Eagles Weekly Wrap - Issue:26

OUR WEEKLY ROUNDUP – CHECK OUT THE SCORES AND COACHES’ COMMENTS ON THE TEAM’S PERFORMANCES.

SATURDAY 16th MARCH

York Eagles II @ Tees Valley Mohawks

U16 JNBL North Conference 1

Result: 49-81 (Loss)

Player of the Game:

Liam Corbally – 18pts/7rebs/4asts

Coach Reece Horton commented on the U16s II performance:

“A game where we had quite a few of the older players unavailable, which was an opportunity for the younger players to gain more experience. We struggled at times but gradually got better as the game went on. Certainly, a game to remember when putting in the hard work over the summer.”

Notable Performances:

Samson Frusher – 12pts/3stls/5rebs

York Eagles v Scarborough Seahawks

U12 Yorkshire Regional

Result: 62-52 (Win)

Player of the Game:

Adam Kahil – 11pts

Coach Azaan Iyer commented on the U12s Performance:

“In an exciting U12s game between local teams York and Scarborough, both teams showcased stellar basketball fundamentals and impressive team spirit. Despite facing a formidable Seahawks side, the Eagles displayed exceptional teamwork throughout the match. Seahawks were boasting a familiar face in Grace Roberts (U14s Girls) as she showcased her shooting ability which kept them in the game along with their No.15 had a great game inside, but notable performances from George FitzThomas and Billy Kemp contributed to the Eagles’ strong showing. However, it was Adam Kahil who stood out as the MVP, leading his team to victory with his exceptional play making and scoring abilities. Overall, it was a thrilling game characterised by strong individual performances and cohesive team efforts.”

Notable Performances:

George FitzThomas – 17pts

Tyler Searson Ellis – 8pts

Billy Kemp – 10pts

York Eagles II @ Rotherham Hawks

U14 JNBL North Conference 1

Result: 41-77 (Loss)

Player of the game:

Conor Camplin – 8pts/9rebs

Coach Steve Hardisty commented on the U14s II Performance:

“With a number of our regular big game players sitting out for us for the trip to Rotherham, it was always going to be a challenge to come out on top against a Hawks side with significant height advantage. They were physical which meant we had a season high of 34 foul line shots. We also struggled with movement and creativity on offence and failed to execute with conviction our 5 out playing philosophy. That said, there were positives, and there is lots for the boys to build on and take onto next season, when we won't be dwarfed by the opposition. It has been a tough season, but a great learning experience for them, and the U14’s NL has given the boys a platform to play lots of basketball, which they would otherwise have missed.”

Notable Performances:

Cameron Stewart – 14pts

York Eagles @ Tees Valley Mohawks

U14 JNBL North Conference I

Result: 74-35 (Win)

Player of the Game:

Luke Lattimore-Bahrij – 17pts/5rebs/x3 3PM/2blks

Coach Tyler Paton-Pottage commented on the U14s performance:

“A good final game of the season for us, as we battled and worked hard throughout the game, as we came out with the willingness to press and put them under pressure straight away, a good lead after the first quarter, with some very high % shooting and us cutting and finding lanes to go into with at times, ease. We also put our press into motion, which worked at times when applied as we set the tone that Mohawks don’t belong with us. For the rest of the game, we scored in clusters and then went quiet at times, so on another day we could have had 90+ points. But everyone that played as a team in high spirits, as we finished the season as Runners-up of the league, and I’m very proud that we have won 20 league games, losing two. In the bigger picture, we were only 1 win short of the league title, and considering where the guys were last May when we started is truly impressive! Work needs to be done over the summer as its only the first chapter for them, all of them move up to U16s, so need to get quicker mentally and physically, tweak defensive and offensive strategies.”

Notable Performances:

Samuel Ho – 12pts/4asts/3stls

Hayden Fogg – 9pts/5rebs

York Eagles v Leeds LDM 

U13s Girls Yorkshire Regional

Result: 53-64 (Loss)

Player of the Game:

Ivy Hodgson & Cheri Ng

Coach Ghada Khattab commented on the U13s Girls performance:

“The girls definitely gave LDM a run for their money but have some work to do on defence, needing to move faster, grab the ball with more energy when opportunities arise (and protect it), and use help defence when opponents escape. On offence we needed to avoid intercepted passes and to better use of the passing lane. We started applying these in the second half. What I liked a lot is that several players attempted to shoot when they were free and there were some great rebounds and hustle plays from everyone! Well done to Ivy for fighting hard on defence, getting great rebounds and getting herself on the scoresheet. Well done also goes to Cheri, our youngest player (Year 4) so playing kids 4yrs older, who’s a great listener and who’s not phased by much bigger players. Thank you as always to Grace and Alex DG for leading the team, helping us get a decent score against LDM and for keeping the ball moving!”

