Sheffield Saints U16s vs Cheshire Jets

Preistley College, Warrington
3rd December 2011, 12.00pm tip

Saints 20 16 13 28 77
Jets 16 17 11 10 54

With the Cheshire basketball scene split into two, as the Saints had already defeated (considered by many) the stronger of the two Cheshire teams would this mach be a formality? However at U16s Premier no match is a formality.

As the score sheet is a running scoresheet we cannot give a minute by minute account of the game.

The starting five were Josh, Tyler, Marcus, ConnorD and Kenneth. However although losing the tip the Saints were first on the scoresheet with 2 from Kenneth and Marcus then sinking a pair of free throws followed by a basket and a made “and one” Saints were coasting at 7-0. From here on though the phrase is “pear shaped”. Not only did they not extend the lead but they allowed the Jets back into the game and at times were behind. Josh and Kenneth were the stalwarts of the Saints with Josh’s three baskets and Kenneth’s free throws and basket making sure Jets could not take advantage. David came on toward the end of Q1 and a three from him and a free throw from Kenneth it gave the Saints a shaky 4 point lead 20-16.

At the beginning of Q2 it looked like the Saints would take it away from the Jets, we saw the same five that had finished Q1 continuing with 4 points from David opening up the gap, This was supported by some good court time from Montell. Unfortunately the worst characteristics of the Saints game were also seen this quarter. We saw hard work get them possession, only for this to be given away or not capitalised on. To be honest if the opposition could have looked after the ball and made their own lay ups they could have been in trouble. As it was we saw a lacklustre Saints score through Kenneth, George, Marcus and Josh and limp to a 16-17 quarter defeat to take a 3 point lead into half-time

More of the same seemed to follow in quarter three unfortunately. The best of the plays we saw were from Marcus, Josh and Kenneth with either Marcus scoring, drawing fouls and taking free throws or fast breaks setting up Josh, or finding big man Kenneth. Apart from a basket from ConnorD these three mainly held the game together for the Saints.

A big hurrah for quarter four as the Saints decided to show up. Marcus was on an unstoppable roll with a quarter tally of 8, Eddy chipped in with a trey and Tyler seemed to have overcome his knocks to further help the cause. It was as though the first three quarters were a distant memory and the supporters were close to forgiving the team for the performance previous to this quarter. Kenneth, Josh and ConnorD assisted the scoring too with Daniel getting a well deserved basket. David came back on toward the end of the quarter and his 5 points (this quarter) must give him a great points to minutes ratio overall! A 28-10 quarter score line emphasised what some had thought before the match, it was there for the taking.

Perhaps this report may contain some criticism? At this level they need to get it together or other teams may punish them, was this their wake up call? In the end another victory keeps that keeps them in second place which is what we want, so well done.

Team and scorers

Marcus Welsh (22), Kenneth Nwose (16), Josh Edwards (14), David Frost (12), Connor Dixon (6), Eddy Brownell (3), Daniel Jenkinson (2), George Naylor (2), Montell Gordon, Tyler Gayle