrews 14 and Camp 12. 28/02/04 CARDIFF CLIPPERS 56 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 78 After a series of disappointing defeats, Southend Swifts' senior womens team finally found some reward for their consistent hard work throughout the season, with a convincing 78-56 victory at Cardiff Clippers. Injuries and work commitments had again hit Swifts hard before the match, and their squad of eight included 14 year old Jane Barclay and 13 year old Emma Hart. Play was fairly scrappy early on as neither side could find any rhythm, with the scores tied at nine after seven minutes of action. But Southend captain Jo Andrews had already hit two three-point shots in that total and when the diminutive playmaker hit her third with the final shot of the quarter, the home side held a slender 15-14 advantage. But over the first six minutes of the second quarter, Swifts offence could make no headway as the Welsh team made a 10-2 run that could have settled the match. But six straight for Southend, Kelly Matthews contributing 4, settled their nerves before Clippers scored the next three points to lead 28-22. But the following two and a half minutes would see a crucial turning point in the match as Southend made a 13-0 stretch that gave them a seven point lead. Louise Robinson, playing despite a badly bruised foot, contributing four in the run that included a further Andrews three-pointer. Cardiff scored the last five points of the period, which ended with Swifts holding a slender 35-33 lead. Another Andrews long-distance effort forced Clippers to a change of defensive formation but Swifts held their resolve. A 7-2 run took the score out to 47-38 and although Cardiff had their best spell of the second half, they could never get closer than six. Two foul shots at the end of the third quarter by the flu-stricken Martina Michalickova giving Southend a 55-47 lead going into the final stanza. But the fourth quarter would finally see Swifts realise some of their true potential. Scoring 11 of the first 13 points gave them an unassailable 17 point lead. Kelly Matthews began to show her much improved passing skills as she found Fran Hitt and Sarah Wagstaff for easy scores and from 68-52, Southend made another 10 straight to ensure the winning margin was over 20. An excellent points spread with Matthews and Hitt on 12, Wagstaff 11 and Michalickova 10, but this was the captain's day. Playing the whole 40 minutes, Jo Andrews ended with a season high 27 points including seven three-point shots. Having made nine in a fixture against Cardiff last season, the Welsh side will be relieved they do not have to come against the England junior international again in this campaign. 14/02/04 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 60 CARDIFF CLIPPERS 72 So it was left to the seniors to see if they could overcome their disappointing league form against old adversaries Cardiff Clippers, who have also struggled this season. For once Swifts started very positively, keeping Clippers scoreless for 5 minutes and when Martina Michalickova hit three baskets in a row, the margin was 13-2 and should have led to a convincing victory. But Swifts allowed the Welsh side to claw their way back into the game and at the end of the first quarter led by just 16-12. If that was bad, the second period was a disaster as Southend conceded 25 points whilst scoring just 10 of their own. Time and again, the Swifts defence was nowhere to be seen as they gave up numerous easy baskets; Cardiff's American player Cecillia Savio scoring 13 in the quarter. The only bright spot for Swifts was the superb rebounding of Yetty Arayomi, whose work at both ends of the court gave her side some semblance of hope. A 9-4 run at the start of the third period brought the hosts back into the game but further stretches for Cardiff of 6 and 8 unanswered points gave Clippers what would be an unassailable 60-44 margin with just one quarter to play. A 7-2 stretch for Swifts gave cause for optimism and when captain Jo Andrews hit her fourth three-pointer of the game, the margin was down to 64-56 with 5 minutes to play. But the optimism was unfounded and more fundamental errors allowed Cardiff to pull away and record a comfortable 72-60 victory. Michalickova 21, Jo Andrews 12 (all from three point range) and Amy Andrews 11 had led Swifts on another disappointing senior display. 