U16 Boys and U18 Men Sign Off With Wins - Junior Wrap - 16/17th March 2019

Only two teams were in action in Ipswich’s junior programme this weekend as the NBL’s Junior divisions reach the end of their regular season.

Ipswich U18 Men finished with a win but were disappointed not to make the playoffs (Photo; Nick Winter)

U18 Men

The Under-18 Men secured an 83-57 win at Southend Rockets.

In what turned out to be the final game of the season with East Herts Royals having forfeited next weekend’s fixture, Noel Lambert’s side were determined to finish the season on a high.

Southend’s visit to Copleston earlier in the season had seen a poor display by Ipswich lead to a loss, but this fixture was a polar opposite with Ipswich moving the ball well, spreading the court and regularly breaking the press.

“Very pleased with that performance and it is a just way for some of these players to end their time with IBC,” said Coach Lambert. “Notable mentions to Emmanuel Onwuka for a solid all-round performance, earning good court minutes, and Matt Naylor for a much improved defensive display.”

All four quarters were competitively played but Ipswich took their chances better and performed well as a team.

Unfortunately this game was slightly marred with Troy Huggins receiving a facial injury.

Onwuka led the team with 22 points, while Jacob Morgan added 18. Naylor and Matt Spurling finished with 11 apiece.

U16 Boys

The Under-16 Boys also finished the season with an away victory, winning 63-54 over Chelmsford Lions. The final score line did not reflect how dominant Ipswich were through the early stages of the game, with Chelmsford reducing the arrears late on.

A balanced scoring effort from Seb Mobee, Harry Syrett and Joe Winder led Ipswich U16 Boys to a winning finish (Photo: Nick Winter)

“This was an excellent way to finish what ultimately has been a disappointing season,” said Coach Adam Robinson. “Some of the offensive basketball we played today leaves us questioning what could have been this year.”

Ipswich will watch the post-season from the sidelines after missing out on a play-off berth.

Seb Mobee top-scored with 16 points. Joe Winder chipped in with 14 and Harry Syrett had 13. All three will move up to the Under-18s next season.

Ipswich’s Under-14 Boys and Girls have reached the post-season, with games due to be played on Saturday 30th March. Fixtures are yet to be confirmed.