Ipswich
Basketball Club
'The Bobcats
& Tomcats'
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All Season's Reports 2006 - 7 Sunday 22 April 2007 – RAF U14 Girls National League Championship Playoff Round 1 Ipswich Bobcats 19 – 70 Haringey Angels Ipswich U14 girls experienced a very tough game on Sunday when they faced Haringey Angels in the first round of the RAF sponsored National League Championship playoffs before eventually going down to the London outfit by a slightly flattering 19 points to 70. The first quarter started off at a furious pace with the visitors immediately putting a full court press on, which the Bobcats found hard to deal with and something they had probably not experienced before. It was so effective and caused many turnovers which saw Haringey shoot out to a 12 – 0 lead by the sixth minute. A timeout by coach Kathryn James did steady the ship to s certain extent and the first score for the Bobcats came from Emma Swain and this was followed by two further baskets from Millie Stubbs and Bethany Pegg. However by the end of the quarter the Angels lead had been further extended as they held a 18-6 lead. The break gave the girls a chance to re-assess their tactics however the second quarter followed the pattern of the first with the aggressive play of Haringey proving a difficult obstacle to overcome. Their captain (No 4) St. Marthe really turned it on scoring a personal tally of 16 points out of their total of 23 for the quarter and the Angels reached half time with a big 29 point lead – 41 – 12. Fran Collins with 2 and Tierney Barker with 4 were the only scorers for Ipswich. At the start of the third quarter the Haringey coach started with his best 5 players and once they had reached a position where it was unlikely that a major upset was about to happen he gave all his players court time. The Bobcats continued to play hard and were trying their best to break down the opposition defence and were creating good chances but shooting under pressure proved to be their downfall. At the end of the quarter the score was Bobcats 13 – 53. The final quarter saw an improved effort from the Bobcats youngsters with Lizzy Harrison and Tierney Barker getting their names on the score sheet but it will be the Haringey Angels that progress through to the next round. Although the final score was 70 – 19 to the Angels this was slightly flattering result as Ipswich did put together some good offensive work and with a little more luck would have scored more points The curtain has come down on their National League experience but the Bobcats youngsters have had an excellent first season at this level when finished league runners up in their Conference. The game has put down markers on what needs to be done before they step out on court again next season. They cannot be faulted on their commitment and effort and individually there is much talent to be developed. After the game the Haringey coach remarked that it was always a pleasure to come to Ipswich and for the professional way the club is organised when presenting National league games. He also commented on the fact that several players had caught his eye but none more so than Lizzie Harrison who, he thought, had a bright future in the game and on the day proved to be one of the teams best players. A special mention should be made of coach Kathyrn James, assistant coach Kirk Bonas and manager Debbie Ingram for making it all possible and giving up their time freely so that the girls could experience basketball at the highest level.. The future looks good for this team and hopefully next year will be even more successful when they move up to the U16 age group. Players for Ipswich: Emma Swain, Bethany Pegg, Fran Collins, Katie Merryweather, Tierney Barker, Hannah Cooper, Lizzy Harrison, Antonia Nolan, Amy Jackson, Linzi Bowley, Milly Stubbs . SATURDAY 24TH MARCH 2007 - West Herts Warriors 83 - 49 Ipswich Bobcats Ipswich U14 girls experienced a tough game this weekend at the hands of West Herts Warriors. Games like this are crucial if they are to step up next season and improve individually