31/01/04 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 49 BRIXTON TOPCATS 59 In this campaign's first encounter between the two teams, Southend gave perhaps their most disappointing performance of the season to fall to defeat by 59 points to 49. They failed to combat Brixton's very aggressive defence, making numerous turnovers and always being second when to the loose ball. A very scrappy first quarter from both sides saw the scores tied at 14 as Swifts struggled to put their passes together. But Topcats showed the greater resolve, going on a decisive 15-4 run over the opening five minutes of the second period, that broke the game open. The hosts could make no headway and despite a Louise Robinson three-pointer, found themselves trailing 35-25 at the half time interval. Another disastrous five minute spell for Southend at the start of the third quarter saw the deficit stand at 46-27 and the match logically over; the scoreline at the end of the third showing 51-34 to the South London side. Even midway through the final period Swifts could make little impact, still finding themselves down 58-39. But after 35 minutes of misery, the Essex side finally found some determination and composure. In the final five minutes of the match they restricted Brixton to just one further point, whilst scoring 10 themselves, to at least give the final scoreline an air of respectability at 59-49. Emma Camp 16 and Fran Hitt 12 had been the top scorers on a day all of the team would wish to forget. 24-25/01/04
TAUNTON TIGERS 63 SOUTHEND
SWIFTS 56 The home side took an early 12-8 lead as Southend struggled to find their rhythm. But an upping of defensive intensity proved productive and despite some disappointing foul shooting, Swifts held a narrow 15-13 advantage at the end of the opening 10 minutes. The second quarter was equally close with the lead changing hands five times before a 7-1 run for Taunton gave them a 34-27 half time advantage. When the home side hit the opening four points of the third period to take a double digit lead, the pressure was back on Southend. But they responded well, putting together two 6-0 runs in a 14-6 stretch that reduced the margin to just three at 44-41. Taunton replied with determination and closed the quarter with a 7-4 burst that made it 53-47 going into the final stanza. The opening score for Taunton made it an eight point game but Swifts hit 6 straight, including a Jo Andrews three-pointer, to bring the margin back to 2. The visitors re-gained possession and another long range effort from the Southend captain seemed to have put her side in front only for the referee to signal that the diminutive guard was actually outside the court when she hit the shot.
Taunton seemed to take heart
from this let-off and showed the greater resolve over the final two minutes to
end up 63-56 victors in a hard fought contest. So on Sunday morning, a further trek brought Swifts to the home of the six times champions Plymouth Racers. The Essex side had inflicted Plymouth's biggest ever National League defeat earlier in the season, so there was no doubt a hint of revenge for the hosts. Neither side could establish an early advantage with the scores tied at 12 after 6 minutes. But Plymouth's England international Rebecca Lear was in no mood for another defeat and she scored her sides remaining 13 points in the quarter to give them a 25-18 lead. When Lear scored the first four points of the second period, the margin was 11 for the home side. But Swifts recovered their composure and scores from Sarah Wagstaff helped them start to chip away at the deficit. Racers took it back to 12 before an 11-2 run for Southend. spurred by an Amy Andrews three-pointer over the last four minutes, left the half time score at 38-35 to Plymouth. The home side again looked stronger at the start of the third quarter, taking the margin back to seven, before an 11-4 stretch for Southend brought the scores level at 46. Plymouth took it back out to four but Wagstaff brought it level before a Jo Andrews three-pointer made it 53-52 to Swifts. Lear hit the next four for the West Country side but Southend scored the same number in the last minute to lead 57-56 going into the final 10 minutes. A 7-4 run, capped by an Amy Andrews three-pointer, took the margin to four and despite Lear's one woman show, a 6-2 burst for Swifts made it 70-66 with four minutes to play. But Plymouth's greater experience came through and with Southend unable to find the target again, Plymouth ran out victors by 78 points to 70; Rebecca Lear with an outstanding 47 points for the victors. For Swifts Sarah Wagstaff had a career high 21 points, but these were games Southend needed to win to move themselves up towards a play-off place. 03/01/04
TAUNTON TIGERS 43 (9, 16, 26) Solent Stars looked a little rusty after their Christmas break and all credit must go to Taunton for their fighting display as Solent maintained their 100% record in the WNBL Division 2 South. Taunton Tigers started confidently leading 4-2 after Cox hit an open three pointer and Katerina Syngellakis had answered for Solent. Then Lynne Powell, reading Taunton's switching defences and finding space on the baseline, scored three baskets in a row for Solent to take the lead. Cox hit back with another three pointer and then Catherine Brownsell and Syngellakis started to attack the basket and score inside. Gough hit back with another outside shot for Taunton before Christie Rourke came off the bench to score to take Solent into a 17-9 lead at the end of the quarter. The second quarter saw Solent extend their lead as all their players got on court. Claire Wiseman and Jodie Jerram both hit from the outside and Rourke continued to add points on the fast break and then with a great pull up jump shot. Bryne hit another three for Taunton to reduce the half time deficit