The under 16’s took on a young MK Trojans team in bonus second-round Cup game. Recent results suggested that this game would be so straightforward, but as the Eagles are discovering, there are very few easy games this season.

In a pattern very similar to the West Herts II game, the Eagles started slowly and struggled to defend the Trojans pick and roll game. Sam Cheshire settled the nerves with a long three-pointer and a quick timeout turned the tide in favour of the Eagles. The Eagles came from behind to narrowly win the first-quarter 22 -18.

In the second quarter the Eagles showed that they have great depth on the bench and started to dominate the game with the introduction of Asher, Harry, Ben and Henry. The intensity level, fast breaks and clinical finishing meant the Eagles won the second-quarter
25 -13 so went in at half-time with the 14 point lead.

In the second half the Trojans always looked dangerous and the Eagles were not allowed to drop their work rate or intensity. Third-quarter produced some of the Eagles best basketball, clinical at the offensive end contest on the defensive end. Dillon was on fire scoring at will but also making assists for the team. Another Trojans low scoring quarter meant the Eagles had a comfortable margin after the third.

The fourth quarter saw the introduction of some of the Eagles’ younger players and it was also great to see Harvey scoring some nice baskets and Vinnay hitting his jumpshot. Final score 93 to 55.

In the end of this game proved to be a good warmup for a much tougher third-round game against a Premier team next Sunday. The Eagles played as a team, spread the scoring well and most importantly plate of defence. MVP is by stats 1. Dillon 2. Sam C 3. Sam H/Ruben

It was a more difficult game for the U14s in the National League vs Kingston Wildcats. Coach Phil reports:

"The U14 team had a close game away at Kingston. The first quarter was very even with both teams playing good defence. We traded baskets but managed to edge 5 points ahead 18-13. We stretched our lead to 9 points at the beginning of the 2nd after a 3 pointer from Leo and 2 baskets from Harry. However, Kingston played tough defence making it difficult for us to get to the basket and we only scored 1 point in a 5 minute period where Kingston turned it around to lead by 10. Malachi hit a 3 just before half time to leave us 6 points behind 36-30. We played extremely well in the 3rd period scoring with drives and drawing fouls as we went to the basket, another 3, this time from Lorenzo put us 6 points in front as we entered the last period. It was a tense 10 minutes with each team playing with good intensity. The last 3 minutes were tough with Kingston pressing and we turned the ball over when we just needed calmness in possession, 2 of our players fouled out and the game showed what a fine line there is between winning and losing. Kingston shot extremely well from the free throw line and this ended up being the difference as they hit 4 from 4 in the last minute to just pip us at the post with the final score being 75-72 to Kingston.

A great game and the boys can be proud of the performance, we can now move forward and try to improve at closing out games and work on breaking the press in training. "

Photo shows U16 scoreboard and the U14s at the end of a tough game.