* “Lords” get hammered by Manchester despite gutsy second half performance *

Cadet Men’s National League (Premier Division North)

City of Manchester                102 - 44            Northants “Lords” 

A game against City of Manchester often known as the North West England All Stars, is always a tough test. To do it with key players missing makes it even more difficult. So it was last weekend as the “Lords” travelled north with a squad seriously depleted through injury and illness.  

To say the first half of the game was a nightmare would be the understatement of all time. The “Lords” could manage just 12 points while the Manchester machine rolled in 54. At this stage it looked as if the scoreboard from the nearby Old Trafford Cricket Ground might be needed but in the event the “Lords” turned in a battling second half performance which they lost 48-32. Of course the game was as good as over in the last two periods but the Northants performance gave some indication of  what the team is truly capable of.  If the players could get into the correct frame of mind right from the start of games they would begin to pick up more victories.

Coach, Richard Leaf was full of praise for his team’s second half effort particularly Chris Caird who scored 13 points as well as pulling down ten rebounds. Caird received good support from David Evans and Tom Hiney both of whom scored 10 points. 

This weekend the “Lords” travel north again when they take on the “Panthers” of Ellesmere Port on Sunday.

* Dynamite” win the battle of Leicester *

Cadette Women’s National League (Midlands Conference)

Leicester “Cannons”                  39 - 49             Northants “Dynamite” 

Over the years games between Northants and Leicester have been dour low scoring affairs and it was no different last Saturday with the “Dynamite” just edging home. The win was based on tenacious defence particularly in the second and fourth quarters when the Leicester girls were kept to single figures. 

With points scoring at a premium in a very physical game coach, Karen Goodrich was pleased to see no less then ten of her players get on to the scoresheet, Gabby Patrick leading the way with a personal tally of 12. 

* Flyers maintain their 100% record *

Under 14 Girls National Passerelle League (Central Conference)

Exeter “Eagles”            22 - 53                        Northants “Flyers”

Moulton “Magic”            16 - 79                        Northants “Flyers”

The Northants “Flyers” maintained their 100% record in the Central Conference to set up a tasty looking tournament against Rhondda and Shropshire early in 2005. The county girls easily beat Exeter with Kyrie Burgoine scoring 12 points before taking on Moulton “Magic” a team based on the excellent Moulton School programme. They won that game convincingly lead by 18 points from Roxie Francis while Amy O’Connor and  Jordan Elliott-King playing for the county against their own school team scored 18 and 10 points respectively. 

* “Mavs” win the county battle against “Tornadoes” but both go down to Birmingham *

Under 13 National Passerelle League (Midlands Conference)

Northants “Tornadoes”            27 - 44                        City of Birmingham

Northants “ Mavericks”            32 - 54             City of Birmingham

Northants “Mavericks”            40 - 37             Northants “Tornadoes”

A three pointer from Jess Kelly in the last minute of the game earned the “Mavericks” a narrow win over fellow county side the “Tornadoes”. Earlier both teams had gone down to an athletic Birmingham team.

28/11/04

*  “Dynamite crash out of National Cup. *

Cadette Women’s National Cup

Northants “Dynamite”                 31 - 72             Croydon “Flyers” 

The Northants “Dynamite” were knocked out of the Cadette (Under 16) Women’s National Cup by a talented Croydon “Flyers” team. The loss could be well and truly attributed to an abject second half which saw the county girls restricted to just nine points. All this after the “Dynamite had been in contact with their opponents at half time when the score was 29-22 to Croydon. 

The “Dynamite” knew they faced a difficult task against one of the best under 16 teams in the country but after falling 16-6 behind they recovered to 17-12 at the end of the first quarter thanks to three back-to-back baskets from Erin Clarke. The Northants girls maintained their momentum in the second quarter which they just lost 12-10 but there was every optimism that a shock might be on the cards. 

A shock there certainly was as the “Dynamite” completely capitulated in the last two periods of play. Defensively, the “Flyers” easily contained the light weight “Dynamite” attacks while their 6 feet 2 inch centre Cristal Turner scored with ease at the other end of the court. A paltry six points in the third quarter was matched by a pathetic three in the fourth to round off what must be the worst half of basketball played by a Northants team in many, many years. Try as she , might coach, Karen Goodrich was unable to engender any enthusiasm in her players who totally capitulated in that terrible twenty minutes. 

In the forty plus points humiliation only Erin Clarke with 12 points, got into double figures.

20/11/04

*  “Lords just miss out against Trafford  * 

Cadet Men’s National League (Northern Premier Division)

Northants “Lords”                      76 - 87             Trafford 

Ignore the scoreline because with three minutes of the game remaining the “Lords” were on the brink of pulling off a major shock against Trafford who to all intents and purposes are the Manchester second team. The Northants boys had hauled themselves back from a fourteen points deficit to take a 70-69 lead six minutes into the final period of play. Trafford re-took the lead from the free throw line before Chris Caird scored from an excellent close to the basket move. That took the “Lords” to within one point of their opponents at 73-72 but then it was almost as if what they suddenly became aware of what they might achieve.  

Suddenly all the errors which had been apparent in their earlier play re-appeared and in the next three minutes of play they could manage just four points from the free throw line while Trafford scored fourteen to run out comfortable winners. Most of those points came when the “Lords” were guilty of turning the ball over against the Trafford “press”.  Coach, Richard Leaf was almost at a loss for words at the end of the game because he knew his team could well have beaten the northerners. “ It seems that when we were fourteen points down the players just accepted defeat, relaxed and started to play to their full potential. Then when they had a real chance to win the game all the old fears returned and with it all the errors.” 

For the “Lords” Chris Caird had a superb game scoring 20 points while Kurtis McKenna contributed 13. 

*  “Cyclones” chalk up league win number one  * 

Cadet Men’s Regional League (Central Conference)

Northants “Cyclones”                 94 - 33             Leicester “Sparks”    

The “Cyclones” torrid time in Cadet Regional League ended  last weekend with a convincing win over  Leicester “Sparks” at Northampton School for Boys. The decision of playing the “Cyclones” a ‘year young’ in the Cadet (Under 16) Regional League is sometimes questioned but their performance against the “Sparks” shows just how far they’ve come in the past two months. Admittedly the “Cyclones” were helped by the fact that several key Leicester player ‘fouled out’ of the game but the way the young “Cyclones” exploited their advantage was impressive. 

Leading  by just twelve points at 36-24 at half time the “Cyclones” really turned on the style in the third and fourth quarters outscoring their opponents 58-9 to run out winners by sixty plus points. 

Four county players scored in double figures Tom Care netting 19 points and Matt Rawsthorne 15. Debutant Jourdan Blessyn was impressive with 15 points while Robert Winfield chipped in with ten.

*  “Dynamite” get back to winning ways  * 

Cadette Women’s National League (Midlands Conference)

Northants “Dynamite”           86 - 29            Earl Shilton “Lady Hoops” 

After losses ‘on the road’ to Doncaster and Sheffield the Northants “Dynamite” got back to winning ways with a comfortable victory over Earl Shilton. Coach, Karen Goodrich was able to give all twelve of her players considerable court time but not surprisingly it was her more experienced players who lead the points scoring. 

Kyrie Burgoine led the way with 16 but four others, Erin Clarke, Roxanne Francis, Gabby Patrick and Hannah Scott-Evans all scored in double figures.

13/11/04

*  “Junior Men get back to winning ways  * 

Junior Men’s National League (Premier Division North)

Northants “Knights”                   98 - 78             Solihull “Dakotas”        

After their disappointing loss to Barrow the “Knights” got back to winning ways with a convincing victory over Solihull. In fact the “Knights” won all four periods of the game although  coach, Brian Johnson was unhappy with his team’s inability to close down Solihull’s three point shooters the visitors hitting no less than seven shots from beyond the arc. 

The “Knights” employed a number of defensive strategies against the “Dakotas” but it was their fast breaking offence which caused the Midlanders most problems and no less than six “Knights’” players got into double figures. Leading scorer for the “Knights” with 20 points, was Matt Barber who had missed the trip to Barrow the previous week. Good support came from Liam Cort with 19 points while Balraj Samrai enjoyed his best game of the season with 16 points.

That win moves the “Knights” up to fifth in the Premier North table and this weekend they travel to Trafford who beat them in Northampton just four weeks ago.

*  Lords get the better of Birmingham  * 

Cadet Men’s National League (Northern Premier Division)

Northants “Lords”                      90 - 60             City of Birmingham 

It’s been over four weeks since the “Lords” have recorded a win but against the newly formed City of Birmingham. The “Lords” were able to turn in much better team performance to pick up their second league win of the season but they remain in sixth place in the seven team division. 

Expecting a tough time against a city with a huge population and a massive basketball potential the “Lords” totally dominated the first period of play stretching out to a 29-15 lead. The second quarter saw Birmingham battle back and at half time the Northants lead was just 13 points at 47-34. There had been an air of complacency in that second quarter but during the half time break coach, Richard leaf was able to get his team to re-focus and they took the third quarter 28-7 to put the final result beyond doubt. He must have been slightly annoyed that in the final period errors crept back into the “Lords” play and they lost that quarter 19-15 still winning convincingly by 90 points to 60. 

In the thirty points win Elliot Toone top scored with 21 points, Andrew Hutt had four three-pointers in his 19 points haul while Chris Caird contributed 14 points.

This weekend the “Lords” are at home again when they entertain Trafford. 

*  “Cyclones” Can’t stop the “Cannons”  *  

Cadet Men’s Regional League (Central Conference)

Leicester “Cannons”                  75 - 38             Northants “Cyclones”    

The “Cyclones” torrid time in Cadet Regional League continued last weekend with a 37 points loss at Leicester “Cannons”. Despite this setback coach Tony Stewart remains upbeat and he’s convinced that playing against older boys is the correct preparation for next season’s campaign in the Premier Division. 

The main problem with playing against older boys is that every mistake is punished and against the “Cannons” the Northants boys were guilty of giving the ball away on a number of occasions. This, combined with their inability to score free throws saw them trailing 40-21 at the half time interval. In the third period Leicester came out with a full court man-to-man defence but the “Cyclones” were able to penetrate this defence quite easily and actually won the period 14-12. 

The final period was a disaster for the “Cyclones” and they were outscored 23-3 in the final ten minutes to lose 75-38.

*  “Flyers” make it four out of four  * 

Under 14 Girls Passerelle League (Central Conference)

Northants “Flyers”              81 - 11             Nova North

Northants “Flyers”                       52 - 29                      Exeter “Eagles” 

The “Flyers” maintained their impressive start to the season with two more wins last weekend. After convincingly beating Nova North the county girls came up against an athletic Exeter outsfit and found themselves trailing 12-8 after the first period. In the second quarter the “Flyers” tough defence proved to be the decisive factor and with Kyrie Burgoine scoring freely the county girls eventually ran out comfortable winners.

