The weekly roundup is back! Check out the the scores and coaches' thoughts from week 4 of the National league season.
LBU Arena witnessed the return of Senior National League basketball this weekend in front of a 350 members of our COLBC community.
Alongside this huge moment for the club, our Junior teams showed further improvement to secure some fantastic results for their respective squads.
Let's see how it all went down as we roundup week 4 of the 2023/24 National League season.
Friday 20th October 2023
Tees Valley Mohawks vs COLBA II
U18 Men North I Conference
Result: 64-57 (L)
Player of the game: Jack Westgarth-Graham
Coach Jake Shuttlewood: "A trip up to Middlesbrough saw the boys playing against Tees Valley Mohawks. A slow start to the game in the first half created a tricky situation which didn’t phase any of the boys for the second half. With a deficit of 17 points needing to be chased, that’s exactly what we did. With lots of strong defensive plays leading to transition baskets and the boys knocking down some crucial shoots, it cut the lead down to 3! Unfortunately, the Mohawks just edged out the game having us lose by 7. The boys continue to grow and show signs of real improvement. I look forward to the next game!"
Saturday 21st October 2023
COLBA vs Sheffield Sharks
NBL Division 3 Men North
Result: 60-71 (L)
Player of the game: Adam Dickens
Coach Matt Newby: "Credit to Sheffield, who came in to the game a little undermanned, but benefited from the significant experience of Sedale Hanson-Young. In a game where the tempo flexed, I feel we could have done more to speed up the rhythm, however, a combination of break downs in our own half-court defense, both individually and collectively, and intelligent transition defense from the Sharks would negate our offensive game. Positive contributions from our Academy players, including 16 year old Junior Josh Norton and Seniors Akil Simpson and Marcello Maffezzoli, complimented by an improving Jack Hill, Adam Dickens returning to his routes as a genuine creator and flashes of what is to come from Luke Garner, meant that we were very much in the game throughout."
COLBC U18 Men vs Hatfield Fliers
U18 Men North I Conference
Result: 55-76 (L)
Player of the game: Tom Dillon
Coach Matt Newby: "An evenly balanced Hatfield Fliers would provide a significant challenge in the absence of Captain Sam Barraclough, however also provided the opportunity for players to step up, with Tom Dillon, Josh Mulkeen and Ethan Lough of note, taking the leadership in his absence. Fundamentally, individual and team defence was inconsistent, which led to some cheap points for the opposition. However, the resilience of the group and their exceptional attitude towards coaching, will no doubt prove beneficial as the season goes on."
COLBC U16 Girls Gold vs Liverpool
U16 Girls North Conference
Result: 59-52 (W)
Player of the game: Victory Uzomah
Coach Katie Lamond: "A match up which never fails to bring physicality, competitiveness, and intensity. This game was no different. An extremely close and physical battle throughout. Although prepared for Liverpool and their screen and roll actions, we were caught off a few times in the first quarter. However, the girls quickly switched on and defensively began to take control, communicate exceptionally well to force steals, Liverpool mistakes, and turnovers. Providing us with more possession and control over the game.
Offensively, after a few moments of rushed play, the girls recognised where the advantages were from the Liverpool defence, forcing our own positive screen and roll actions, as well as quickly moving the ball to free players , forcing Liverpool into a defensive scramble, leading to open shots and open drives. A big positive of our game was defence, blocks, and rebounding! Although put under pressure by officiating and questionable calls, the girls still continued to put their bodies on the line, help on defence and hustle for rebounds and loose balls, despite the consequences. Each and everyone with the mind set of side before self.
The energy, desire, and cohesion on the floor were exceptional. Every player on the same page, all working together towards the same goal.The teams ability to help organise each other both on the floor and in timeouts was really impressive to see. All in agreement with myself and each other, actively making an effort to apply and follow through on discussions and instructions. A tough competition! Liverpool constantly hustling and biting at our heels! And although we finished the game with moments of panic due to defensive pressure. I'm proud of the girls and their resilience to take the win."
Manchester Magic vs COLBC U16 Boys Gold
U16 Boys North Premier
Result: 106-51 (L)
Player of the game: Jack Westgarth-Graham
Coach Sam Messam: "The boys travelled west to face an in-form and talented Manchester Magic side stacked with regional and national team potential. The first two minutes showed just how far the boys had come in a short space of time, so much so that the home side were forced to take an early time out. We had taken the first shot, pass, and lay-up, ran the floor well and defended with pride. All of which led to a 10-2 lead and a chance sit and talk about our great start. The Magic were not going to be held down for long and demonstrated the depth of their talent. The boys fought hard and stayed resilient, steadfast and determined to challenge the home side as best as they could. However, Manchester would claim the win and the City Of Leeds took the morale victory and a great deal of confidence out of the 40 minutes."
