Ipswich’s Under-18 Men I faced West Bromwich Albion at home, with both teams holding the same record so far this season, and emerged with a dominant 96-57 victory.
The hosts started slowly, both teams trading baskets in the first quarter. Ipswich began to go through the gears in a strong second quarter, which saw Coach Lewis Barker’s side take a comfortable 56-33 lead into the half.
With a great team display throughout the third quarter Ipswich retained their lead for the remainder of the game and were able to rotate their squad.
Harry Gent led all scorers with 17 points; Seb Mobee added 16 and Harry Syrett 15 for the hosts.
There was also a win for Coach Kevin Manning’s Under-16 Girls, who defeated Derby Trailblazers 58- 50 on Saturday in their first home game since the opening day of the season.
The two sides had already met in the campaign with Derby narrowly claiming the first tie. This time, Ipswich started the brighter, taking their chances on offence and frustrating the Trailblazers with an improved defensive performance. A strong first half saw Ipswich in familiar territory, holding a 37-21 advantage at the break.
Ipswich edged the 3rd and went into the last 19 points to the good. The closing minutes became a little frantic as the foul count took players out of the game and the visitors pushed hard to make up ground, but Ipswich saw the job through.
Eva Asemota finished with a team-high 13 points, aided by Abbie Yorke (10) and Megan Owen (7).
Elsewhere, there were defeats for Ipswich’s other junior squads in action this weekend.
The Under-16 Boys went down at division contenders Oaklands Wolves, losing 83-61 as their hosts capitalised on a poor third quarter to break a 36-36 tie at half time.
The Under-18 Men II put in a battling performance but couldn’t hold off Cambridge Cats, registering an 80-60 defeat.
The Under-14 Boys also tasted defeat, taking a tough 81-31 loss at London Westside, while there were two reversals for the Under-12 Boys in defeats to Oaklands and Northamptonshire Titans.