and as a team, and at times they proved they could cope. Three of the Warriors U14’s “played up” in the starting five of the U16 game immediately afterwards, giving them the experience which the Ipswich girls have not had. It also has to be said that the erstwhile Aussie, Fogarty was a class above for the Warriors who has obviously benefited, one assumes, from Regional Performance centre training. West Herts mixed up their man initially sometimes pressing and sometimes retreating back. Emma Swain for the Bobcats repeatedly soaked up the pressure and undoubtedly put in her best performance of the season. The first quarter saw Fogarty penetrate to the hoop, scoring 7 out of West Herts 15 points. The Bobcats looked inside to get Lizzy Harrison, Tierney Barker and Linzi Bowley all on the scoreboard but it was to be the improved fast break effort that was the most encouraging aspect of the game for the Suffolk girls. Fogarty was once again hard to contain and though the Bobcats made some excellent blocks Fogarty found herself consistently making 50% from the free throw line when fouled. Byrne for West Herts made a good contribution in the third quarter whilst Millie Stubbs built solidly on her Brighton performance from two weeks ago. Coach James urged the girls to pick up their man press in the third quarter. They responded well restricting the ball inside and Katy Merryweather, Fran Collins and Stacey Marriott teamed up well with Swain to cut the West Herts lead back to 16 points. The last quarter saw West Herts pull away and though the score ended 83-49 it was only in the last ten minutes that the game moved so decisively out of their reach. The two main areas for them to focus on now must be pass and shot selection when in set offence and in particular patience in these situations. Although the break sometimes fell down in the last phase the first two phases were excellent and coaches James and Bonas were pleased with the girls desire to want to run! Points - West Herts: Moody 11, Miller 15, Byrne 15, Fogarty 28, Nunn 8, Tompkins 4 (2 points unaccounted for – error on sheet) Ipswich: Merryweather 2, Swain, 9, Marriott 6, Collins 4, Barker 2, Harrison 10, Bowley 4, Stubbs 12 SUNDAY 4TH MARCH 2007 - BRIGHTON EAST 49 - 45 IPSWICH BOBCATS Ipswich U14’s girls headed down, for what they expected would be two tough games against Brighton and Baddow, with a Saturday night stay in Eastbourne. As it happened Baddow forfeited pulling out the day before so Brighton was to be their only match. Coach James feels generally the number of postponements and forfeited games that occur at this level is just unacceptable. “When you have to inform a 12 and 13 year old, the morning they are due to go away for the weekend that the game they were selected for has been cancelled she is dropped it is just not on.” They arrived to find there was only one referee, but as Suffolk Basketball’s, Bernard Ball had travelled down to watch, he kindly offered to assist. What a coincidence he just happened to have his referee’s shirt with him! The game opened with both sides looking fairly nervous. Winter scored for Brighton as Tierney Barker for the Bobcat’s replied. Captain, Linzi Bowley, followed this making a close range shot, then 12 year old Beth Pegg hit a tough baseline shot from outside. The quarter came to an end as Brighton scored again to make the score 6-6. Six foot, year 8, Millie Stubbs added to the tally supported by the ever improving Lizzy Harrison. Bowley scored again, stretching the Suffolk girl’s lead to 6 points; the largest lead they were to command. Agg answered back with a three as she began to dominate for Brighton. Emma Swain then made a lay-up for the visitors and in doing so was fouled by Leonida and importantly hit the bonus one to leave Ipswich 22-19 up at half time. The second half saw Ipswich struggling to contain Agg as she penetrated and then pulled up for the shot, as Brighton pulled away at one stage to lead by 10. The young Bobcat’s refused to give up though and their comeback was sparked by Fran Collins who was fouled as she drove to the hoop. She