* “Hurricanes” and “Tornadoes” split games in their Passerelle Leagues  *

Under 14 Boys Passerlle League (Eastern Conference)

Northants “Hurricanes”            58 - 31                        Ipswich Tomcats”

Northants “Hurricanes                        34 - 44                        Brentwood “Fire”

There was disappointment for the “Hurricanes” as they succumbed to a taller Brentwood team all this after they had convincingly beaten Ipswich

Under 13 Passerelle League (Midland Conference)

Northants “Tornadoes”            32 - 43                        Notts Nova

Northants “Tornadoes”            30 - 20                        Birmingham “Bullets”

After losing to Notts Nova the “Tornadoes” bounced back to record a good win over Birmingham “Bullets”

07/11/04

*  “Lightning maintain their 100% record with a win at Ipswich  * 

Junior Women’s National League

Ipswich “Bobcats”            39 - 73             Northants “Lightning”     

The Northants “Lightning” maintained their 100% league record with a convincing win over Ipswich but the margin of victory was rather flattering to a below par Northants team. In fairness to the battling “Bobcats” it was only the physical supremacy of the “Lightning” that gave them their win. Having said that, when the “Lightning” really applied their up-court pressure they were able to force their opponents into a number of errors who turned the ball over on more than forty times.

The “Lightning” raced into a 17-6 lead but it was mainly on the back of put backs from missed shots and against bigger teams the county girls will not be able to do this. The “Lightning’s” superior height advantage continued to be a dominant factor throughout the first two periods and at half time they led 39-20 and the game was as good as over. 

The “Bobcats” coaching staff were obviously aware of  the physical domination of the Northants’ players and in the third period their charges came out really charged up and ready to battle. For ten minutes the game became more like a war with bodies strewn around the court as if it were a battle ground. The match officials had obviously decided the game was over as a contest and failed to keep the necessary control over what had become a fierce contest. Such was the Ipswich effort in the third period that the “Lightning” only won it 16-13 and their were stern word from the coaching staff during the break. 

In fairness to the Northants girls they applied themselves well in the final period of play restricting their opponents to just six points while scoring 18 themselves to take the game 73-39. 

In the 34 points win Nauel Saeed and Angeline Field looked very impressive with scoring 19 and 15 points respectively.

This weekend the “Lightning” are on their travels again making a trip to the south coast to take on Brighton “Bears” 

*  Knights draw a blank at Barrow  * 

Junior Men’s National League (Northern Premier Division)

Barrow “Thorns”                    83 - 61             Northants “Knights” 

The Northants “Knights” made the long journey to Barrow-in-Furness and returned empty handed after suffering a 22 points defeat. The game started well for the “Knights” and on the back of some good defensive work eased out to a 12-8 lead after six minutes. Barrow switched a to a trapping man-to-man defence and this totally threw the “Knights” who were guilty of giving the ball away on numerous occasions. The “Thorns” went on a 17-2 scoring spree to take a 25-14 lead after the first quarter.

Things were no better in the second period which the home side took 23-14 to establish a commanding 48-28 half time lead. Something had to be done to stem the tide although it was the inability of the “Lightning” to keep possession that was the main problem. A switch to a zone defence was successful and in the third and fourth quarters the Barrow advantage was just two points but the damage had already been done with the “Thorns” running out winners by 83 points to 61. 

For the “Knights” Liam Cort scored 20 points, and Troy Murray contributed 14.

Next weekend the “Knights” have a home match when they take on Solihull “Dakotas”

*  No joy for “Lords” in Sheffield * 

Cadet Men’s National League (Premier Division North)

Sheffield “Sharks”                     73 - 53             Northants “Lords” 

The Northants “Lords” travelled to the English Institute of sport in Sheffield hopeful of picking up their second National League win of the season. In the event they went down by 20 points despite playing better as a team. 

Once again, the main problems came in the first two periods of the game which saw the “Sharks” take a 44-28 lead. The “Lords” battled hard in the second half which they lost 29-25 to go down 73-53 overall. 

For the “Lords” Kurtis McKenna scored 19 points but no other “Lord” was able to get into double figures.

The “Lords” next opponents will City of Birmingham at home on Saturday

*  “Cyclones” hammered by rampant Coventry  *  

Cadet Men’s Regional League (Central Conference)

Northants “Cyclones”                 103 - 44            Coventry “Crusaders” 

The composition of the Premier and regional Leagues was once again called into question after Coventry had chalked up another huge win. It is obvious to all observers that the Coventry boys should not be playing in the Regional Conference. The margin of their victories is doing them no good and threatens to demoralise opponents. It isn’t clear why they are in the Regional League but if it is the doing of the National League office they are doing the game a great disservice. 

Coventry superior physically played an aggressive press defence throughout the game it was to the credit of the Northants boys that they never stopped battling despite being on the wrong end of a 50 points plus defeat. 

The “Cyclones” face another tough match next weekend when they travel to Leicester “Cannons”

*  Dynamite disappoint in Sheffield  * 

Cadette Women’s Regional League (Midlands Conference)

Sheffield “Hatters”                    70 - 43             Northants “Dynamite” 

Faced with the challenge of playing one of the best under 16 teams in the country, the “Dynamite” failed to respond and suffered an embarrassing 27 points defeat. Winning in Sheffield at hot bed of women’s basketball, is always difficult but their was no excuse for the lacklustre performance by the county girls.

Of the eleven players who saw action against the “Hatters” only one or two played to their full potential with a number of the others seeming to just be going through the motions. 

During the first period Sheffield built up a commanding 25-7 lead and things got no better in the second quarter with the “Dynamite” managing just five points. The second half which Sheffield took 35-31, saw a more determined approach by the county girls but by this time the game was over as a contest. 

For the “Dynamite” only Natasha Wesley with 11 points was able to score in double figures.

24/10/04

*  “Lightning” record big comeback win at Croydon *

Junior Women’s National League

Croydon “Flyers”                     62 - 65             Northants “Lightning”  

When Nauel Saeed fouled out in the last minute of the third quarter and then compounded matters by arguing with the referee things looked pretty bleak for the unbeaten “Lightning”. The resulting free throws put Croydon into a seemingly unassailable eleven point lead at 52 -41.  The situation was further compounded by the fact that four other Northants players were also in foul trouble and the “Lightning” were also missing consistently from the free throw line.  

Consecutive baskets from Natasha Wesley at the start of the final period reduced the gap to seven and when the Croydon girls looked hesitant in advancing the ball through the “Lightning’s” zone press, Coach, John Collins made one final gamble. He called a time out and instructed his players to employ the zone press at every possible opportunity. The gamble seemed to have failed as the “Flyers” connected with two consecutive three point shots to go thirteen points up at 60-47 but then came an incident which was to be the turning point of the game. Croydon’s 6 feet 3 inch Cristal Turner a summer recruit from COB Calais who was on four fouls, was adjudged to have obstructed a “Lightning” defender and was ‘fouled out’ of the game despite the protests of the Croydon coaching staff. 

This incident seemed to completely throw the Croydon players. In the next four minutes they scored just two further points while the county girls poured in 16 to take an unlikely win. They will reflect on a hesitant performance, which extended over three quarters of the game plus their usual propensity from the free throw line, which saw them miss no less than twenty-eight shots from the ‘charity stripe’. Having said that no one could fault the fighting qualities of the team, personified by Natasha Wesley and Naomi Sterling both of who scored 16 points. They were well supported by Crystal Sterling who netted 12 points and six other players who simply wouldn’t accept defeat. 

So, a one point win for the “Lightning” that kept them joint top of the table with Haringey “Angles”, but ten minutes after the end of the game the match officials discovered an error on the score sheet. The fear was that Croydon might be given an additional point which would mean the game going into overtime but to the relief of the Northants coaching staff the error was in favour of their team and they left south London with a three point rather than a one point victory.

*  “Knights” can’t get past Manchester  *

Junior Men’s National League (Northern Premier Division)

Northants “Knights”                  63- 85              Manchester “Magic”

Once again the power and strength in depth of the Manchester basketball machine proved to be too much for a Northants team as the “Magic” inflicted a 22 points defeat on the “Knights”. Certainly this result looked unlikely in the first quarter with the county boys taking the period by 21 points to 18. 

Yet again though, the “Knights” were unable to maintain their momentum. In the second period the struggled to score consistently while Manchester were able to capitalise on mistakes to take the period 23-11 to lead 41-32 and half time. Trailing by nine points the “Knights” needed a solid start to the third quarter but after a score from Troy Murray the county team then conceded 12 unanswered points. The “Knights” battle back to 58-48 by the end of the period and felt they could turn around the ten-point deficit in the final quarter. 

In the event it was Manchester that took control winning the period 27-15 to travel home with a rather flattering 22 points win. 

For the “Knights” Liam Cort scored 22 points and David Nuttall 14 but no other “Knight” was able to get into double figures. 

The “Knights” are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Sheffield to take on Derbyshire “Arrows” 

* “Lords downed by Great Baddow in National Cup * 

Cadet Men’s National Cup

Great Baddow “Eagles”                    76-62               Northants “Lords”

Great Baddow of the Eastern Regional League caused a major upset by beating Premier Division North team Northants “Lords” who yet again were unable to play to their full potential. It was clear from the outset that this wasn’t to be the “Lord’s “ day. First their coach, Richard Leaf fell ill and was unable to travel with the team and then Assistant Coach, Steven Archer discovered that his car had been ‘trashed’ so he was also unable to be with the team.  

Stand in coach Tony Stewart was disappointed at his team’s defensive effort, which saw the “Lords” trailing 44-29 at half time. Adjustments were made in the final two periods but it was a case of too little too late. The “Lords” actually took the second half by a single point with every Northants player getting on the score sheet but they were unable to turn around the fifteen points deficit as they slipped to defeat.

17/10/04

*  “Lightning” maintain 100% League record * 

Junior Women’s National League

Northants “Lightning”             75 - 33             Chiltern “Pumas” 

Without  ever displaying their best form the Northants “Lightning” maintained their 100% league record with a comfortable win over an understrength Chiltern “Pumas” team. The game was as good as over as a contest at the end of the first period with the “Lightning” charging out to a 21-9 lead. To the annoyance of the team’s coaching staff sloppiness and complacency slipped in to the “Lightning’s” game in the second quarter which they won 14-4 to establish an unassailable 35-13 half time lead. 

The third and fourth quarters were also won by the county girls who ran out winners by 75 points to 33 without really breaking sweat. In the 40 plus points win Naomi Sterling looked impressive in scoring 19 points as well as making nine steals. Natasha Wesley also looked impressive in scoring 15 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Fellow power forward Nauel Saeed scored 13 points while skipper Michelle Davies also scored in double figures. 

