U14news0405

The Ipswich Tomcats rounded off their first ever season in the National League in phenomenal fashion. The under fourteen team, who are Suffolk�s first ever Boys National League basketball team faced the daunting task of travelling to Brentwood to face the top two teams in the league, the hosts Brentwood Fire and the undefeated league leaders Essex and Herts Leopards. When the Tomcats faced these teams earlier in the season they lost to both by over forty points.

In the first game, the Tomcats faced the Leopards, a team that has run away with the league this season with no team getting close to beating them � In contrast, Ipswich have won just two league games and were sitting at the foot of the table. However, with their �nothing to lose� attitude Ipswich played their best basketball of the season and narrowly won the first quarter ten points to nine with the combination of Saul Burton and Jack Sheward keeping the Leopards England international Levy Noel quiet.

The second quarter saw both team use a fresh five players and the Tomcats showed how the depth in their squad has improved, again winning the quarter with Sam Saggers and Adam Burrows looking a potent double act on offence. Ipswich found themselves with a twenty six to twenty two half time lead.

The third quarter was again close as the game became more open. For the Leopards it was the awesome Levy Noel picking the Tomcats defence apart but Ipswich�s Chris Gray recorded nine points of his own in that period which saw the Tomcats still in the lead at the end of the period, they were winning to everyone�s surprise, forty three points to forty.

The forth quarter was more like a game of chess than a basketball match, with both Coaches calling two time-outs to settle their players. Adam Burrows, Chris Gray and Sam Saggers kept the Tomcats attack ticking over but they were struggling to contain Levy Noel who already had twenty points at the start of the quarter. The teams traded baskets and the Leopards had earned a three-point lead. Ipswich had the ball and ran a play to get Chris Gray free, the play worked perfectly as Gray knocked down the shot to make it a one-point game. A quick foul sent Levy Noel to the foul line but he managed to hit just one free throw, which enabled Drane to use his final time-out with eight seconds to go. Chris Gray penetrated into the key and the ball fell loose to Captain Saul Burton, the skipper drove hard to the basket but had his lay-up blocked by Levy Noel as the buzzer went and Essex and Herts Leopards celebrated their win, a win which they had to work harder for than any other this season!

�It�s taken a whole season for these boys to understand what basketball is about at this level, and its taken the same amount of time for them to believe that they can compete � Its amazing that things suddenly all come together, we�ve just pushed a team that is likely to get to the final stages of the National Championship, to the absolute limit, the only difference in the end was one outstanding player� Said the Tomcats Head Coach Nick Drane.

In the Tomcats second game of the day they faced the second placed Brentwood fire, whose only losses all season have come against Essex and Herts Leopards. The Tomcats again showed just how much they had learned this season has they traded baskets with the host team. Brentwood won the first quarter by a single point.

The second period saw fatigue set in for the visitors as they managed just a single point while conceding eight, which meant the �Cats� were now eight points adrift at half time.

The second half again saw Chris Gray lead the charge as the Tomcats mounted their now customary come back. They won the quarter and were back in the game � The lead was now just three points!

Very much like the last game, things became very tactical � The Tomcats though, would eventually run out of steam and six unanswered points from their opponents eventually meant that they lost the game by seven points.

�People wrote us off at the start of the season, saying that we didn�t have enough players to compete in this league � Well, maybe at the start of the season we didn�t, but look at us now, the two best teams in the league have both just scraped victory�s against us. And, if you look beyond the league table and the fact that we have won just two league games you will see that we have actually lost five games by five points or less, and that comes down to experience � Any other year and we could well be looking at six wins and six losses� Said Tomcats Assistant Coach Junior Johnson.

The Tomcats lost every game before Christmas, by an average thirty points, since the festive period they have won two and lost six, their biggest loss being by twelve against Bedew Eagles!

RAF sponsored EBNL Paserelle Boys � Eastern Conference
Ipswich Tomcats 52 � 53 Milton Keynes Lions
Milton Keynes Lions 39 � 50 Baddow Eagles
Ipswich Tomcats 47 � 66 Baddow Eagles

At Maidenhall Sports Centre on Saturday Ipswich Toncats Boys U/14 team had their latest round of National league games against Milton Keynes Lions and Baddow (Chelmsford) Eagles. The team under the guidance of coach Nick Drane and in their first season at this level has made excellent progress and can now consider themselves a competitive unit with two recent victories.

Before a good crowd three exciting matches were played in this triangular tournament where rules insist that every player partakes in the game at some stage or other.

The Tomcats started the game full of optimism as they had defeated the Lions in a game last week however the Lions had learnt from that experience. Tomcats started with Sam Calver, Tymal Mills, Chris Gray, George Baker and Sam Saggers but they were outgunned by the sharp shooting Lions and after four minutes trailed by eight points. A mini revival saw Gray notch seven personal points to slightly reduce the arrears but they were finding the Lions point guard Loffman to hot to handle as he displayed great athleticism in scoring ten points. Tomcats trailed 13 � 20 at the end of the quarter.