hit both free throws, but again Agg scored for Brighton. Stacey Marriott scored twice and Brighton’s lead was then slashed to 6. Captain Bowley made an offensive rebound and as the full time horn went the final score was Brighton 49, Ipswich Bobcat’s 45. Understandably there were a few tears and dejected looking Ipswich faces after the game but coaches James and Bonas though “gutted” felt there were many positives form the game. Particularly pleasing was the positioning and understanding shown by the forwards and the improved judgement of offensive ball handling from Emma Swain. Lizzy, Linzi and Beth were better on the boards and Millie Sharps cool mid range outside shooting today made her Ipswich’s game MVP. Ipswich remain top of the league and like the U18’s boys face West Herts in their final game of the season which they must win to come top. Brighton: Edwards 9, Agg 26, Winteer 2, Leonida 5, Scott 2, Fox 5 Ipswich: Swain 3, Pegg 4, Collins 2, Merryweather 2, Barker 4, Marriott 4, Harrison 10, Bowley 8, Stubbs 8 Head Coach Kathryn James Reporting - 5 March 2007 SUNDAY 4TH February 2007 - IPSWICH BOBCATS U14’s 64 - 11 CHILTERN PUMAS Ipswich Bobcats continued their march towards the prestigious end of season playoffs with an overwhelming victory against the visiting Chiltern Pumas from Hertfordshire. Having already won against the Puma’s in the away game, added to the fact that the visitors had yet to win a game, the outcome was never in any real doubt. Bobcats started with Emma Swain, Fran Collins, Tierney Barker, Lizzy Harrison and Linzi Bowley and they proved far to much for the opposition as they dominated at both ends of the court. Midway through the quarter the score was 12-0 and Bowley had contributed half of these points. Coach James frequently rang the changes with regular substitutions and the Bobcats continued to dominate. The Pumas finally put two points and one free throw on the board in the final minute of the quarter and trailed 18-3 at the break. As expected the second quarter was very much a repeat of the first but was notable in the fact that two players dominated the scoring. Lizzy Harrison showed her strength at the offensive end and notched up eight points and this was followed by a further six from Captain Linzi Bowley who was having an impressive game. Half time score Bobcats 34 – 4 Pumas. The second half gave the coaches the opportunity to mix and match their players looking for good combinations for the games ahead when the opposition would be somewhat stronger. Virtually every player got their name on the score sheet which was also very encouraging as it shows that the team has strength in depth and this would also be important in games to come. Fran Collins in particular had an excellent second half notching up a ten points with some superb right hand drives to the basket. One has to congratulate the Pumas on a sporting contest and despite the drubbing their heads never went down. Their ability to bring the ball up to the offensive end was not in doubt but it was their failure to penetrate and get into scoring positions that was lacking. The reason for this was a combination of good Bobcat defence and their lack of height on their team which always poses problems on the basketball court. Final Result: Ipswich Bobcats 64 – 11 Chiltern Pumas. The team now has a bit of a break from league action before they face a tough trip to Brighton, the only team to have beaten the Bobcats to date, at the beginning of March. Players and scores: Tierney Barker (8), Linzi Bowley (c) (14), Katrina Allwater (2), Lizzy Harrison (10), Sam Ingram (3), Fran Collins (12), Katie Merryweather (6), Antonia Nolan (2), Bethany Pegg, Milly Stubbs (6), Emma Swain (1) Latest League Table
Pete Kaznica reporting for Ipswich Basketball Club – 5 Feb 2007
Sunday 10th December 2006 - Sevenoaks vs Ipswich vs Brighton Last weekend Ipswich Bobcat’s U14 girls travelled to Sevenoaks School sports centre for games against Sevenoaks and Brighton Bears East. A double court, an indoor five a side pitch and a swimming pool for good measure…..ah we can but dream.