This coming weekend the “Lightning” face their biggest challenge so far this season when they travel to Croydon to take on another unbeaten team the “Flyers” 

* Dynamite edged out by Doncaster * 

Cadette Women’s National League (Midland’s Conference) 

Doncaster “Panthers”            60 -53              Northants “Dynamite” 

The “Dynamite” turned in a real Jeckyll and Hyde performance against a classy Doncaster side. Unfortunately, the Hyde side of their character was revealed in the crucial first and final periods of play. In the first quarter the county girls weren’t even ‘at the races’ as the “Panthers” swept into a 21-9 lead  and a real mauling looked to be on the cards. 

Stern words from coach, Karen Goodrich plus a certain amount of complacency from the Yorkshire side saw the “Dynamite” seize the initiative with a number of fast break attacks. They outscored the “Panthers” 22-13 in the second quarter and with a half time score of 34-31 to Doncaster it was ‘game on’.  

The intensity of the Northants defence was causing the “Panthers” problems and by taking the third period 16-9 the “Dynamite” had amazingly come back from a 12 points deficit to lead 47-43. With hopes of a second successive win the county girls completely went to pieces in the fourth quarter. Five consecutive turn-overs gifted the “Panthers” ten points. A Goodrich time out stopped the flood but it was too late and the “Panthers” held on to win with the “Dynamite” reflecting on how they had snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. 

In the seven points loss Natasha Wesley a day after her heroics with the “Lightning” scored 14 points and she received good support from Gabby Patrick with 10 but no other Northants player was able to make it into double figures while the team missed an unforgivable 15 free throws.

*  “Lords” crash to Trafford * 

Cadet Men’s National League (Premier Division North) 

Trafford             93 - 74             Northants “Lords” 

After their mauling at the hands of Manchester the previous weekend the “Lords” faired rather better against their second team, Trafford but still ended up on the wrong side of a 93-74 scoreline. 

Things looked bright for the “Lords” as they raced out to an 18-4 lead after five minutes but they were unable to maintain their intensity and by half time the northerners had eased out to a 50-42 lead. 

There was little difference in ability between the two teams but the current “Lords” have a real problem of executing simple skills at speed. This became more and more apparent in the second half as time and time again the were guilty of giving the ball away. This gave easy scores to the home team who cruised to a 20 points win and piling disappointment on the “Lords”. For the Northants team Chris Caird battled superbly for his 15 points. 

This coming weekend the “Lords” are in National Cup action when they travel to Great Baddow to take on the “Eagles”

* Cyclones lose but win!! * 

Cadet Men’s National League (Central Conference) 

Northants “Cyclones”            20 - 0               Cambridge “Cats” 

The Northants “Cyclones” picked up their first league win of the season but in the most unsatisfactory circumstances. Cambridge arrived with a team containing two over aged players because they didn’t have enough licenced players of the correct age. The game was duly awarded by default to the “Cyclones” and the two teams agreed to play a friendly fixture. 

Despite being without two key players the “Cyclones” dominated this game and going into the fourth quarter were leading 47-36. They then proceeded to lose the final period by an amazing 22 points to 2 to lose the game 58-49. For the “Cyclones” Matthew Rawsthorne and Michael Kelly top scored with 11 and 10 points respectively.

10/10/04

*  “Knights” sneak past Shropshire * 

Junior Men’s National League (Premier Division North)

 Shropshire “Warriors”       64 - 72        Northants “Knights” 

The Northants “Knights” bounced back from the disappointing defeat at Notts Nova with a battling win over Shropshire “Warriors” at Telford. Things didn’t get off to a good start county boys who struggled to come to terms with an undersized court and at the end of the first quarter they were trailing 19-14.  

Things improved slightly for the “Knights” in the second period which they edged 18-6 but at half time they still trailed 35-32. Coach Brian Johnson had been unhappy with his team’s pressure man to man defence and switched to a zone without success. He reverted back to his pressure tactics and his players were able to force a number of turn overs leading to easy scores and at the end of the third quarter the “Knights” has eased out to a 53-48 lead. 

The “Warriors” rallied in the fourth period and going into the last three minutes of the game the scores were tied at 64 all. At this stage the defensive intensity suddenly paid off. The “Warriors” by now a tired outfit, failed to score again while the “Knights” made a number of key defensive plays scoring eight points in that last three minutes to take the game 72-64. 

That win moved the “Knights” back into a mid table position with a free weekend beckoning. In the eight points win over “Warriors”. Liam Cort once again top scored with 21 points and he found good support in the shape of David Nuttall who netted 14. 

*  “Lords” humiliated by Manchester *

Cadet Men’s National League (Premier Division North)

Northants “Lords”             39 - 104            Manchester “Magic”

The Manchester development programme based at the Amaechi Centre is the best in the country and attracts outstanding players from all over the north-west of England. Any game against one the Manchester teams is a massive test for any other team in the country. Even so the way the “Lords” totally capitulated to the “Magic” was very disappointing to see. Several of the county players seemed overwhelmed by the occasion and failed to adjust the tempo and power of the game. 

The writing was on the wall from the very start with the “Lords” failing to score for the first five minutes of the game. By the end of the first quarter Manchester had leapt out to a 37-6 lead which had been increased to 59-16 by half time. The carnage continued in the last two periods but could have been a lot worse had the “Magic” coach not elected to play his tallest player as a ball handler. 