Notable Performances:

Grace Roberts – 35pts/5rebs

Alex Dunlop Gibson – 16pts/7rebs

SUNDAY 17th MARCH

York Eagles v CODEL Derbyshire Arrows

U13s Girls Yorkshire Regional

Result: 31-67 (Loss)

Players of the Game:

Sylvie Blanchard – 7pts/3rebs

Meg Thether – 2pts/2rebs/2stls

Coach Ghada Khattab commented on the U13s Girls Performance:

“This one was our 2nd match of the weekend and there was some evidence of tired legs at times, but also energy, particularly from Sylvie and Meg, who fought hard on defence and who had great breaks to the basket. We will continue to work on the things we need to improve on such as safer passing, finding the space, protecting our ball, and help defence. Thank you to the fabulous Grace for pulling the team forward and being a role model for the less experienced players to follow.”

Notable Performances:

Grace Roberts – 22pts/2rebs/2stls/1blk

York Eagles @ Manchester Magic

U18 JNBL Northern Premier

Result: 51-91 (Loss)

Player of the game:

Freddie Marshall – 30pts/5rebs (x8 3PM)

Jack Moore – 10pts

Coach Rod Gimarangan commented on the U18s Performance:

“The U18s played their last away game of the season. The team started the first quarter very slow, with frequent turnovers and weak defence which are mistakes we can’t afford against a team like Manchester Magic. The boys regained composure and recovered from the large deficit in the 2nd quarter. Overall it was a fast paced game with few fouls called. The team fought hard despite being depleted with only 9 players. Notable performances from Freddie, who was shooting very well, and Jack who stepped up on offence. We did not go home with a win but the boys benefited from the experience and above all enjoyed playing basketball with a highly skilled team. This weekend we are looking forward to play the last 2 games against Myerscough and Sheffield. We need to be more consistent with our defence and offence to stand a chance.”

York Eagles v Derby Trailblazers

U16 JNBL Northern Premier

Result: 77-48 (Win)

Player of the Game:

Travis Greening – 14pts/4rebs

Coach Paul Pickering commented on the U16s Performance:

“This week was a tremendous desire and tenacity from the guys meant that we dominated the game right from the start. We got ahead straight away and from 3-4, we never surrendered our commanding lead and rather than being satisfied with the comfortable margin in the 3rd, we put the pedal to the metal in the final quarter. Defensively, Derby could not handle our big men and this then opened space up for us around the premieres knocking down 40% from beyond the arc. At the opposite end of the court, the guys were dogs and locked up Derby and won near enough every individual battle, even when undersized limiting them to low percentage shots and forcing multiple turnovers due to the excellent full court press. Best performance of the season? It was right up there for sure. Double header in our final week to finish the season and stay in the hunt for that post season spot.”

Notable Performances:

Emilis Vildziunas – 21pts/11rebs/10blks/4stls

George Andrews – 12pts/6rebs/3asts

Iasonas Morys – 11pts/5rebs/4asts (x3 3PM)

Lukai Ostrowski – 10pts/6stls

Associate Head Coach of York Eagles Tyler Paton-Pottage commented on this week’s results and what’s to come:

“I had the opportunity to coach the U16s 1 on Tuesday night in the absence of Coach Paul, and we focused and being able to play with fluidity and confidence in hitting shots and really upping the intensity on defence, and to watch it happen on Sunday, to completely out play a calibre team like Derby shows the group are heading the right direction. Coach Steve and the U14s 2 have had to deal with significant height and size issues but have definitely benefited from playing NL and look to be near the top come this time next year. Coach Reece and his U16s 2 have had a lot of injuries and illnesses all season but have battled well and with one more game vs league winners Newcastle, a big ask but I’m sure Coach Reece is more looking about the performance and reaction from Saturday more than the score. Coach Ghada has had a busy weekend with the U13s Girls have back-to-back matches against strong opposition as they continue to learn the ropes of what game scenarios are going to be like next season. 

A great week of individual performances, regardless of score lines; Freddie Marshall had a Season high 30pts with x8 threes against one of the better teams in the country shows his talent in shooting the ball, Grace Roberts scoring 57 points across 2 games can’t be ignored and Emilis Vildziunas hitting a triple double in their win v Derby. 

One more big weekend of basketball of our older teams as both of our U16s 1 and U18s have double headers this weekend and U13s host an end of season tournament, and midweek the U16s 2 wrap up their season.”

LET’S GO EAGLES!