Game 1 - Brighton Bears
32 - 19 Ipswich Bobcats The second quarter was more closely fought with Lizzy Harrison and Bowley penetrating close to the basket. Matching Brighton’s five points the half time score was 18-12 to Brighton. The third quarter turned out to be the girl’s weakest and was dominated by mistakes such as five back court violations from driving errors. Fastbreaks were few and far between and passing skills broke down. The third period saw Ipswich unable to add to their points at all and with Agg and Leonida gaining in confidence Brighton now led 25 – 12. The fourth quarter did see some pride regained as the Suffolk girls came out with a determination to improve their game. Tierney Barker gave 110% as always and made 5 points as the team started to drive through the arms of the Brighton defence. Emma Swain also scored in the final minute. The end whistle was rather a relief as the Ipswich coaches were getting rather frustrated at the tents that were being pitched in their zone and with trail officials refereeing from the opposite end of the court. The game ended Brighton 32, although the scoresheet adds up to 31, – Ipswich 19. Bobcats players and scorers B. Pegg, H. Colman, F. Collins, E. Swain 2, K. Merryweather 2, T. Barker 5, S. Ingram, L Harrison 2, A. Nolan, P. Swift, L. Bowley 5, A Stubbs 3 Game 2 - Sevenoaks Suns 43 - 53 Ipswich Bobcats With the Ipswich coaches doing their best to light some sparks of determination from the forlorn girls, the second game against Sevenoaks didn’t get off to the best of starts it has to be said. Bowley hit a close range two but Swain didn’t add to this until Ipswich were 7-2 down. She did make two from two on the foul line then as both Swain and Bowley seemed to be getting in the groove. Beth Pegg also added to the total and Ipswich found themselves 12-9 up. It was then Sevenoaks who capitalised with Lawrence, Lewis and Wroth all scoring. Ipswich found themselves 17-13 down at the first quarter. The second quarter continued in a similar vein with baskets being matched pretty evenly. Katrina Attwater then entered the game in her first performance for the team and made an excellent lay up to the hoop leaving her team mates screaming for more. The girls still had it all to do though as at halftime they still trailed 30-23. With a starting five of Katrina Attwater, Lizzy Harrison, Tierney Barker, Ella Wisken and Amy Jackson the girls came out to play some good pressure defence. With Barker now forcing turnovers all the girls worked hard to fill the lanes and all benefited on the end of the break. Attwater took a well earned break and Antonia Nolan stepped in to draw a foul and profit on the free throw line. At the end of this quarter Ipswich were to take the lead for the first time since the first minute. Coach James knew Swain was on four personal fouls but returned her to the game in the last quarter. Were she to foul out the teams third quarter performance showed everyone in this team is capable of contributing so it was a risk that was minimised. After hitting two from two on the foul line again Swain did foul out but Fran Collins took up the challenge to replace her in her stride. Barker’s persistence began to pay off as the ball seemed to be finally dropping in for her. Bowley also added to her tally and the girls ended the game still making errors but with many more opportunities being taken. The game ended 53-43 to Ipswich. Although the scoresheet adds up to 54-43! Bobcats players and scorers B. Pegg 4, H. Cooper, F. Collins 5, E. Swain 8, K. Merryweather, T. Barker 10, A. Jackson l, L. Harrison 6, A. Nolan 1, K. Attwater 6, L. Bowley 10, E. Wisken 2. Fitness seemed lacking for some this weekend and coaches Bonas and James are already planning some surprises for the New Year! The three to catch are athlete’s Lizzy Harrison and Hannah Colman and runner Stacey Marriott. Marriott was out this weekend due to an injury but she is expected to be fit for the Middle school semis on Thursday. The girls had their final training session this Monday until the New Year, as coach James prepares for knee reconstruction this weekend. Training was excellent compared to the games this weekend and spirits were lifted as the girls were allowed to play to music as a Christmas treat! Chocolate was in abundance and team manager Debbie Ingram laid on a mini buffet at the end of the session. It was good to