None of the “Lords” managed to score in double figures and coach, Richard Leaf will no doubt have taken careful note of those players who were still battling hard at the end of the game. 

Next weekend the “Lords” travel to the John Amaechi Centre for a Premier Division North fixture against Trafford who to all intents and purpose are the Manchester second team.

* Cyclones just miss out on league win * 

Cadet Regional League 

West Herts “Warriors”            86 -84              Northants “Cyclones”    

When Alexander Stewart connected with what would have been his sixth three-pointer as the end of game buzzer sounded it looked as if the “Cyclones” had recorded a remarkable comeback victory. Their joy soon turned to despair when the scorer informed the referee that one of the West Herts players had picked up his fifth foul but had failed to leave the court. After a great deal of debate the match officials decided to remove the “Warriors” player from the court and then replay the final few seconds of the game. This time Stewart’s three point attempt fell short and the home side had won the game by two points. 

Coach, Tony Stewart was naturally disappointed but was philosophical in defeat reflecting on a great effort by his team against players a year older. His team in fact, had made an atrocious start slipping 24-13 down after the first quarter. They were able to pick up the tempo in the next two periods of play so going into the final ten minutes of play the teams were tied at 62 all before the dramatic events of the final few seconds. 

In a much improved performance by the “Cyclones”, Alexander Stewart top scored with 22 points, Aaron Weekly contributed 21 while Simon New continued his excellent form with 18. 

This weekend an understrength  “Cyclones” team will continue their Regional League programme with a home game against Cambridge “Cats” 

* “Dynamite blow hot and cold in win over Notts Nova * 

Cadette Women’s Regional League 

Northants “Dynamite”            60- 46              Notts Nova

Playing their first game of the season the Northants “Dynamite” were rarely threatened in this Regional League game but after an impressive first two quarters the failed to maintain their momentum and actually lost the final quarter. Playing their full court pressure man to man defence the county girls totally overwhelmed their opponents in the opening period establishing a 21-7 lead. Nova showed more composure in the second period but the “Dynamite” still outscored their opponents 20-11 to lead 41-18 at half time. 

It was important that complacency didn’t set in but that’s just what happened with the Northants girls failing to score for fully five minutes. Things got even worse in the final period which Nova took 20-9 to leave the county coaching staff more than a little concerned about their players ability to maintain concentration and intensity. 

 In the 14 points win Hannah Scott-Evans top scored with 12 points while Natasha Wesley contributed 10. 

This weekend the “Dynamite” continue their Regional League programme with a trip to Doncaster on Sunday

25/09/04

*  “Knights” go down to Notts Nova * 

Junior Men’s National League (Premier Division North) 

Notts Nova                 77 -66         Northants “Knights” 

There was disappointment for the Northants “Knights” as they saw a 28-23 first quarter lead disappear. The second period when they scored just 14 points was one to forget but there was worse to follow with the county boys managing just 13 and 11 points respectively in the next two quarters.

Coach, Brian Johnson found it difficult to explain his teams demise, “We just lost all our intensity and desire and really didn’t deserve to win.” 

Despite the appalling second quarter the “Knights” were still in contention at the start of the third when Matt Barber connected with a low post move to take his team into a 47-46 lead. During the next nineteen minutes the “Knights” could manage only another 19 points while slack defence allowed “Nova”  to score at will and take the game by eleven points. 

For the “Knights” Matt Barber scored 24 points, Liam Cort 17 and Ben Chiou 10 with the rest of the team managing just 15 between them. Coach Johnson realises that if his team are to be in contention in the Northern Premier Division he will need contributions from more than just three players. 

The “Knights” have another league game this weekend when they visit Shropshire “Warriors on Saturday 

*  Lightning” cruise to easy win over Richmond *

 Junior Women’s National League 

Northants “Lightning”            84 - 16             Richmond College 

The Northants “Lightning” made it two wins from two starts with an overwhelming victory over a very young and inexperienced Richmond team.

The “Lightning’s” pressure defence was just too much for the Richmond girls who were trailing 48-4 at halt time. Coach, John Collins instructed his team to play in a more passive mode in the second half during which time he was able to give court time to the club’s under 16 squad. 

In the sixty plus points mauling Crystal Sterling top scored with 17 points, Nauel Saeed netted 15 and Naomi Sterling 10.

The “Lightning” don’t have a game this coming weekend but the Cadettes play their first game of the season when they entertain Notts Nova. 

* Cyclones crash out of Cadet Cup *

Cadet National Cup 1^st Round

Northants “Cyclones”            43 - 83             Leicester “Cannons” 

The  “Cyclones” are the under 15 team of the Northants club and in order to get more games they play in the under 16 league and cup. This means they come up against bigger boys and sometimes that physical advantage can prove to be decisive. This was certainly the case against Leicester “Cannons” as the young “Cyclones” were in contention at 33-31 three minutes into the third period of play. Then the flood gates opened with the visitors going on a 25-5 charge. 

One or two of the county heads went down during the final period which saw Leicester outscore the county boys 25-7 as they cruised to a comfortable win. “Cyclones” coach, Tony Stewart was pleased that his team had stayed in contention for so long but knows players other than his starting five will have to step up their game as the team begin their Cadet regional League programme. 

Top scorer for the “Cyclones” was Simon New who battled hard for his 17 points while fellow centre Matthew Rawsthorne contributed 13. 

The “Cyclones” start their Regional League programme this coming weekend when they visit West Herts “Warriors”

25/09/04

Junior Women’s National League

 Solent “Stars”       38 - 76        Northants “Lightning” 

The Northants “Lightning” opened their league campaign with a convincing win over Solent “Stars in Southampton. The “Lightning” were delayed by traffic problems but were helped in their preparation for the game by the late arrival of one of the match officials, who had gone to the wrong venue. 

After four minutes of the game the “Lightning” had edged ahead 8 to 7 but then their up-tempo pressing defence really took effect as the Northants girls outscored their opponents 12-3 to establish a 20-10 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

The ferocity and intensity of the “Lightning” defence was proving just too much for the “Stars” to handle with numerous turnovers being forced. The county girls took the period 19-8 to lead 39-18 at half time and it was going to take a miracle for Solent to recover. 

That miracle didn’t arrive! The “Lightning” maintained their defensive intensity, stormed the third period 23-9 and the game was over. Solent rallied bravely in the final period coming up with pressure of their own but at the “buzzer” the “Lightning” had won in convincing style by 76 points to 38. 

Leading scorer for the “Lightning” was Nauel Saeed with 21 points and she received excellent support from Crystal Sterling and Hannah Scott-Evans who netted eleven apiece.

Cadet Men’s Premier Division North 

Solihull “Dakotas”                              81 - 84             Northants “Lords”               

(After  overtime) 

After their disappointing loss against league new boys Ellesmere Port the previous weekend the “Lords” bounced back with a nail-biting 84-81 overtime win over Solihull a team they lost to in the Stonehouse Tournamnet two weeks previously. 

The “Lords” were playing catch-up throughout the game but stuck to their philosophy of tough up-court defence and in the end it told off. Trailing as the game entered the final three minutes the “Lords” were able to draw ahead 75-71 but then lost their concentration and Solihull were able to draw level and take the game into overtime. 

During that extra period the “Lords” were able to re-establish their supremacy finally getting home by three points 84-81 with Kutis McKenna scoring 20 points. Coach Richard Leaf was delighted by the defensive efforts of David Evans and Adam Brazier the latter scoring 18 points and pulled down an impressive tally of 11 rebounds. 

Under 17 Regional Tournament 

After being knocked out of the National Cup the Northants “Knights” Junior Men’s team found competition in the Under 16 Regional Tournament after two regions were unable to field teams. Playing against representative teams a year younger than themselves the “Knights” came away with a two and two record but more importantly gave the new team time to work together. 

After easily beating the East 48-33 the “Knights” went down to the South-West by 37 points to 35 the winning basket coming right on the buzzer. The Northants boys then had to go straight back on court and were well below their best in going down 50-36 to the South but they bounced back to beat Premier Division rival Solihull “Dakotas” 68-51. 

Coach Brian Johnson was delighted with his teams performance especially as he was missing his tallest player, Stuart Skinner and key perimeter shooter, David Nuttall. Johnson was full of praise for new signing Liam Cort who top scored in three of the four games despite playing out of position while James French, Matt Barber, Troy Murray and Robbi Ahmed also impressed the coach with their performances.

19/09/04

*  “Knights” win big but “Lords” go down * 

Junior Men’s Premier Division North

 Northants “Knights”       105 - 42       Huddersfield New College 

After their disappointing defeat in the 1^st Round of the National Cup last weekend the Northants “Knights” bounced back with a resounding victory over Huddersfield in their first league match of the season. While it’s accepted that Huddersfield are unlikely to be one of the stronger teams in the league this was a convincing win and showed something of the true potential of this year’s Knights.

Using their full court man to man defence the “Knights” took early control of the game. Their aggression forced Huddersfield to turn the ball over on a number of occasions which gave the county boys an early 11- 7 advantage. Huddersfield took a time out to re-group but the Northants pressure continued to overwhelm the northerners as the “Knights” went on a 14- 2 scoring surge to lead 29-8 at the end of the first period.

Huddersfield were able to re-organise in the second quarter which the “Knights” just shaded 24-22 but the key to the second half was going to be the fitness of both sets of players who had played the first twenty minutes at a frantic pace. The answer came after four minutes of the third quarter with the “Knights” going on a devastating 23-3 scoring charge which meant there was no way back for Huddersfield.

The “Knights” continued the carnage in the final period running out comfortable winners by 105 to 42 with all twelve of their players getting on the scoresheet.

New recruit Liam Cort top scored for the “Knights” with 18 points while Marvin Adams, Matt Barber, and Ben Chiou all got into double figures.

Next weekend the “Knights” will be ‘guesting’ in an Under 17 Inter Regional Tournament at Stonehouse School in Gloucestershire.

Cadet Men’s Premier Division North 

Northants “Lords”                      70 -80              Ellesmere Port “Panthers” 

The “Lords” slipped to a disappointing defeat against league new boys Ellesmere Port. The defeat was mainly down to an  appalling first quarter which they lost 30-20, poor free throw shooting - they missed no less than 17, and poor fitness levels which saw them miss crucial shots late in the game. 

Apart from that first period the “Lords” were competitive with the Cheshire side and midway through the third quarter had reduced the deficit to just four points at 57-54 but then could manage just three more points in the period 

Coach, Richard Leaf must have been pleased with the way his team’s pressure defence forced a number of errors and he will be hoping that his players will be able to take advantage of these errors in future matches. 

For the “Lords” Kurtis McKenna and Elliott Toone both scored 12 points  

The “Lords” are back in action next Saturday when they travel to Solihull for another league game and they will be hoping to overturn the 12 point defeat they suffered at the hands of the “Dakotas” in the Stonehouse Tournament last weekend.

