U13 North East League, 10 December 2011

Sheffield Saints 49 – 61 Leeds Carnegie

The Saints fell to a disappointing first defeat of the season against their big rivals from up the M1 and there was no doubt on the day that Leeds deserved the Yorkshire bragging rights (that is very hard to write!).

Leeds treated this game like the crucial top of the table clash it was – they were well prepared for the match ups, started the game off focused and energised, executed calmly and patiently and responded positively under pressure.

The score at the end of Q1 does not tell the real story of the game in which the Saints starting five of Guido, Jacob C, Jacob W, Nathaniel and Sam dominated possession for long stretches. Leeds efficiently converted four fast break offenses while the Saints’ boys blew a series of lay ups and offensive put backs and missed 8 straight free-throws. Unlike last week at Newcastle, early foul trouble for Leeds would not affect the result and although the Sharks were playing tough D, the Leeds players visibly grew in confidence as they pulled ahead early and stayed there.

End of Q1: 2 – 9

The second quarter started well for the Saints with quick scores from Nathaniel (7 pts in the quarter) and Guido. Coach Cauthorn looked to keep his five fresh, rotating Jay, Rickyle and Jacob W, allowing the Saints boys to get back and stop the Leeds breaks. Greg was also brought in at pg and his quick feet and long arms were frustrating the Leeds perimeter players and he executed a perfect pick and roll with Jacob C. The Saints had their most productive offensive quarter but Leeds continued to plug away – getting good looks on the jump shot and dominating the offensive glass.

End of Q2: 20 – 26

Coach Cauthorn went back to his starting five and they came out blazing at the start of the third with Sam hitting the deep 3 and Guido converting on the fast break. Unfortunately Jacob W’s game ended early after an awkward dive for the ball and as the quarter wore on Leeds once again began to assert themselves demonstrating that they too could execute the pick and roll but giving the Sheffield boys a lesson in boxing out. After the quick start to the half, the Saints’ offense began to stutter as the layups and three pointers began to dry up and the Leeds bigs sagged on the penetration forcing a number of turnovers.

End of Q3: 33 – 43

Again the Saints came out of the break quickly with Sam pulling the strings on offense with Rickyle and Guido benefiting. But at the other end Leeds continued to patiently execute their offense with some excellent passing around the key and slashing to the basket and exploited the mismatches on the offensive boards to maintain a comfortable cushion. As the clock began to run down it appeared as though the Saints’ legs had gone as they struggled to get back on defence or connect on the passes at the other end.

Final score: 49 – 61

This was a frustrating match to watch where all the Saints appeared to be having an off day. The game was lost on the basics – making layups and free throws, running back on defence and boxing out. The final scoring chart is telling – contributions need to come from the full squad if the Saints are to go on to fulfil their potential this season.

Team: Sam (13), Jacob C (10), Guido (9), Nathaniel (9), Rickyle (8), Charlie, Greg, Jay, Jacob W, Matthew, Owen, Troy.