Next on court for the tomcats were Jack Sheward, Keiran Mandley, Saul Burton, Panayotis (Panay) Koulovasilpoulos and Adam Burrows and they had a much better quarter. Burrows in particular was playing well creating as well as scoring a nine point personal. He was able supported by the energetic Panay and the Tomcats reduced the deficit to only two by the end of the half trailing 28-30.

Unfortunately for the Tomcats the Lions came out fired up at the start of the second half and scored ten points without reply. The Tomcats at this point were showing a little inexperience trying to force their way back rather than playing controlled team basketball. A timeout by coach Drane did have an effect in calming things down and the Tomcats did get themselves back in the game with important baskets from Burton, Panay Saggers and Calver. At the end of the quarter the game was tied at 41-41 with all to play for in the final quarter.

Once again it was the Lions that started the strongest as they once again dominated the scoring with an 11-0 run and at this level and with time running out playing catch-up is difficult. However with a good vociferous crowd behind them the Tomcats set about the task with real character panicking the Lions into giving away free-throws. There is a old adage in basketball in that �Free throws win matches� and so it proved as the Tomcats only managed 4 out of 8 in this vital period. With one minute to go the Tomcats still only trailed by one point but try as they might it just was not to be and the final score saw a frustrating one point loss 52-53.

Tomcats Players & scores: - Jack Sheward , Keiran Mandley (2), Sam Calver (4), Tymal Mills (2), George Baker, Chris Gray (11), Saul Burton (9), Panayotis Koulovasilpoulos (6), Sam Saggers (9), and Adam Burrows (9)

The two visiting teams went head to head with the Lions setting the early pace but a we coached Badow team gradually asserted their authority with excellent defence and patient controlled offence to finish 50-39 winners

Having sat and watched the Eagles competent and controlled victory over the Lions the Tomcats came out for the final game fully aware of the task in hand. The Eagles continued where they had left off in the prvious game and immediately stamped their authority on the game. Despite the efforts of Burton, Panay, and Burrows who shared the scoring the Tomcats trailed 14-22 at the end of the quarter.

The second quarter was a much the same as the first as Baddow slowly but surely took a grip on the game. Gray, Mills and Saggers did get on the score-sheet but hurried offence and more concentration on defence finally contributed to their downfall. At half time the Eagles were in front 36-23.

The one thing the Tomcats do not lack is spirit and they showed this in abundance in the third quarter. Once again Gray, Burrows and Burton notched up 14 points between them and an improved defence restricted the Eagles scoring opportunities. By the end of the quarter the Ipswich boys had reduced the deficit and only trailed by nine points 39-48 which is easily made up in basketball.

Baddow recognising the treat that the Tomcats posed applied great pressure and two 10 � 0 runs seasled the game for them as the home side could only muster 8 points of their own. Baddow Eagles ran out with a slightly flattering victory scoreline of 66 � 47.

Ipswich Tomcats coaching staff and players can be proud of their achievements to date and the progress they have made to become a competitive unit at National League level. The boys have a bit of a break before their final two games against Brentwood Fire and Essex & Herts Leopards in early March at Brentwood.

Tomcats Players & scores: - Jack Sheward , Keiran Mandley , Sam Calver , Tymal Mills (2), George Baker (4), Chris Gray (9), Saul Burton (8), Panayotis Koulovasilpoulos (6), Sam Saggers (4), and Adam Burrows (12)

**** Tomcats First National League Win!!!! ****

The Ipswich Tomcats U14 Boys National League basketball team followed up their first ever win, in a friendly last weekend against Northampton B, with their first every National League victory over the Milton Keynes Lions. This result has lifted the �Cats� up to fifth in a table of seven after they were handed a default victory when Baddow Eagles didn�t turn up to their fixture a fortnight ago.

The boys travelled to Hertfordshire to face the West Herts Warriors as well as the Milton Keynes Lions. The game against West Herts was a superb one, the hosts jumped out to a massive first half lead and went into the interval 35 � 18. However, Tomcats Head Coach Nick Drane rallied his troops in his half time team talk and the Ipswich side came out a changed team. Led by the superb Adam Burrows, the Tomcats went about pegging back the West Herts lead. At the end of the third quarter the scores had been reduced to 40 � 36 to West Herts.

With leading scorer, Chris Gray, in foul trouble, it was Sam Calver and new-boy Tymal Mills that stepped up as the Tomcats continued their comeback. However, credit must be given to West Herts, who kept their heads despite the Ipswich onslaught. West Herts ended up winning by just three points as the Tomcats showed phenomenal character. Final Score West Herts Warriors 50 Ipswich Tomcats 47.

