Weekend Roundup - Week 14 - Closing the gap!

Week 14 of the 2022/23 Junior National League season saw 12 of our junior teams in action across the region.

The weekly roundup will highlight the results and key performers from each weekend across the programme along with quotes from coaches about each performance. We continue the series with Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th January.

Saturday 14th January

COLBC U14 Boys Black vs Teeside Lions

Result: 45-63 (L)

Coach Jake Shuttlewood: "A strong start to the game which gave a competitive spirit and exciting energy amongst the boys! It stayed extremely close through the first half with back and forth baskets and nothing between the two teams. They looked to attack the basket with addition to kick and find the open player but Teesides transition offence led to a small gap being created. After being down by 18 at one point, the team played hard defence and got into a rhythm from the midrange which punished Teeside’s slow defensive rotations to bring the gap back to 6 points. We couldn’t continue the advantage after Teeside regrouped for their final timeout in the 4th quarter. Lots of positives to take away from the game which previously we had lost by 40. Lots of exciting potential for the rest of the year!"

Performer of the game: Nacir Teib

Manchester Magic vs COLBC U14 Boys Gold

Result: 107-27 (L)

Coach Ryan Weir: "This weekends match was a tough test in Manchester against Manchester Magic. We faced a much improved Manchester side that started strong and didn’t let up. Some promising play from Harry Firth, Maks Puszynski, Alex Summers and Finlay May, was a huge positive from this game. The improvement I have seen from players in practice, in both their understanding of the game and technical ability is starting to show on the floor. Our goal is to become consistent in this output."

Performer of the game: Alex Summers

COLBC U16 Boys Black vs Teeside Lions

Result: 60-62 (L)

Coach Jake Shuttlewood: "A tightly contested game which was a real thriller from start to end. The boys were quick out the gate with lots of defensive stops and transition scores but struggled to match the physical strength of Teeside. COLB dropped to 12 points down and fought it back to a level score. It came down to a last second shot which just fell short of the mark. A great game against a highly ranked team with huge upside and great potential for the rest of the season!"

Performer of the game: Toby Wilkins

COLBC U16 Boys Gold vs Manchester Giants

Result: 51-72 (L)

Coach Sam Messam: "CoL u16 Gold welcomed Manchester Giants into LBU Arena for their second game of 2023. The CoL were looking for a positive performance following last weeks disappointing trip to Leicester and would get it from the tip. The game was competitive, chippy and aggressive, however, the CoL withstood every blow from the visiting Giants in a bid to apply their own pressure. The Giants, currently 3rd in Premier North standings would eventually win, however, the CoL would hold them to just a 3-point difference in the 2nd half."

Performer of the game: Angus Hickey

Durham Palatinates vs COLBC U18 Women

Result: 40-49 (W)

Coach Katie Lamond: "Intense first game back for the U18s women today! With both teams fielding low numbers, it was incredible to see the players for each side continuing to fight throughout. The fact that the game was so close and intense, I'm proud of the girls for keeping their composure and cohesion. There were times where due to fatigue, we produced rushed decisions and turnovers. However I'm impressed with how the girls didn't let mistakes drag them down, continuing to progress and focus on the next part of the game.

Offensive movement was a big improvement today! Actively trying to share and move the ball quickly, driving hard to the basket, passing out to free players, looking for the correct option. Our defensive 'scramble' was also outstanding today, impressed with the consistency of our recovery. The 4th quarter was ultimately what decided the game. The girls brilliantly keeping their composure, defensive hustle and scoring in key moments. Providing us the biggest breakaway of the entire game. Brilliant hustle by both teams. Excellent win by the City of Leeds girls!"

Performer of the game: Ella Ryan

COLBC U18 Men Black vs Hatfield Fliers

Result: 45-61 (L)

Coach Murray Bingham: "A solid showing from the team displaying great adaptability across the course of the game. The guys improved quarter by quarter and really started to compete hard in the 4th. I was pleased that irrespective of what was happening on the court they kept their head up and remained attentive."

Performer of the game: Daniel Mapfumo

COLBC U18 Men Gold vs Teeside Lions

Result: 48-64 (L)

Coach Murray Bingham: "A tough loss at this stage of the season with multiple players missing due to injuries. Nonetheless a sign of improvement across the board with the circumstances considered having slimmed down on the previous deficit. A credit to the guys as they brought a great energy to the game from the start to the finish of the game although Teesides size proved too much in the end. I have no doubt the boys will carry over the energy into next week and build on the positives from the game."

Performer of the game: James Higgins

Sheffield Elite vs COLBA

Result: 83-34 (L)

Coach Matt Newby: "A tough day down in South Yorkshire where a well organised Sheffield rotated in depth at the right times to squash offensive output. Coupled with a poor defensive game the score and spread would take care of itself. There were glimpses of individual outputs at times but unfortunately a team performance at both ends was needed.”

Performer of the game: Marcello Maffezzoli

Sunday 15th January

Sheffield Sharks vs COLBC U12 Boys Gold

Result: 69-40 (L)

Coach Dave Piggott: "This was a tough game for the boys and their first loss of the season. The game started evenly with the teams well matched, playing good basketball. However, as the game went on persistent foul trouble slowed things down and the boys got frustrated. Sheffield's talented and organised side kept the pressure on and dominated the offensive boards. Plenty to learn for the boys, not least how to play defence with refs calling a very tight game!"

Performer of the game: Lemmel Lovick

Sheffield Hatters vs COLBC U16 Girls

Result: 75-66 (L)

Coach Katie Lamond: "The girls gave their absolute all today. Couldn't be prouder of their effort, determination, and fight. Incredible fast breaks, movement , offensive, and defensive rotation. The girls really turned up to fight for today's game. Both teams kept the fight going until the very end.

It's tough to write a report where, for the most part, the girls did everything right, yet unfortunately, they fell short at the end. The last quarter was the difference for Hatters , who really thrived in the moments where we showed uncertainty.

Ultimately, it came down to fatigue and frustration. Which is my job to manage. Overall being my decisions which in the end cost us the result. The girls deserve to walk away, feeling proud of themselves. Incredible hustle."

Performer of the game: Hattie Miles

COLBC Director Matt Newby shared his thoughts on the weekend:

"A week with some significant highs and lows. But with a number of teams closing the gap we have to highlight the positives. A trio of games against Teeside Lions for our development tiers showed the significant progress these young players and coaches are making.

The U18’s women delivered again up in the North East against Durham. In another close encounter. The U16’s girls delivered another strong shift in South Yorkshire against the Hatters narrowly losing to a small margin against the perennial title contenders. The girls on every level are going from strength to strength a testimony to the hard work Coaches Lamond Allen and Wood are putting in.

That wraps up the fourteenth edition of the Weekend Roundup - Join us next weekend for more action across the Junior National League programme.