COLBC U16 Boys Black vs York Eagles
U16 Boys North I Conference
Result: 54-42 (L)
Player of the game: Freddy Lutu
Coach Jake Shuttlewood: "An important game which saw both Yorkshire rivals under-sixteens second tier teams face against one another. We had started slow against an experienced York side which continued to punish us on the offensive rebounds. The boys kept pushing to find form in transition opportunities, strong drives to the basket and great defensive plays to close the gap to 8 points. It looked as if the boys had pushed through but a lapse in judgment on the defensive end allowed York to get to the free-throw line and secure some key points to shut us down. I’m proud of the develop the boys are making and as I mentioned to them all at the end of the game, we won a half today which shows the strength in determination to continue the battle to the end. On to the next!”
Calderdale Explorers vs COLBC U16 Boys White
U16 Boys North I Conference
Result: 103-32 (L)
Player of the game: Oliver Brack
Coach Olly Kerwin-Clegg: "The under 16s faced a tough away challenge against a physical and organised Calderdale side. The boys showed there character and resilience with repeated strong drives to the basket that didn’t always pay dividends sadly. One great spell of basketball in the start of the third quarter led by Noah Brevitt shows this side can move the ball quickly and attack a team on arrival."
COLBC U14 Boys Black vs Rotherham Hawks
U14 Boys North I Conference
Result: 61-59 (W)
Player of the game: Yakub Musa
Coach Alex Scott: "A close contest against a hungry Rotherham Hawks started fantastically for the team as we showed tremendous defense and punished them well in transition. We held the lead all the way up to the 4th quarter led by the scoring of Dylan Storey, Kobe Wilkinson and Archie Locke off the bench, as well as the defence of Fraser Cummings and Oscar Mason. In the 4th, Rotherham grabbed their first lead which put the pressure on the boys. They dealt with this pressure immensely as with the whole gym watching, Dylan Storey scored some huge buckets including a reverse and-1 layup to tie the game. Then, with 2 seconds left on the clock Yakub Musa grabbed an offensive rebound and put it back up for the game winner which gave him the perfect end to a stellar performance, including 5 blocks. All together the team had a phenomenal performance with everyone contributing to the win."
COLBC U14 Boys White vs Grimsby Phoenix
U14 Boys North I Conference
Result: 18-81 (L)
Player of the game: Micah Brodie
Coach Olly Kerwin-Clegg: "The Leeds boys started slow with unfortunate turnovers being punished by a strong and fast Grimsby side. However, we slowly began to grow into the game and the third quarter was where our skills were evident as Leeds showed strong defensive instincts and good hustle, led my Liam Brostoff-Jordan. Once again the players effort and character cannot be faulted and we have positives to build on."
Rounding off the fourth weekend of the National League season, COLBC Director Matt Newby was filled with mixed emotions:
"A busy day at LBU Arena would see two big wins for Coach Scott's & Coach Lamond's chargers. The U14 Boys Black secured the win at the buzzer, following an exciting up-tempo game against Yorkshire rivals Rotherham Hawks, whilst our U16 Girls Gold would edge out the visitors from Liverpool in a physical affair and our Division 3 Men would make their home-court debut.
This was a significant day for the club, with emotions running high as LBU Arena saw a return to senior basketball. The atmosphere in the gym reflects the appetite for the sport in the city with no less than 350 people in attendance, witnessing a programme in its infancy, looking to evolve and secure ascension in the National League. It was so pleasing to see a stronger bond between our Academy players and those from our new partnership with Leeds Beckett University, and the excitement they drew from the crowd. It was great to see the pull of the game, with those very-much new to the game in attendance, alongside longstanding members of our the COLBC family, and lots of familiar faces and alumni who contributed to the evolution of the City Of Leeds programme. I would like to thank all those that have committed to, and assisted in our return to Senior National League competition, specifically the staff at Leeds Beckett University and Allerton High School. To our supporters new and old, I would like to say thank you. We are excited about our return to the floor, and your contribution is integral to our ongoing success."
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 11 game slate on week 5 of the National League season.