Wed 23rd Nov.
The Seahawks travelled to Southampton University to face their development squad in a friendly fixture as Coach Olly returned to his old Alumni gym. The Seahawks, made up of all U18 players plus myself, were to take on a team, clearly older, bigger and more experienced in their first away game of the year. It was a game we expected to compete well in, but generally more to gain experience.
The first quarter started well, as Henry Cheng opened his account from behind the arc. Nik quickly found he had the legs of his taller but slower opponents, and was getting good looks. Our defence was solid, and moved well, pressing the weaker ball handlers, but our offence lacked clinical finishing, especially close up, on solid, bouncy rims. But we got to the line enough to keep us in the game, and then Harri Bates splashed a 15ft jumper to give us the go ahead 11-9 after 10mins.
The second was a similar display. Our bench was running well, as we rotated the players with ease. Gabe and Peter were always in control at the top, and Henry Cheng was shooting with ease and fluidity, above his years. Henry Lau was pressing on D, forcing turnovers but was unable to get the look at the Offensive end. But when Nik added to his tally before Peter sliced open their D, we took the controlling lead which we never gave up. I kept getting to the line and shot poorly, but kept the scoreline ticking over, and added and And-1 at the break to make it 26-19.
Although the boys were playing good basketball, it wasn't perfect. It was by-no-means like the game we'd had against Bandits. There were errors, simple turnovers, and easy misses (myself included), and lacking Luke Germon, out with a back injury, it gave other players some time to shine. And Henry Cheng stepped up. 4 from 4 from deep, and 18points total on some great percentage shooting. Sky played well, pressing and giving his all at both ends, and Peter showed he could handle the pressure. Liam played his first game for the Seahawks, scoring and moving well offensively, but clearly a few nerves remained with some silly turnovers. It was 40-25, when Southampton got a small run, of 0-6, which unsettled some, before we steadied the ship and took back control. The 3rd ended 40-31.
But the forth quarter was all Seahawks. Henry added 4 and then I added 4, Gabe another 2, before they replied and the game was put to bed. The second string took over and didn't let up. Peter, Liam adding to their tallies. Harri, Sky and Henry Lau all contributing on steals and forcing turnovers. And then although we could have kept turning the screw, we let up a little, with Gabe and Nik looking for Alley-oops, taking advantage of the ever-so-slightly low rims in the Jubilee Hall, but it didn't quite come off!
It all ended 67 - 43. A good solid win, against a good team. Now we need to turn that into a win in the league that counts! Next Up: Bournemouth Classics at Home.
[Scorers: O.Wood 21, H.Cheng 18, N.Colonius 8, G. Angstwurm, L.Ma 6, P.Hueng 4, H.Bates 2, S.Ngau 1.] - Every Player Scored.
Free Throws: 9 From 19. (Me 5 from 11)!!