to seventeen points. The beginning of the second half saw the Solent players respond to their coaches' feedback and finally start to play the smart tough defence they thrive upon. The team went on a 13-3 run stifling the Taunton team into poor shots and frequent turnovers. With the game effectively over and leading by 29 points Coaches Ball and Lee took all their starters off the court. Taunton replied with a six point run of their own as Jerram, Rourke, Jones, Ball and Hield all looked tentative without their more experienced team-mates around them. Carrie Jones scored two points as the quarter finished. The fourth quarter saw Solent's players respond playing with more confidence and composure. When Ball hit a perimeter jump shot and Hield scored from the free throw line after a great fast break the entire Solent team had got on the scoresheet. As the game came to an end all the Taunton players continued to fight hard and in particular Cox finished off an excellent individual offensive display with another three point shot taking her haul to eighteen points. "I take my hat off to Taunton today. They played with great pride and never quit and caused us many problems with their switching defences and well executed offence" commented Coach Ball afterwards. "I felt we were off the pace today. Our starters only really fired in patches and I expect the entire team to play with far more defensive intensity next week against Southend. The less experienced players had more pressure placed upon them today as I put them all on court together. They need to experience these situations if they are to continue their personal development and make a positive contribution in the high pressure games that will come as we head towards the play-offs". "A real positive was the return of Lynne Powell as an offensive threat today. She played really smart today and when she finds space she is such a great perimeter shooter she will hurt anybody. Also Chrisite Rourke is continuing to display more composure, is making better decisions in the half-court and has now developed an impressive pull up jump shot. However after the Christmas break I can promise that we will be getting back to basics in training this week".
Scorers: 06/12/03
SOLENT STARS
85 (24, 48, 66) Solent Stars continue to set the pace at the top of Division 2 South National League after victory over Plymouth on Saturday at Fleming Park. Plymouth's team is much changed from their previous championship seasons due to retirements and players leaving. However they showed fight throughout, despite having limited options on the bench. Solent started sluggishly and were fortunate to be only behind by three points when Catherine Brownsell scored. These two points led to a seventeen point run as Solent's pressure defence caused problems for Plymouth. Vikky Willmore started by penetrating off the dribble and scoring followed by Claire Wiseman. TheN it was the turn of Solent's inside players to show their touch as Katerina Syngellakis and Sarah Cooper both got on the score sheet. When Eszter Ball came off the bench to score cutting to the hoop as she was fouled and hit the resulting free throw, Solent had established a fifteen point lead. The second quarter saw both teams executing better in the half court. Plymouth's zone defence had not slowed Solent's scoring down although it had made the game less of a transition game. Cristie Rourke continued her impressive form making good controlled decisions and hitting open jump shots. However Lear and Garside were providing a real handful for Solent and with Jones handling Solent's defence with more conviction the visitors were matching Solent's firepower. Nicki Scrivener, another of Solent's juniors getting an opportunity, came on and immediately got to the glass and scored. Carrie Jones scored two fast break baskets but Solent kept reaching in and getting cheap fouls called against them enabling Plymouth to stay in touch from the charity stripe. At half time Solent's coaches wanted to see the team continue to push the ball down the floor but especially improve at the defensive end where they had allowed Plymouth to score twenty one points in the second quarter. The third and fourth quarter did see Solent tighten up defensively and as Plymouth tired Solent were able to stretch their lead. When Lynn Powell scored in the third quarter the entire team had got on the score sheet again. Much credit must be given to Plymouth as they never quit, and in particular Lear and Garside, who kept going to the very end. "We are making progress although we tend to play in spurts during games" said Coach Ball afterwards. "The players have and will continue to improve their fundamental skills but the mental side of the game takes longer and will come with experience. "We must now focus our attention on what will be a tough encounter with Brixton next week in the quarter finals of the National Trophy." Scorers: SOLENT Cooper 23, Syngellakis 12, Willmore 12, Wiseman 10, Rourke 6, Jones 6, Brownsell 6, Ball 5, Powell 3, Scrivener 2 PLYMOUTH Lear 15, Garside 14, Jones 8, Johns 5, Pawson 4, Benan 3 15/11/03