The Tomcats had no time to reflect on their last game as they were straight on court again for their game against Milton Keynes Lions.

The Ipswich boy�s started understandably slowly, as they were clearly still frustrated after their previous match. However, despite losing the first quarter 15 � 10, they again mounted a comeback. By half time they had narrowed the gap and by the end of the third they were leading by one point. Adam Burrows was a huge threat for the Tomcats but it was also the combination of Chris Gray and Sam Saggers that saw the Tomcats look the more likely of the two teams to win the game.

The final minute seemed to take forever as Coach Drane used both his time-outs to calm his players. The Lions had the lead when Chris Gray made a strong move to the basket and was fouled as he made the basket. However, Gray missed the free-throw and the Lions had possession � A fantastic steal from captain Saul Burton meant the Tomcats had possession and the lead with seven seconds to go. Burton went straight for the basket and made a shot and again drew a foul � He completed the three-point-play as the clock wound down to give the Tomcats their first ever competitive win at this level. Final Score: - Milton Keynes Lions 42 Ipswich Tomcats 47.

�If people thought I was a proud Coach after last weekend it doesn�t even scratch the surface of how happy I am for everyone involved after this performance. To come back from a three-point loss and win by five straight after shows phenomenal character. The boys deserve this as it has been a long first season and it is great to see things finally coming good!� Said Tomcats Head Coach Nick Drane.

Ipswich Tomcats, Suffolk�s first ever boy�s National League basketball team, travelled to Northampton on Sunday as they faced the unenviable task of facing both Northampton A and Northampton B.

The Northants programme is one of the longest standing, and most respected basketball programmes in the Country and having already travelled their once this season and lost heavily the Tomcats were understandably nervous. Adding to their woes was the fact that they were to be without top-scorer Chris Gray. However, the �Cats� were able to hand a debut to the 6�0 Sam Saggers, who has been identified through the new Community Sports Coach scheme based in the Westbourne area of Ipswich. Saggers physical presence, along with the impressive Adam Burrows and George Baker saw the Ipswich side keep things close in the first quarter of their game against Northampton A.

However, the home side�s firepower shone through in the second as they opened up a commanding lead. At half time Coach Nick Drane challenged his players to forget the score line and focus their efforts on winning the second half � The challenge worked, as the Tomcats were a changed team in the second half. Lead by Captain, Saul Burton and star man Adam Burrows the Tomcats went about holding Northampton to single digits in the second half as they proved to everyone that they belong at National League level.

The second game saw the Tomcats square off against Northampton B and it wasn�t long before Sam Saggers made his presence felt, scoring the first six points of the game. Further baskets from Kieran Smith-Edwards and Sam Calver also proved that the Tomcats bench is getting deeper as the players skills develop.

The visitors were able to relax and rotate their bench as they won the game comfortably to recorded their first ever win.

�So much work has gone into getting the boys to this stage and so it�s a great sense of satisfaction to win our first game � Especially when you work with these lads week in week out and realise what a brilliant set of boy�s we have� Said Ipswich Tomcats Head Coach Nick Drane.

          Northants Hurricanes           58      Ipswich Tomcats                31
          Brentwood Fire                   60      Ipswich Tomcats                25
          Northants Hurricanes           34      Brentwood Fire                   44

The Ipswich Tomcats followed their encouraging debut at Maidenhall Sports Centre with two tough fixtures in Northampton against the hosts Northants Hurricanes and the Brentwood Fire.

In their first game the �Cats� struggled to find the basket in the first half despite moving the ball well and playing some excellent defence. However, they finished the first half losing twenty-eight points to seven.

In the second half Ipswich began to find their rhythm and play to their strengths as they got into their fast-break and continued playing excellent defence. Performances from Conor Sadler, Devin Armstrong and Jack Sheward particularly caught the eye as all three players showed that they are able to �play big� despite their stature. Playing with maximum intensity and a �Never say die� attitude the Tomcats defied the odds and managed to match their much fancied opponents almost basket for basket in the second half. The final score Northants 58 � Ipswich 31

In the second game the Tomcats again found finding the basket difficult in the first two quarters, but as ever their intense defence had them in a position to win, as they were only down fifteen at half time. However, Brentwood, who boasted one player of six feet five and numerous others at around six feet were able to over-power their opponents and run out comfortable winners 61 points to 27.

�This season will be a learning experience for the team. A lot of the players weren�t actually sure what National League entailed but I think that they are now starting to get an idea. They are playing against players that are often bigger, stronger and vastly more experienced. But, despite that they kept fighting to the death in both games and should come away from here with their heads held high. If they keep training hard, continue to show the attitude that they have showed today and believe in themselves then that first victory is not far away� Said Coach Nick Drane.

