Kevin Manning’s under 14 girls extended their unbeaten season in the Midlands East division but elsewhere it was a challenging weekend for Ipswich Basketball Club’s junior teams. (Report: Liz Thurlow)
U14 Girls 101 - 27 Leicester Warriors
The U14 girls embarked on their last road trip of the regular season for a top versus bottom of the table clash against a Leicester side. A changed roster from recent games, including two players making their debut, didn’t change the pattern of play. The girls worked hard to force mistakes in the opposition and opened a significant lead of 54:14 at the half. The game continued in a similar fashion with the girls running the floor to extend their lead. The Ipswich side won emphatically 101-27 with solid performances from the two first timers.
Top scorers: Ella Hawes 25, Hannah Gray 22, Eva Asemota 16
U16 Boys 46-81 Milton Keynes Trojans
Full of confidence after winning the away fixture against Milton Keynes earlier in the season the U16 boys were dealt a harsh lesson in what it takes to compete at the top of the division. Milton Keynes had made a noticeable improvement and routed Ipswich showing the home side how to execute offensively inside and out. Notable performances by Harry Syrett, who had 19 points and 24 rebounds, and Seb Mobee, with 13 points, were not enough to stop Ipswich going down 81-46.
Top scorers: Harry Syrett: 19, Seb Mobee 13
U16 Girls 32-78 Manchester Mystics
Also at home, the U16 girls controlled the first 6 minutes of their game against Manchester Mystics. However, the Mystics had the upper hand from thereafter and dealt Ipswich a loss of 32-78. The game highlighted many battles that the team must now face to ensure improvement for the rest of the season.
U14 Boys 47-100 London Youngblood Lions
On the road, it was a tough day at the office for Brad Potter’s U14 boys missing one starter and with two other injured players. However, the boys demonstrated great fight and resilience battling hard to the end of the game to eventually lose 100-47 against a tough London Youngbloods.
Next weekend sees a packed schedule for Ipswich’s junior sides with all five teams in action for the first time since before Christmas