SOLENT STARS 68 (17,
34, 44) Solent Star's women's team kept their perfect National League record intact when they came up against a much improved Brixton Topcats team on Saturday at Hamble Community Centre. With Solent's starting centre Katerina Syngellakis away with work commitments, it was a real boost for Solent Stars to see the return of captain Sarah Cooper after her two month injury lay-off. The first quarter saw Solent jump out to an early lead with their full court pressure defence causing problems for Brixton. Catherine Brownsell, Claire Wiseman and Vikki Willmore all got to the free throw line before Cooper hit two baskets inside the key. Another fast break basket for Willmore was followed up by a great inside outside three pointer for Wiseman. Finally Brixton broke the Solent 12-0 run with two free throws from Mckoy. However Solent responded with six further points as Kathryn Hield hit a baseline jump shot to end the quarter leading comfortably by seventeen points. Brixton came out for the second quarter and looked to play far more aggressively at the defensive end and immediately scored six quick points to get them back in the game. Solent responded to the challenge with Hield, Wiseman and Cooper getting to the hoop. However with Solent leading by 15 points there was great concern from both teams as Vikki Willmore fell awkwardly and was carried off the court. Meanwhile as the game restarted Solent did not take a step backwards as Carrie Jones scored on a drive to the basket followed by a three pointer. Dixon and Ogundare responded with down town threes of their own closing the gap again to 16 points at the half. The third quarter turned into a defensive battle as both teams pressure defence caused rushed shots and turnovers. Dixon and Ogundare continued to create problems for Solent whilst Eszter Ball hit a big three from the top of the key for Stars. The last five minutes only saw Solent score two more baskets from Brownsell and Ball. The final quarter saw both teams break out of their shooting slump. After hitting the first two points from the free throw line Claire Wiseman was withdrawn along with Catherine Brownsell and Sarah Cooper. Coaches Ball and Lee wanted to see how their players would respond to being under pressure without any starters on the floor. The response was very encouraging with Christie Rourke controlling the point and Jones exploding at the offensive end for 12 points in the quarter. Rourke drove coast to coast, then buried two free throws and nailed a jump shot. Hield was playing her most composed game of the season inside and Lynne Powell was playing excellent defence on the dangerous Dixon. As the game finished Brixton continued to play hard to the end. Final score Solent Stars 68 Brixton Topcats 41. "I really enjoyed the game. Both teams played hard and I think that Brixton will be a real handful for us when we play them on their court" added Coach Ball. "We needed a tough game after our three week lay-off and we got it". There was also encouraging news after the game with Vikki Willmore's injury proving less serious than at first thought. "We will know the full extent after the swelling goes down but at least it is not broken"
Scorers: 08/11/03 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 90 PLYMOUTH RACERS 52 Southend's seniors welcomed the team that has won the division for six years in a row and have an unbeaten record against the Essex side. However, the south westerners have a depleted squad this year and this was gave Swifts a great opportunity for victory. Despite conceding the first four points, Southend kept their composure and excellent ball movement and shooting gave them a 30-23 first quarter lead. But a stunning run of 14-2 in a four minute period really settled the home side, Emma Camp contributing two three-point shots and Jo Andrews one. Both sides struggled over the remainder of the period to see Swifts with a 50-32 half time lead. Plymouth started the third quarter like true champions, scoring the first six points but Swifts showed good maturity to regain the initiative to lead 64-48 with one period remaining. But showing their improved fitness levels, Swifts kept their illustrious opponents scoreless for the first seven minutes of the final quarter as they racked up 18 points of their own to take an unassailable lead as Fran Hitt and Yetty Arayomi created havoc around the basket. Swifts closed with a 38 point winning margin that helped to erase some of the defeats over the years. Camp 17, Hitt and Wagstaff 12 and Arayomi 11 the leading scorers. What was all the more surprising was that seven of the team had also played in the junior game at Northampton earlier in the day, that ended in defeat. Funny thing sport !! 