Our U16 basketball team took a step closer to their ultimate desire to play in the National final fours with a routine 93-52 win over Firth Park Academy from Sheffield. The squad was buoyed by the return of Harry R, Ben and George. Unfortunately for this encounter we were missing Arrad so Bruno stepped up for his National School’s Debut. A slow start by JPA standards saw us struggle to score as fluidly as usual before some excellent transition scores from Joseph and Leonardo were on the end of a few great assists from George seeing us break out of our slump and lead 29-8 at the end of the first quarter. