The 2022/23 Junior National League season began this weekend as 7 of our teams returned to action with their coaches to start the year.
Following a period of sustained growth since the return from COVID-19, the club has seen its performance programme grow from 12 teams in league competition last season, to 19 teams active for 2022/23.
The weekly roundup will highlight the results and key performers from each weekend across the programme along with quotes from coaches about each performance. We start this series with Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd October.
Saturday 1st October
COLBC U14 Boys Black vs Doncaster Junior Eagles
Result: 39-48 (L)
Coach Jake Shuttlewood:
"The U14s Black had a great opening game to the season. They worked hard, showed what we had worked on in training, and reacted well to a new environment as most of the team had not played National League before. Although we didn’t get the result we wanted, I am extremely excited for what is to come this season!
Performer of the game: Alfie Young
COLBC U14 Girls vs Liverpool
Result: 61-24 (W)
Coach Katie Lamond:
"What a brilliant start to the season. The main message from Coach Ben Allen for the game was for the girls to play hard together and enjoy the experience. They did this in leaps and bounds. Every single player put in their full effort. Hustling for loose balls, running the floor in transition and sharing the ball offensively. They passed around, biding their time for the best offensive opportunity, leading to an incredible team performance.
Performer of the game: Niamh Martin
COLBC U16 Boys Black vs Doncaster Junior Eagles
Result: 58-73 (L)
Coach Marcus Browne:
"I am very happy with the team's first test and eager to get back to training and build on our performance from today."
Performer of the game: Dominic Vila
COLBC U18 Boys Black vs East Durham Lions
Result: 19-104 (L)
Coach Ryan Weir:
"Our team of all Allerton High students faced a tough challenge in their first game of the season. A challenge that I am proud to say they did not shy away from. With differing levels of experience on our team, there is one thing that was a constant with every young man that stepped on the floor - effort. We look to build on what was a very positive first game."
Performer of the game: Jai'von Hamilton
COLBC U16 Girls vs Sheffield Hatters II
Result: 74-33 (W)
Coach Katie Lamond:
"What a game! Always a lot more tension when it's a Yorkshire Derby. The biggest aspect we wanted to control was game management. Hatters are notorious for being a running team- fast on transition both offensively and defensively. As a result, we wanted to limit the amount of transition breaks for the opposing side, to keep the ball in our possession as much as possible. The girls took it one step further. Fighting for every loose ball, hustling down the floor to win back possession. Actively forcing mistakes and turnovers by their desire to win the ball back. Everyone who stepped on the court had the same fighting attitude and mentality, despite the pressures of the Yorkshire Derby. Couldn't ask for a better way to start the season.
Performer of the game: Marley Littler
Sunday 2nd October
Leeds LDM vs COLBC U14 Boys White
Result: 84-13 (L)
Coach Jake Shuttlewoord:
"In this game, we expected a hard matchup from a strong side which previous COLBC teams had played against. Although the score shows a big disparity, the U14s White had a fantastic desire to share the ball with one another, and had flashes of some great scoring opportunities, quick movement off the ball and good individual defence. Lots to work upon and look forward to for the rest of the season!"
Performer of the game: Dylan Storey
Leicester Riders Foundation vs COLBC U14 Boys Gold
Result: 61-32 (L)
Coach Ryan Weir:
"The game had many positives and lessons for us to learn from, as we progress through this season. With many players getting their first taste of National League basketball or even organised basketball, a competitive first game is extremely important. Bolstered by returning National League players, we won the third quarter showing a glimpse of what this group can be. I am excited to get back to work with this group and build on the positives from today."
Performer of the game: Luca Milner
COLBC Director Matt Newby shared his thoughts on the weekend:
"The first weekend of the year is always demanding as players, coaches and the sports staff return to the floor. With 19 teams live this year over Junior National League and Regional competition, I'm really pleased to see so many young people playing the sport and it's great to see representation across the leagues, from a cross-section of the Yorkshire fraternity. Our first home slate of the weekend showed the potential of our girls and women's programme as they led the way with 2 wins, while the developmental aspect of our boy's programme is showing real promise with some very competitive games on the whole. I am looking forward to seeing how the coaches and players respond to the upcoming calendar, and more opportunities for our programme to evolve."
That wraps up the first edition of the Weekend Roundup
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