01/11/03 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 76 TAUNTON TIGERS 68 So it was left to the seniors to try and complete a hat trick of victories. With half term holidays causing a number of absences, Swifts brought in young Jane Barclay for her senior debut, having just starred for the cadet side. Looking resplendent in new uniforms, Swifts opened an early 5-2 lead. with captain Jo Andrews hitting an early three pointer. Taunton fought back to trail 7-6 before another Andrews trey restored her side's advantage. With Taunton much the taller side, Southend put Barclay into the play and she used her 6' frame to great effect taking rebounds at both ends of the floor as well as scoring her first senior points. Neither side could establish any gap before an Emma Camp three pointer at the end of the first quarter gave her side a 22-17 advantage. But Tigers came out much the more determined in the second period and reeled off 12 unanswered points in the first three minutes to take a seven point lead. A time out seemed to calm matters for the hosts and much more determined defence stemmed the tide. With Louise Robinson having an outstanding game at both ends of the court, Swifts 12-5 run over the remainder of the quarter left the scores tied at 34 at the half time interval. Taunton again threatened to break the game open at the start of the third quarter, with the first four points. Despite Martina Michalickova becoming more prominent for Swifts, the visitors held a 46-39 lead after four minutes. But the Essex side showed far greater resolve and an 8-0 run saw them regain the upper hand. Still neither side could dominate as Swifts led 50-48 going into the final stanza. Again Tigers came out sharper to lead 54-50 but a three-point play from Michalickova and a basket from Camp restored Southend's advantage. Swifts had put young Barclay back into the fray and she was beginning to take valuable rebounds. Two foul shots from Robinson put Swifts 62-57 up but excellent resolve from Taunton brought it back to 64-63 to Southend. But then Miss Barclay took the game over. In a two minute period she scored four successive free throws and a basket as well as taking three rebounds to give her team a 72-63 lead that they were never going to relinquish. Taunton continued to battle but the home side stayed solid to record a very deserved victory. Michalickova 20, Camp 16 and Robinson, with her best ever senior performance of 13 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots leading the way. But the 12 points and nine rebounds for the 14 year old Barclay will be the abiding memory. Someone once said (in another sport) that you can't win anything with kids. Fortunately no one told Jane. 19/10/03 SOLENT STARS 70 (8, 29, 54) CARDIFF CLIPPERS 37 (6, 23, 27) Although the final score looked comfortable for Solent Stars women's team it belies a really close battle for the first two quarters
Cardiff came to the south
coast having had a magnificent victory the previous evening against Solent created many opportunities but failed to put the ball in the basket. However nothing can be taken away from Cardiff and they worked really hard to stop the Stars from getting into their running game Fortunately Lynne Powell managed to score four points to give Solent the advantage. Both teams began to get into their stride in the second quarter with Coach Ball going to his bench to create some energy. Christie Rourke continued where she had left off against Southend backed up with baskets from Claire Wiseman and Eszter Ball. However Gould and Wilson were creating problems for Solent. Gould was getting to the line almost at will and Wilson, despite her short stature was a real handful on the offensive glass as Solent's defence appeared fragile. Alice Walton and Rosie Chase having played well the previous night against Northampton Lightning were given an opportunity to play for the Seniors and did not look out of place. However after further points from Syngellakis, Ball and Willmore, Cardiff scored the last four points to take them into the half time break only trailing by six points with an upset victory looking possible. After Coaches Ball and Lee reinforced the need to play with more intensity at the defensive end and to relax but stay focused at the offensive end during the break, Solent came out on fire. The same five players that had struggled to score at all during the first quarter were transformed as they all got on the scoresheet early. A timeout from Cardiff did nothing to stem the flow. Claire Wiseman was conducting a master class in how to play help defence although she was given no help by the lack of charges being called. Solent won the quarter twenty five points to four and effectively put the game beyond Cardiff. The last quarter saw everybody get on court and Walton and Chase began playing with more confidence – both getting on the scoresheet.
However Cardiff was a real
handful and the game has highlighted areas that Solent need to work on and
develop if they wish to continue their unbeaten start to Division 2 South. It is hoped that Catherine Brownsell will be able to continue with her comeback from injury although captain Sarah Cooper could still be out of action and will find out on Monday the result of the scan on her injured hand. Having not played for over 3 weeks she is desperate to get back on court but the coaching staff will not rush her back until they are sure she is fully fit.