see Emma Murrow back at training and know that Katrina Attwater could stuff six chocolate éclairs in her mouth at once…. ah girls just you wait until January! Head Coach Kathryn James reporting. Sunday 19th November Ipswich Bobcats vs West Herts Warriors vs Sevenoaks Suns The U14 girls welcomed West Herts Warriors and Sevenoaks Suns to Maidenhall Sports Centre for the first of their two home tournaments this season. Game 1 Result - Ipswich Bobcats 30 - 29 West Herts Warriors In the first game West Herts got on the scoreboard straight away hitting one from two on the foul line, but it was Ipswich that played the best quarter of their short history as a team so far. Their energetic man to man press paid dividends and although Tierney Barker couldn’t seem to score her turnover rate more than made up for this. Stacey Marriott, Linzi Bowley and Lizzy Harrison all made their mark as Ipswich took an early 11-1 lead. Year 8 Breckland player Katy Merryweather entered the game and scored immediately whilst Fogarty scored for West Herts leaving the first quarter 14-4. West Herts came out in the second quarter in a zone which immediately upset the flow of the Ipswich team. They capitalised on steals themselves and from poor defensive positioning from the home team at times. A gutsy performance from Ipswich and East of England player Emma Swain saw her hit two successive shots but the home team went in at half time with their lead cut to just two points West Herts persisted with their zone but Ipswich began to show more discipline finding spaces for the outside shot with Millie Stubbs, Tierney Barker and Fran Collins all scoring this quarter. West Herts were consistently solid and ended the quarter one point up. The final quarter proved to be a nerve racking affair with the lead changing at each offensive opportunity. The home crowd were literally on the edge of their seats but it looked as victory was slipping away as Fogarty scored giving West Herts a three point lead with 3 minutes to go. Swain re-entered the game after a pep talk from team manager Debbie Ingram who refused to see her psyched out at this stage. A lay up from Bowley and a rebound from Barker saw Ipswich one point up. Then with 28 seconds on the clock Ipswich found themselves with possession as coach James called a timeout. The team were told to keep the ball and await instructions as to when to take the shot. The game didn’t exactly take this course but Ipswich managed to use up valuable seconds on the clock. West Herts had possession again but not long enough time in which to score. As the final whistle went a rather raucous set of Ipswich players and fans streamed on to the court in celebration. West Herts played extremely well and without their coach Tony Marmo who was absent. The away game could be another nail biter. Game MVP – Emma Swain Players and Scorers - Hannah Colman , Emma Swain (4), Hannah Cooper, Tierney Barker (4), Katy Merryweather (3), Francesca Collins(4), Stacey Marriott(5), Elizabeth Harrison(4), Antonia Nolan, Bethany Pegg, Linzi Bowley (4) and Amelia Stubbs (2), Game 2 Result - West Herts Warriors 50 - 36 Sevenoaks Suns Game 3 Result - Ipswich Bobcats 34 - 27 Sevenoaks Suns The game against Sevenoaks was a rather nervy one with several players looking very tired. Emma Swain again looked strong scoring three consecutive baskets whilst all the points from Sevenoaks came from number 15 Lawrence. The second quarter saw good performances from Bowley and Stubbs and Beccles based Ella Wisken scored her first two points for Ipswich on the National League stage. Ipswich went in at half time 20 -10 up. Then youngster Fran Collins played way above her 12 year old stature and made two important powerful lay-ups as Ipswich’s shooting percentage had taken a dive. Lewis hit most of the points for Sevenoaks this quarter as the third quarter ended 26 – 21 to the home side. Amy Jackson scored two important points for Ipswich at the start of the final quarter and KES student Hana Colman also scored twice. Fittingly though it was Fran Collins who ended the game with another two as the game closed Ipswich 34 – Sevenoaks 27 Game MVP – Fran Collins Players and Scorers - Hannah Colman(4) , Amy Jackson, Hannah Cooper, Emma Swain (8)), Stacey Marriott(6), Francesca Collins(6), Sam Ingram, Elizabeth Harrison(4), Tierney Barker (2), Ella Wiskin (2), Linzi Bowley (2) and Amelia Stubbs (4).
