Sunday 19th Nov.
The U14's started the day short on numbers. Considering that 3 BCS pupils play in the Dorset Storm, we were left with only 4 players, but it was agreed players could play in 2 teams, but having been chosen for the Storm, would play for them in the fixture between us.
We started well, against Storm I, with Max, Adam, Harry, & Kian and then drafting in Tobias and Andreas. We played solidly and showed we weren't just there to make up the numbers. Kian was solid underneath with great defence and rebounding. Max and Harry controlled the play well, and got some good offences. But facing the stronger Storm was always going to be a tough task, with Harley actually doing the most damage against us!
Against Weymouth, with our full squad, we showed what we were really like. The ball was moving well, with great off the ball movement and cuts to the basket, as well as quick fast break play, although we still squandered a few open lay ups. Defensively we were solid and we held them to outside shots and it was an easy win for the junior Seahawks.
In the final game, we faced the Storm II, with their towering centre, Louis, it was going to be tough. Harley (now on our side) did a great job at shutting the big guy down, but still giving away about 8 inches in height, it made it v difficult. Offensively again the ball was moving well and we were getting good looks, and some fast breaks again went begging, but great hustle on D, kept it close until the final minutes when the Storm just stretched it out to 12-18 by the buzzer.
With 1W and 2L, the U14's finished 3rd in the age group.
The U16s had a little more strength in depth, led by Myles at the top, with Gozim and Jack Xu inside we had experience at game level. They first faced the Weymouth Jurassic Coasters, a national league squad, and unfortunately the difference in play was immediately apparent. Great shooting and ball movement had them quickly up 0-12 and the game was effectively over. However the Seahawks finally found a little rhythm and hustle and started working the ball better to make the score more respectable 12-28 by the end.
The second game they faced Storm I, and having watched them play previously there was the belief that we could beat them easily. Myles and Shawn controlled the offence, whilst Jack found his range underneath going to town with his post moves. Gozim was grabbing rebounds and getting put backs, and even running the breaks. It turned into a controlled easy W for the U16 Seahawks.
The final match saw us face the Storm II, the slightly stronger Storm team on the day. But it was much of the same from us. Our guards defence had massively stepped up, putting great pressure on their ball handlers, Anthony and Brendan, in their first competitive matches should great hustle, forcing turnovers. Offensively we got the ball inside that little bit more and used Goz and Jack to capitalise. Although we jumped out to a lead, the Storm II pulled it back, before again we stretched it out with a 3 ball from Myles and some more great inside play.
The U16's finished 2nd to Weymouth, and we would have loved to face them again once we had warmed up and got going. Maybe the result would have been the same but a closer scoreline would have been justice.
A great day all around.