While the Senior teams had a weekend off, it was the turn of the junior programme to hold down home court. It ended up being a hugely successful weekend for the junior teams as a number of fierce local rivals were dispatched.
The Under 14 Girls opened the weekend with a statement, winning 102-12 against Essex Rebels. Nina Wadda led the way with 35 points while there was solid support from Tanaia Robinson (15), Kara Yusoof (12) and Kelci Woodgate (10).
Our Under 14 Boys were also victorious against a local rival, with a 77-31 win against Oaklands to secure their first win of the season. Anthony Lawicki top scored with 24 while Jaziah Mussington again scored well with 16. Isaac Little and Jake Woolbridge each scored 10.
Continuing their strong start to the season, the Under 16 Girls moved to 2-0 after a 83-62 win over CoLA. Cerys Leach had 29 to again pace the Ipswich side, while Maia Wiseman and DeAnna Carrington added 16 and 15 respectively.
The Under 16 Boys trailed 61-36 after three quarters and it looked like being a tough away day to London Greenhouse Pioneers but rallied in the fourth to close the deficit. Ultimately falling short, losing 77-66, nonetheless the fourth quarter performance was a positive. Robbie Cruickshanks and Kalen Gouldbourne led scores with 21 apiece while Ben Thomas scored 13.
Sunday saw the Under 16 Girls pick up where they left off, advancing in the Cup against Brentwood Fire 73-38. Maia Wiseman led the way with 27 while Cerys Leach had 17. Issy Roberts and DeAnna Carrington scored 8 each. The Under 16 Girls now are unbeaten in all competitions after 5 games.
Our Under 18 Men also took care of business, winning 101-59 on the road in the Cup. Tyreese Perry-Huggins scored 22, and was ably supported by a balanced set of scorers: Femi Edu (18), Charlie Smythe (15), Harrison Gregg, Lewis French and Harry Laws (12 each) all chipping in.
Finally, our Under 18 Women beat St Albans Wolves in the Cup to book their ticket to the next round, with the final score 79-46. Liv Forster scored 20 while Louisa Gibbins had 16 and Cristabel Osarobo had 14.
You can view the standings for all of the junior and senior teams here: https://www.basketballengland.co.uk/leagues/nbl/standings/