18/10/03
SOUTHEND SWIFTS 44 (10,
23, 38) Solent Stars women's team started their double header weekend with a solid victory over Southend Swifts on Saturday. However it was Southend who started the more confidently Hitt and Rambin scoring early with the only response coming from Claire Wiseman. Then former Swifts player, Vikki Willmore, returning to play against her home club for the first time came up with a basket to bring the scores level. Solent then raised their defensive pressure and Catherine Bownsell and Lynne Powell scored off the fast break leading Southend to call a timeout. But it made little difference as Syngellakis started to dominate inside. Kathryn Hield came on to score her first ever basket at National League level causing the entire bench to join in with her celebrations. Wiseman scored the last two baskets of the quarter driving to the basket. The second quarter saw Solent continue to score freely Carrie Jones and Kathryn Hield scoring 13 points between them. Both these players have improved so much during the first few weeks of the season having stepped up from the Solent Local league. Stars went into the half time beak up by 24 points. The third quarter proved that Solent could not afford to relax and the Southend team showed real fighting spirit and never dropped their heads. Vikki Willmore hit a big three pointer to steady Solent down followed by a nice pull up jump shot in the key. The last quarter saw Solent get their fast break back on track and it turned into a great solo performance by Christie Rourke scoring 12 points as she simply ran through the tiring Swifts transition defence. Eszter Ball chipped in and Solent's quick passing and movement was epitomised when Hield trailing on the break hit an off balance running jump shot. It was Willmore who brought the game to an end hitting the last basket. Coaches Ball and Lee were especially pleased with the contribution of Rourke, Hield and Jones. Rourke had struggled a little in the last few games but bounced back using her speed effectively and playing with more confidence. Hield and Rourke continue to improve on a weekly basis with their hard work in practice showing dividends in the game.
Scorers:
SOUTHEND SWIFTS 44 SOLENT 82 The senior team then faced Solent. who have been out of the league for a number of years. Swifts acquitted themselves well early on, but a lack of concentration between the third and sixth minute and again in the final two minutes of the first quarter gave Solent a 24-10 first period advantage. The second stanza was a similar story as Southend missed a number of scoring opportunities close to the basket to trail 47-23 at the half time break. The third period was a much better performance from the home side as their constant changes of defensive formation caused confusion for Solent. With Martina Michalickova getting on the end of some fast breaks and Fran Hitt scoring well close to the basket, Swifts actually reduced the deficit to 59-38 with 10 minutes remaining. But they were unable to keep up the momentum and Solent ended the match with an 82-44 victory. 04/10/03 SPELTHORNE ACERS 82 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 52 Southend Swifts fell to their second successive senior National League defeat at Spelthorne Acers on Saturday, but this was a much more spirited display than in the opening fixture. Spelthorne have rejoined the league after being out for two seasons, and have brought together a vastly experienced squad, including England international 6' 2" Caroline Ayres, and when the home side hit two three point shots with their first two attempts, a rout looked likely. But Swifts kept their composure and with Emma Camp and Fran Hitt finding the basket, Southend remained in contention, trailing 22-14 at the end of the first quarter. When Swifts captain Jo Andrews hit a three pointer at the start of the second period, the deficit had reduced to 5. Although Acers had the next score, the Essex side produced an excellent four minute spell, when they kept their illustrious opponents scoreless, to go on an 8-0 stretch to take the lead for the one and only time at 27-26. Martina Michalickova was having an outstanding game defensively and her many steals were sparking the Swifts fast break that were leading to good scoring opportunities. But Spelthorne had other ideas and their change in defensive formation paid immediate rewards as they closed out the half with a 13-4 run to lead 39-31 at the interval. The third period was much more decisive as the home sides pressure defence reaped huge rewards, reeling off 17 unanswered points. Swifts managed just 5 in the quarter as they trailed 64-36 with the final 10 minutes remaining. The final stanza saw a much closer contest as Southend kept the scoreline within respectable proportions to end the match down at 82-52. Michalickova 14, Hitt 11 and Andrews 10 had been the top scorers in a game where, for three of the four quarters, Swifts showed they could live with the best in the division.
