U14s

U14s in new shooting warm-up shirts

Leopards 75 (22, 37, 57)
Cambridge Cats 53 (14, 27, 43)

Against an ever improving Cambridge Cats, Leopards knew that another win would guarantee a last 32 national Play-Off spot, and more importantly, home court advantage. The visitors were also motivated as they looked for an improving record against the Leopards and their first ‘on the road’ victory.

On a small court, space and time were always going to be at a premium, and the team that created and used the space best would control the game. So it proved in the first quarter as the hosts were able to develop a lead against a committed and enthusiastic Cambridge team.

The second period was a much closer affair as the Leopards stopped moving the ball well and enabled Cambridge to stifle their offence much to the frustration of the Leopards coaches.

The third quarter followed a similar pattern as Cambridge worked hard to limit any space and time for the hosts. Unfortunately for Cambridge the cumulative effect of this intensity was inevitably foul trouble and fatigue. All of which eased any pressure on the Leopards.

The final quarter finally saw the Leopards increase their defensive intensity and use this as a platform for some excellent passing, team basketball. In this kind of rhythm the Leopards are hard to suppress and their game flowed and Cambridge wilted under the onslaught.

Once again the full bench was utilised by Leopards, emphasising the strength in depth that has facilitated their impressive 9 – 1 league record. Coaches Darlow and Graves were once again pleased with the continued effort, desire and attitude of the players to achieve and develop as individuals and as a team. ‘Securing a home play-off spot are two of our team targets for the season achieved – excellent!’

Now for the next target on this learning journey.

Leopards: Roman Lososovskij 21, Lawrence Levy 14, George Crosby 14, Alex Sarafis 10, Michael Darlow 6, Tom Bostock 4, Jake Lloyd 4, Nathan Crossman (Capt.), Joe Graves, Neil Addison, George Keyes, Tom Bryan,

Coaches: Steve Darlow and Terry Graves

‘Champagne Moment’: George Keyes to Joe Graves to Tom Bryan to Neil Addison to Michael Darlow to score: Passing team basket

Game Stats

U18s

Brixton Topcats 69 (15, 35, 51)
Leopards 60 (14, 27, 44)

Leopards: Nathan Wilson 21, Mike Jarvis 16, Hendrix Emu 13, Ben Warden 7, Omar Mohamed 3, Adam Edwards, Ryan Westley, Charlie Graves, Russell Stonehouse, Stephen Edwards.

Leopards 73 ( 20, 46, 63 )
Spartans 53 ( 13, 32, 38 )

Leopards: Adam Edwards 17, Nathan Wilson 16, Mike Jarvis 15, Hendrix Emu 9, Ben Warden 9, Omar Mohamed 4, Ryan Westley 3, Charlie Graves, Russell Stonehouse, Stephen Edwards.