The weekly roundup is back! Check out the the scores and coaches' thoughts from week 6 of the National league season.
Week 5 was a relatively quiet one by COLBC standards as just 6 games took place across the programme.
Let's see how it all went down as we roundup week 5 of the 2023/24 National League season.
Saturday 4th November 2023
COLBA vs Bradford Dragons
U18 Men North I Conference
Result: 82-50 (W)
Player of the game: Harry Njengoue
Coach Matt Newby: "In an early morning Conference fixture, we had a very slow start and this was highlighted in the contrast between the output in the two halves. All credit goes to Bradford for coming into the gym ready to play and they were the better side for most of the first half. However, once we found rhythm, we began to show glimpses of the previous weekend against Doncaster. This rally was very much on the shoulders of Sean Engbison and Harry Njengoue, who's output in their respective minutes showed strong improvements in early-season form. Old-heads Akil Simpson and Max Stead began to show out in the second half with improved consistency from behind the perimeter and strong contributions to our transition and half-court game."
Hatfield Fliers vs COLBA II
U18 Men North I Conference
Result: 66-53 (L)
Player of the game: Jack Westgarth-Graham
Coach Jake Shuttlewood: "Another game for the U16s Gold playing in the U18s Conference. Hatfield came into the game strong with some physical back-to-basket plays to put us in early foul trouble and disrupted our offensive efforts. The team kept fighting to close the gap and managed to have it to 5 at one point with some impressive shots from Efe Dolunay and Jack Westgarth-Graham along with quick passes to fast break points from Alfie Donohue. In the end, Hatfield showed their experience and slowed down the game which made the fight even harder as we found it hard to convert on our shots from inside. A tough game but definitely another one to learn from."
Mersey Mavericks vs COLBC U16 Girls Gold
U16 Girls North Conference
Result: 17-88 (W)
Player of the game: Sophie Conroy
Coach Katie Lamond: "Games where teams take a strong lead offensively, can often have the consequence of a lack of effort on the defensive side. This was not the case for the U16 Gold team today. Despite having control of the game, players continued to play strong individual defence throughout all four quarters. Not only that, but the consistency of our half court rotation meant that the team stopped/prevented drives through the middle. Forcing Mersey to the final few moments of the 24 shot clock on multiple occasions.
Slow start in terms of our spacing and offensive transition in the first few moment of the game, a few passing mistakes and rushed decisions. However the girls eventually came into their own, running ahead of the ball, providing options to pass, along with the space to finish. Through free play and movement, the girls were able to find good strong link ups to make scoring opportunities, as well as finding offensive openings through set tactics and plays.
Another week, another strong performance by the U16 Gold Team.
COLBC U14 Boys Gold vs Manchester Giants
U14 Boys North Premier
Result: 34-79 (L)
Player of the game: Isaac Grant
Coach Matt Newby: "In a tough Red rose vs White rose encounter, the Giants provided us with a very difficult match up, both in aged-and-stage and experience. However, the players all worked with industry and savoured the minutes on court. There was early outputs from Rafi Abrantes and Isaac Grant, which tempered an early large split, however, Manchester asserted themselves both on the glass and defensively, generating extra possessions. The U14s rallied in the fourth quarter with more of a robust approach defensively and a hard-nosed attitude which resulted in higher returns across the remaining minutes of the game. The great thing about this newly-formed unit is their potential down the line."
York Eagles vs COLBC U14 Boys Black
U14 Boys North I Conference
Result: 41-48 (W)
Player of the game: Archie Locke
Coach Alex McCulloch: "We started the game very well defensively as we let up just 5 points in the first half. However, despite some phenomenal offensive moves we struggled to finish the our chances which kept the game close. In the second quarter we started to get going led by Archie Locke and Fraser Cummings, however, and the 3rd quarter was a completely differently story as we conceded 0 points in the first 7 minutes of the quarter and put up a season high of 19. As we started to finish the plays that we struggled to earlier in the game, we went into the 4th with 20 point lead. While a late push by yYork cut the lead down to 7, we banded together to get some late stops and come out with the win."
Sunday 5th November 2023
Encon Derbyshire Arrows vs COLBC U16 Girls Black
U16 Girls North Conference
Result: 101-17 (L)
Player of the game: Sophie Ramshaw
Coach Katie Lamond: "Tough battle for the U16s Black today, with the girls having to overcome multiple challenges. Dealing with a physically strong, experienced and quick Derbyshire side, along with variations in opposition defence, Derbyshire switching from man to 1-3- 1 zone, the girls had to be constantly on their toes today.
Despite the difficulties, the girls resilience to keep attacking, pushing the ball up the floor and defensive recovery was a major positive. As always the girls demonstrated their willingness to share and move the ball to try and find scoring opportunities. A few moments where the girls found some fantastic spaces to shoot or drive, made from them finding the small gaps in the Derbyshire defence. Although taking a big hit in the scoreline, the effort and intensity especially in the 4th quarter really was amazing, with the girls pressuring the ball, taking big defensive hits, fighting for rebounds, like it was the beginning of the game.
Lots to learn from today's performance, but once again proud of their desire to keep going."
Rounding off the sixth weekend of the National League season, COLBC Director Matt Newby was
feeling thankful for the hard work and diligence of our coaching staff, who are working very hard, to ensure the most positive experience is had by all.
"In a quieter week for the JNL programme, there was still a high number of teams in action, with noticeable results for our U16s Girls Gold team who won on the road against Mersey Mavericks and the U14s Boys Black who earned their second win of the season against a well-rounded York Eagles, while COLBA continue their strong form to go 4-0 in the North Conference.
This week was bolstered by our well-attended camps at the beginning of the week, keep an eye out for all our camp dates this season coming soon. We look forward to seeing whole-club support again in our next Division 3 game next Saturday."
You can secure your tickets now for our next big home game on Saturday 11th November as welcome the Calderdale Explorers to LBU Arena, by clicking the link below.
https://www.cityofleedsbasketballfoundation.com/event-details/division-3-men-vs-calderdale-explorers
The roundup will return next week after a 17 game slate on week 8 of the National League season.