28 October 2006 - Bobcats vs Great Baddow Eagles and Chiltern Pumas. Saturday saw the last of Ipswich Basketball Club’s teams in action in this new season, namely the under 14 girls. Last year the county had no representation at this level in the National League. This season the Bobcats are back with a large squad of 22, 8 of which are under 13, gaining valuable experience for next year. Both the girls and boys, playing in this age group, have opted for a league where they play three team tournaments at each meeting. This weekend the girls travelled to Great Baddow to play the Essex team first, followed by Chiltern Pumas. GAME ONE - BADDOW EAGLES 18 - 34 IPSWICH BOBCATS Emma Swain, recently selected to play for the East of England, opened the scoring for the Bobcats after being fouled on the end of a fast break. She made one out of the two free throws. Linzi Bowley, one of five Brandon based girls, also found herself on the end of a fast break and was consequently fouled. She converted both of her free throws. Emma Beadle of Baddow scored two from outside, which was followed by a lay up from Jodi Brooks. Baddow also fouled her. Brooks made the lay up and also sunk the additional free throw. Ipswich were leading 6-2 and Baddow called a time out. The next few minutes saw both sides miss some easy opportunities but it was Ipswich who ended the first quarter 8-3 up as Swain scored in the last minute. The game resumed with year 8 player Stacey Marriott totally focused on defence and as Ipswich put pressure on the ball in the front court and at the half way line Marriott took advantage of the turnovers scoring all of the Bobcats 7 points in the second quarter. The pressure of the man to man defence resulted in some over zealous fouls from Ipswich which also saw Baddow at the free throw line. They made 2 from 6 and rallied scoring two further baskets as Ipswich took the eyes off their players at times. The half ended with Ipswich still leading 15-9. The second half began with Bury St. Edmund’s County Upper player, Tierney Barker, making an excellent left hand lay up. Baddow replied and then committed two fouls themselves. Marriott, Swain and Brooks continued to force errors and Great Cornard’s Swain, capitalised with 4 more points. The third period ended with the Suffolk team 24-15 ahead. Ipswich coaches Kathryn James and Kirk Bonas urged the girls to keep up the pressure and focus on the task in hand willing the girls on to their first win. The final quarter saw the Bobcat’s continue to improve with their fast break game, at times looking impressive. Barker, Swain and Poppy Swift from Felixstowe all dived on loose balls; the will to win was clearly apparent. This did come at the expense of further fouls and if Baddow had hit a better percentage than 6 from 23 at the foul line it would have been a closer game. The final score was Ipswich 34 Baddow 18 and the girls duly erupted in jubilation with their return to the National League. Scorers - Elizabeth Harrison, Tierney Barker (6), Linzi Bowley (4), Poppy Swift, Amelia Stubbs, Stacey Marriott (7), Jodi Brooks (6), Hannah Colman, Antonia Nolan, Francesca Collins, Katy Merryweather (2), Emma Swain (9) and Samantha Ingram GAME TWO - IPSWICH BOBCATS 77 - 4 CHILTERN PUMAS The second game against Chiltern Pumas turned out to a rather one sided affair. Chiltern were missing several players and had only travelled with 5. Ipswich continued with their running game as Bowley and Barker made early points. Hannah Colman, from King Edward School, Bury, started the game and got herself on the score sheet in the sixth minute. Ipswich dropped back to a half court man as their dominance showed ending the quarter 20-2 up. Coach James asked the team to capitalise on their height advantage with six foot, 12 year old Milly Stubbs from St James School , Bury, which they proceeded to do. She found herself in lots of space and scored an excellent 18 points. The second half saw little change with Ipswich converting most of their chances. They ended up winning of 77-4. The girls know there will be much harder games to come but were nonetheless thrilled with their two from two statistic. Movement off the ball and even quicker transition from defence to offence will be the focus of training next week. Scorers - Elizabeth Harrison (2), Tierney Barker (14), Linzi Bowley (2), Poppy Swift, Amelia Stubbs (18), Stacey Marriott (4), Jodi Brooks (6), Hannah Colman (12), Antonia Nolan, Francesca Collins (5), Katy Merryweather (8), Emma Swain (4) and Samantha Ingram (2) The girl’s next home game fixtures will be on Sunday 19th November at Maidenhall Sports Centre, Ipswich, starting at 11.00am against West Herts Warriors and Sevenoaks. Pre - Season Tournament Report - 24 September 2006The Bobcats U/14 Girls travelled down to the south coast and to the Solent where they participated in a 4 team tournament organised by the host club and at which former Bobcat coach Michael Ball now presides. Coach Kathryn James took a large squad of 18 players to give the team their first real taste of what to expect when the embark on their National league programme in mid - October.Coach James commented that it had been a very good experience for the girls and an excellent opportunity to get together as team and play some tough games. It was now back to training where all the weaknesses experienced could be worked on and improved before their first games against Baddow and Chiltern in Chelmsford. U14 scores from the weekend
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