SOLENT STARS
49 (17, 26, 36) Solent Stars Women's team came through a tough defensive battle with Taunton Tigers to maintain their winning start in the National League Division 2 South. With forwards Sarah Cooper and Catherine Brownsell out through injury Lynne Powell and Carrie Jones were put into the starting five. They both responded well to the extra responsibility helping to ensure that Solent got off to a god start. It was Claire Wiseman driving to the basket followed up by Katerina Syngellakis with strong moves inside that scored early points for the Stars. However Solent were struggling to apply their usual defensive pressure and allowed Taunton to move the ball easily on offence and create open shots to stay in the game. Seven points on the trot from Vikki Willmore put Solent back into the lead and ensured that Solent lead by five points at the end of the quarter. Eszter Ball came off the bench to hit an open jump shot and junior player Jodie Jerram playing her first game for the Senior team gave the team some defensive energy and then hit a big three to stretch the Solent lead to ten points. However instead of stretching away Solent again lost focus allowing Taunton to score eight unanswered points. Taunton's zone trap was causing real problems and led to Solent turning the ball over. Syngellakis and Powell were reintroduced to the game and settled the team down to help take Solent into the half time break with a six point lead. The third quarter continued as the second had and turned into a real dogfight. Solent failed to score for over four minutes until Carrie Jones pushed Solent back into a ten point lead with great second effort put-backs and hustle on the offensive glass. However Taunton again dragged the deficit to below ten points as the quarter ended. Then when Solent looked as if they would allow the game to possibly go away from them they turned up the heat and snuffled out Taunton's challenge with a great defensive effort in the final quarter. Solent were finally able to create a more comfortable lead with Wiseman and Syngellakis leading from the front. Lynne Powell snuffled out any hopes of a Taunton comeback after excellent offensive ball movement from the team. Solent will be heading off to the Welsh valleys next week for their second round cup game against Rhondda Rebels - last years Cup Winners. "It will be a great test for us and our new team. I know the players are really looking forward to the challenge of testing themselves against the best in the country", said Coach Ball.
Scorers: 27/09/03 SPELTHORNE ACERS 44 (13, 22, 30) SOLENT STARS 59 (15, 28, 46) Solent Stars Women's team started their League campaign with a hard fought fifteen point victory over Spelthorne Acers at the weekend.
Solent started on fire in
the opening minutes with their fast break ripping through Spelthorne and
providing easy baskets for Catherine Brownsell, Katernia Syngellakisand and two
free throws for Vikki Willmore. When Claire Wiseman, returning to play
However Spelthorne’s England
International, Caroline Ayres, started to cause
Spelthorne went into the
lead for the first and only time after Dee Cloke hit three at the beginning of
the second quarter. Solent then stepped up their defensive
At half time Coach Ball
emphasised the fact that he wanted the players to keep pushing the ball down the
floor at Spelthorne in the second half. The players
The last quarter should have
been comfortable but Solent could not quire shake Spelthorne off and Solent will
want to improve their decision making under Solent will be looking to continue their winning start to the season when they take on Taunton Tigers at Fleming Park at 6pm. Scorers: SOLENT Syngellakis 12, Cooper 10, Jones 8, Wiseman 6, Willmore 6, Powell 6, Ball 4, Brownsell 4, Rourke 3 SPELTHORNE Ayres 19, Guerrina 10, Cloke 6, B Perry 4, L West 2, L Perry 2, S Thompson 1
27/09/03 ENGLAND WOMENS NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 SOUTH SOUTHEND SWIFTS 42 LONDON TOWERS 55 A terrible five minute spell at the start of the second half cost Southend Swifts dearly as they fell to a disappointing defeat against London Towers in their opening league fixture at Greensward College on Saturday. Both sides showed early season nerves as they frittered away many chances early on, as the scoreline showed a ludicrously low 4 points apiece after six minutes of play. The scoring then picked up somewhat as the teams moved to 10 all at the end of the first quarter; two of Swifts points coming from Slovakian Martina Michalickova, who was making her debut in competitive basketball in this country. The early part of the second quarter fared little better for Southend as their tentative play saw the visitors take a 20-12 lead after seven minutes. But some determined effort in the remainder of the period saw the deficit reduce to just 6, at 24-18. at the half time interval. But the start of the third quarter saw the Londoners reel off 15 unanswered points to take what would end up a decisive lead at 39-18. Swifts called time out and following some harsh words, the tide started to turn. Louise Robinson hit a three-pointer and suddenly Emma Camp came to life, scoring her sides next 9 points, as the margin reduced to 12 at 31-43 with 10 minutes remaining. For the hosts, young Yeti Arayomi was having her finest ever performance for the club, getting many rebounds and interceptions against far more experienced opponents. Southend continued to press and with Michalickova coming up with two steals and two baskets, suddenly the margin was just eight and the crowd sensing an improbable result. And when Swifts made 5 unanswered points with just over one minute to play, it just started to look possible. But the greater experience of the London side came to the fore and they scored the last six points of the match to take a deserved victory by 55 points to 42. Camp 13 and Michalickova 11 had led the home side but the whole team will need to be sharper if they are to be in contention in the senior league. Next week sees the senior and junior women travelling to Spelthorne in Middlesex for further league matches. On Sunday the junior men open their campaign with a visit to Haringey in London. |
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