Eagles Weekly Wrap - Issue:4

GAME REPORT:

SATURDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER 2023 – U16s FRIENDLY

YORK EAGLES U16S PREM 99-39 KILLAMARSH (DERBYSHIRE) ARROWS

Final friendly for the U16s Prem side, going against a resilient Arrows side. The Eagles' 3-point shooting was very good and efficient but ultimately the pressure from York was too much for Killamarsh to handle with York having 20+ steals. Big Season coming up for the U16s Prem, who begin with a tough game against Northamptonshire Titans on the 30th of September.

Coach Paul Pickering commented on the U16s' performance:

“The atmosphere in the dressing room set the tone for the ball game. The squad was pumped for the game and determined that they would make amends for the reverse result against a very strong physical U18s Prem team the night before. We came out firing with Emilis consistently getting to the charity stripe and George’s physical finishing too much for Killamarsh. Some lockdown D from Lukas K who then joined the scoring party later meant we went into the half in control. In the 3rd we struggled but a spark from Wells got us back focussed and we were unlucky to run out of time just shy of the century. The fact that we finished the game with every player on the scoresheet shows the depth and competitiveness there is in this year’s squad. We go into the final week prior to the season and will be working on our transition D and our pick and roll game along with the final set plays ahead of our trip south on Saturday.”

Player of the Game: Emilis Vildziunas (17 pts, 10 rebs, 3 assists, 8/12 FT)

SATURDAY 23 RD SEPTEMBER 2023 – U18S FRIENDLY

YORK EAGLES U18S PREM 59-53 HARTLEPOOL HUSKIES

First Game for the U18s Prem since the historic win at Liverpool back in April, and after a summer of limited playing time due to exams and court availability, it did make out to be a very good encounter with Hartlepool Huskies were all former Newcastle Eagles players. An intense game throughout and fair play to the Huskies who gave us a really good run – but the Eagles stepped up on the defensive end to win the game.

Coach Tyler Paton-Pottage commented on the U18s performance:

“Firstly, it was a pleasure to coach the U18s, due to both coaches being away. It wasn’t the prettiest of games by all means but very exciting, nonetheless. I thought our on-ball defence was the difference in the 2nd half as we limited them to shooting the ball which the Huskies did exceptionally well in the first half. But most importantly the mentality of the group was exceptional, going into a game without much time to perfect things, we handled the game well and battled throughout – even if we had to dig deeper than originally thought!”

Player of the Game: Korbin Evans (7 pts, 7 rebs, 4 blks) More importantly his defence was superb, especially going up against much bigger opponents.

SUNDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2023 – U12S (ANNUAL YORKSHIRE TOURNAMENT)

YORK EAGLES – 2ND OVERALL

Hull Kings hosted the annual tournament, which saw a good number of teams compete with most teams having played very little competition. New Coach of the U12s, Kaiden Farrington, oversaw his team finish 5-1 only losing to eventual winners Hull Kings (14-20).

Coach Kaiden Farrington commented on Sunday’s performance:

“The guys played really well, as a coach I am super proud of the way they conducted themselves on the court, every game giving it their best and everyone getting involved! It was a long day, but until the very end they all had smiles on their faces as they went 5-1 on the day, only losing to the eventual winners, which was a slight damper, but they got straight back into and won every game after that!”

Player of the ‘Day’ – Harry Kim

SUNDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2023 – U16S FRIENDLY

GRIMSBY PHOENIX 50-40 YORK EAGLES U16S CONF

A mix of 4 teams from the 2022/2023 season and a lot of work still to be done on both ends but showed glimpses of what they could be. A feisty and intense encounter in which it was neck and neck throughout with York taking a small lead into HT.  However, York offense tired off as we only managed to score 15 points in the 2nd half which allowed Grimsby to take control of the game. However, a good opportunity before the season starts!

Coach Reece Horton commented on the U16s Performance:

“The nerves were showing in the first quarter as the crowd was loud in a compact venue but after we settled down, we grew into the game leading into HT. however, better shot selection on offense and better team defence let us down in the 2nd half as we struggled to get anything going. Good effort from the guys considering it's our first game together.”

Player of the Game: Sam Giannini (3 pts, 8 rebs, 3 blks)

SUNDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2023 – U14S FRIENDLY

GRIMSBY PHOENIX 43-74 YORK EAGLES U14S A

It was the U14s A 3rd game of the month allowed us to compete against a league rival and to see where they are at. A very feisty game with a lot of fouls, however, it was York that controlled the game better and caused most of the damage in transition. Some big highlight plays including 3 threes and 3 ankle breakers got the crowd really going. York came out on top as they controlled well in the 4th to get the dub.

Coach Tyler commented on the U14s A performance:

“The drills we are doing in training are starting to pay dividends in games, running the ball and finding the outlet passes ahead to create better and easier scoring opportunities. Plenty of steals from bad passes from Grimsby as we took advantage of our speed and height difference. We made some excellent shots and rebounded the ball generally well. Things to hash out over the next week before a trip to Leeds – with offence sets and free throws to be worked on in training.”

Player of the Game: Sam Ho (24 pts, 11 stls, 7 asts – 11/12FG) Efficient in everything he was doing and produced some outstanding footwork moves and finishes to lead the way for York.