RAF sponsored EB National League Paserelle U/14 Boys � Eastern Conference
Ipswich Tomcats 53 - 60 West Herts Warriors
West Herts Warriors 43 - 50Essex & Herts Leopards
Ipswich Tomcats 31-69 Essex & Herts Leopards

At Maidenhall Sports Centre on Sunday Ipswich Basketball Club had a significant moment in the Club�s long history when a newly formed Boys U/14 team made their National league debut against two of the stronger teams in the country. They were teams from Essex & Herts Leopards from Ware and the West Herts Warriors from Hemel Hempstead. This team, under the guidance of Nick Drane, has been brought together as a direct result of Sport England�s Active Sport Development programme, the Suffolk Youth Games and gives boys from Suffolk an opportunity to compete at the highest level for their particular age group. The team includes boys from all over Suffolk.

Before a good crowd three exciting matches were played in this triangular tournament where rules insist that every player partakes in the game at some stage or other.

Wearing their new RAF sponsored kit the boys took to the court somewhat nervously and found the going a little tough to start with however it was Adam Burrows who put the first point on the board from the free throw line. Further points from Burrows and Saul Burton kept the game close by the mid point of the quarter. However a combination of missed opportunities and turnovers saw the Warriors edge away t lead 14 � 6 and the end of the quarter.

A new five entered the court for the second quarter and the Tomcats stepped up the pace with captain Chris Gray leading by example ably supported by Nathan Rowe as they tied the game at 14-all after 3 minutes. The Warriors replied with baskets of their own and edged ahead again to lead 30 � 20 at half time.

The third quarter allows team to field their strongest five with the Warriors holding the edge. Baskets from Gray, Burrows and Burton kept the Tomcats scoreboard ticking over but the Warriors still managed to increase their lead to 17 at the end of the quarter.

The final quarter saw the Tomcats produce their best basketball of the game as they gradually reduced the gap 8 points with 5 minutes to go. Gray had an inspirational 5 minutes notching up 10 personal points in that time. However the Warriors weathered the storm, despite Burrows, Burton and Josh Sheward adding to the Tomcats score, ran out winners by 7 points 60-53. The game was a credit to both teams and more encouragingly the Tomcats showed that they will be a competitive team at this level.

Tomcats Players & scores: - Conor Sadler, Jack Sheward (2), Devin Armstrong, Kiiran Mandley, Sam Calver, Dominic Armstrong, Nathan Rowe (6), Chris Gray (27), Saul Burton, (9), Jack Beasley, George Baker and Adam Burrows (12)

Game 2 -. West Herts Warriors 43 � 50 Essex & Herts Leopards.

In another close encounter the Leopards trailing by 9 at half time used their strength and height advantage, in the second half, to overcome the Warriors 50-43

Although having sat and watched the Leopards overcome their near neighbours, the Warriors, in the previous game the Tomcats did not show any kind of nerves. Following good offensive plays and points from Burton and Burrows they held a 5-2 lead after the first couple of minutes. However using their speed and height advantage the Leopards, in the shape of their 6�3� forward Noel, scoring 13 pts, ended the half 19-11 in front.

The second quarter was a much more an even contest but accuracy of shooting let both sides down. Chris Gray weighed in with 6 points and Devin Armstrong got his name on the score sheet with a further 2 to trail at the end of the half by only 5 points - 19-24.

The Leopards, as they did in the previous game, came out all guns blazing fielding their strongest five. They took full advantage of their superior height, having 3 players well over 6�, and their speed to take the quarter 22 � 6. It became an uphill battle from this point in the game with the Leopards firmly in control However credit must go to the Tomcats as they did not let their heads drop and with a little more luck around the basket may have reduced the arrears, but try as they might luck had deserted them. Leopards ran out comfortable winners 69-31 which was a slightly flattering score-line.

Tomcats Players & scores: - Conor Sadler, Jack Sheward , Devin Armstrong (4), Kieran Mandley, Sam Calver (4), Dominic Armstrong (1), Nathan Rowe, Chris Gray (7), Saul Burton, (3), Jack Beasley, George Baker and Adam Burrows (12)

The positives to come out of the games at this national level showed that the team have a little way to go but the gap is not as much as many thought. Indeed the team was paid a great complement by experienced Ware coach Steve Darlow when he said that he was most impressed by the boys attitude, play and sportsmanship and that they were far from being the worst he had seen. He felt their first victory would not be far away particularly if they now go away and work on areas to improve as a result of these two games.

Finally a mention of the staff that have made this occasion possible and they are Coach Nick Drane who had done a splendid job getting the boys match ready. Pavil Kricka, the team manager, who deals with all the admin jobs that are necessary and finally to the Sport England Active Sports (Suffolk) programme managed by Terry McEntee for the financial support in providing training facilities to make this day possible. In about three weeks the boys have their next set of matches at Northampton where they will face Northant�s Hurricanes and Milton Keynes Lions.