12/09/04

*  Knights go out of National Cup at the first hurdle *

Reading “Rockets”       77-55          Northants “Knights” 

The Northants “Knights” were dumped out of the National Junior Cup by Reading “Rockets”. This is the third year running that the “Knights” have failed to progress past the first round. 

“Knights” coach, Brian Johnson was upset with his team’s defensive effort and their inability to contain reading’s 6 feet 8 inch centre, Rob Clarke who poured in 31 points. Johnson could take some solace from the fact that his team was competitive for three of the four periods but they lost the second quarter 29-15  and that proved decisive. 

The “Knights” have a number of players playing Junior Men’s basketball for the very first time and several of them found the increased tempo of the game difficult to cope with. One player who did cope with the intensity of the game was Matt Barber who top scored for the “Knights” with 17 points 

The “Knights are back in action this weekend when they play Huddersfield in a Premier North National League match. That game will be played at Northampton School for Boys and tips off at 4.30pm

*  Lightning do well against top American side * 

RAF Mildenhall                  62 - 45             Northants “Lightning” 

Back in May the Americans from RAF Mildenhall clinched runners-up spot in the European bases championship so this was a tough task for the Northants Junior (Under 18) Women. To come away with a 17 points defeat represented a very creditable effort. 

In the event the game was won and lost in the second period which the “Lightning” lost by a 20 points to six margin. The fact that they won the second half was a great tribute to their determination, resilience and ability to maintain intensity on their pressure defence which forced Mildenhall to turn the ball over on numerous occasions. 

Coach, John Collins was able to play eleven players including veteran Karen Goodrich who has come out of retirement to help the team in the Senior Women’s Cup in a fortnights time. Goodrich playing alongside players half her age contributed eight points and four assists. 

The “Lightning” begin their competitive campaign on Sunday when they travel to Southend “Swifts” for a National League game.

 *  “Lords” struggle in West Country Tournament  * 

South - West Region                        101 - 64            Northants “Lords”

Solihull “Dakotas”                  82 - 70             Northants “Lords” 

Last season this group of boys played in the Regional Cadet (Under 16) League with the hope that it would toughen them up for this season’s campaign in the Premier North League. The season got underway  with a tournament in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire and proved a difficult opening for the team. 

Delayed on their way to Gloucestershire the “Lords” really struggled against the South-West Regional side with only Kurtis McKenna who scored 19 points coping with the speed and intensity of play. Immediately after the 101-64 defeat the “Lords” were back on court against fellow Premiership side Solihull and this proved to be a much more competitive affair with the Midlanders eventually getting home 82-70 despite 14 points from Mark Swann. 

The “Lords” get their National League programme underway on Saturday when they take on new boys Ellesmere Port “Panthers” at Northampton School for Boys with a 2.30pm tip off. 

*  “Hurricanes” see off Haringey * 

Northants “Hurricanes”            62 - 45             Haringey “Warriors”

This game resembled an eighteenth century cricket match as no less than nineteen players kitted up for the “Hurricanes”. This gave coaches, Grahame Yates and Mike Kitchen an opportunity to give a run out to all the players in their squad.

Last season Haringey convincingly beat the county boys but with the “Hurricanes” using a much more aggressive defence there was going to be no repeat this time around. Early in the fourth period the “Warriors” did get the deficit back to four points but were then completely overrun in the last six minutes of the game.

17/05/04

*  “Under 15 Boys and Mini teams struggle. *

As the 2003 - ’04 season finally came to an end the Under 15 Boys had a torrid time in the Inter Association Championships while two ‘mini’ teams found the going tough in the Notts Nova Rally.

English Schools Under 15 Boys Inter Association Championships

 Northamptonshire finished in third place in the Final Eight Tournament staged in Nottingham but only because several of the competing teams inadvertently fielded over-aged players. In fact they failed to win any of their three games. The county opened with a 56-17 loss against West Sussex and faired little better against Essex going down 54-28. Haringey were next up and they got the better of the Northants boys 60-26; but at this stage it was discovered that all but three of the teams had fielded over-aged players so Northants were awarded 3^rd place overall.

Notts Nova Mini Basketball Rally 

Two teams form the Northants Schools Junior Development Programme played in this annual tournament and both picked up a single win from their four games. Coaches Sue Elliott-King and Andrew Cox were pleased with the way the Northants boys and girls competed against teams who had far more experience of playing together.

 East Midland Under 13 Boys Trials 

These trials represent the first stepping stone on the way to selection for the England team through the annual Inter Regional Tournament. Almost fifty boys attended the trials in Leicester and six boys from the county were selected for the initial training squad. The six are Alex Binns (Sponne), Steven Botterill (Moulton), Richard Higgins (Wrenn), Tommy Jack (Cherry Orchard Middle), Jake Wyatt (Roade) and Jonathan Yates (Wollaston) 

Delapre win the 2004 Central Venue League Play Offs 

The Under 13 Boys Central Venue League has been running on a weekly basis at Lings Forum with twelve local schools competing. The regular league was followed by Play Offs and concluded last Friday with games for the top four places. Delapre Middle School took the title after beating Wrenn 8-6 and Cherry Orchard 12-6 and despite losing 8-4 to Sponne. These results meant they shared a won 2 lost 1 record with Wrenn but took the title because they had won the game between the two tying teams. Cherry clinched third place on the basis of having beaten Sponne who came fourth.

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