U14s

West Herts Warriors 55 (14, 27, 37)
Leopards 81 (16, 29, 59)

Leopards travelled the short journey to the home of West Herts Warriors for this battle of the top two National League teams in the county. The hosts were looking to get their season back on track after some narrow defeats, the visitors were looking to build on their impressive performance at Ipswich Tomcats last week.

As with all ‘derbies’ intensity was high right from the tip and both teams found it hard to get into their normal rhythm and this resulted in a low scoring first quarter. However, West Herts were having to foul to slow down the Leopards and this foul trouble would impact later in the match.

The second period was even closer with both teams scoring some good baskets when they passed the ball effectively. West Herts were still being drawn into fouls and their total was being wracked up causing problems for their coach. The Leopards once again demonstrated their strength in depth and what a talented squad they have.

The crucial period as always proved to be the third, and foul trouble and fitness levels hit West Herts as the Leopards turned up the heat and played some fast, all-court basketball scoring well and defending with extra intensity.

Leopards still had more to offer and in fact played some of their best team passing basketball in the final quarter. It was noticeable how much vision and range of passing the Leopards players showed as they made things incredibly difficult for the tired Warriors.

The unofficial ‘county title’ was emphatically claimed by Leopards with much in reserve.

Coaches Darlow and Graves were particularly pleased with some of the passing and the strength in depth from 4 – 15. ‘We still have much to develop but these players rise to every challenge and want to learn and the teamwork is progressing well’.

Leopards: George Crosby 25, Roman Lososovskij 16, Jake Lloyd 11, Lawrence Levy 10, Alex Sarafis 8, Tom Bostock 8, Neil Addison 6, Michael Darlow 4, George Keyes 4, Joe Graves 2, Tom Bryan 2, David Evens.

Coaches: Steve Darlow and Terry Graves

‘Champagne Moment’: Joe Graves’ rebound and pass to George Keyes onto Geroge Crosby to Tom Bryan to Neil Addison to score – ‘Team Basketball’

Game Stats

U18s

Hackney White Heat 88 (13, 42, 62)
Leopards 61 (11, 34, 46)

Leopards: Lukas Volskis 22, Ben Warden 17, Mike Jarvis 8, Nathan Wilson 7, Omar Mohamed 3, Hendrix Emu 2, Adam Edwards 2, Russell Stonehouse, Ryan Westley, Charlie Graves, Stephen Edwards.