Week 5 of the 2022/23 Junior National League season saw an 8 game slate for our junior teams playing across the region.
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 continue the series with Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th October.
Saturday 29th October
COLBC U14 Boys White vs Teeside Lions
Result: 8-97 (L)
Coach Keano Pryce: "The boys were nervous coming out the gate to a bigger and more experienced team in Teesside, however we had some great moments defensively, stopping fast-breaks and reading passing lanes. Offensively we made strong drives and passed the ball well and overall it was a good learning experience which gives us things to work on in training.
Performer of the game: Archie Clegg
York Eagles II vs COLBC U14 Boys Black
Result: 58-39 (L)
Coach Jake Shuttlewood: "We struggled early on to score against the York defence but managed to find our rhythm in the second quarter. We showed elements of great transition and offensive rebounding but lacked in the offensive half-court setting which gives us our focus for the coming weeks.
Performer of the game: Dan Simcox
Manchester Magic II vs COLBC U14 Girls Black
Result: 6-84 (L)
Coach Ben Allen: "Always a tough ask travelling to Manchester during the half term break! Each player was up for the game, but lack of experience lead to an early lead for the home side! It was in the third quarter that pure hustle, effort and determination opened up scoring opportunities! Plenty to still work on but all still enjoying the journey!
Performer of the game: Eliana Papadakis
COLBC U14 Girls Gold vs Hartlepool Huskies
Result: 76-17 (W)
Coach Katie Lamond: "We set out with the task of team gameplay, to ensure full team involvement, both on the offensive front and defensive rotation. We were really focused on seeing the bigger picture, about improving for future games, not just for the moment. The girls did brilliantly with this task. Actively pushing for every rebound both in attack and defence. Offensively rotating through, cutting hard to basket and sharing the ball, waiting for the correct pass. Sharing the leadership role, all provided the opportunity to take control and set up our spacing. Impressive attitude from the girls today. Brilliant team performance.
Performer of the game: Ellie Saunders
York Eagles vs COLBC U16 Boys Black
Result: 55-40 (L)
Coach Ben Allen: "We struggled to score early on in the game with York’s press and physicality, but by half-time we made our adjustments and competed well. We were out rebounded throughout so will take this back to training and work on it for future games.
Performer of the game: Tyrique Odain
COLBC U16 Boys Gold vs Derby Trailblazers
Result: 62-68 (L)
Coach Andy Cragg: "This was a tough loss to swallow and certainly not our best performance but we shot the ball well and showed really good play in longer spells. Transition defence and rebounding are the focuses this week and as always we learn and move on.
Performer of the game: Matt Schofield
COLBC U18 Boys Gold vs East Durham Lions
Result: 37-89 (L)
Coach Jake Shuttlewood: "A tough loss against a strong Durham side. The boys competed well for splits of the game but 2 missing starters and a lack of practice due to the holidays took the flow out of our offence. Lots to work on but I’m certain we will bounce back."
Performer of the game: Jools Barton
Sunday 30th October
Barrow Thorns vs COLBC U16 Girls
Result: 59-58 (L)
Coach Katie Lamond: "Tough atmosphere and a tough game. The pressure of the season really came into play this game. Despite the pressure, the women hustled all the way to the end. 1st Quarter unfortunately set the tone for the game. We found ourselves panicking and forcing passes. The turnovers essentially giving Barrow complete control of the game, leading the way with fast breaks. When we found our composure, we had great offensive looks, however often lacking the last bit of quality to finish off, leaving shooting and finishing a little inconsistent.
However, our defensive rotation in critical moments was outstanding. Positioning and help the helper bringing the intensity and control back into our favour. Actively choosing to physically fight for the ball, and pressure rebounds. The girls determination was incredible, looking like we might just take the win in the end. Unfortunately with other factors it play it just wasn't our day. The girls should be incredible proud today, they left it all on the floor.
Performer of the game: Hattie Miles
COLBC Director Matt Newby shared his thoughts on the weekend:
“The slate of games this weekend would see teams travelling across the North with a number of teams coming close in highly competitive games. The U14s girls maintained their strong run of form with a home win against Hartlepool which keeps them amongst the best records in the league, while Coach Messam’s U16s boys continue to improve and just fell short of a win against Derby.
The U16s girls return from Cumbria with a loss, but in a close-cut affair, showed a great deal of resilience to continue their great start to the season. All teams are showing development throughout the infancy of the season and as much as wins and losses are important, it’s great to see so many young people representing the city and county in competitive action each weekend.”
That wraps up the fifth edition of the Weekend Roundup - Join us next weekend for more action across the Junior National League programme.
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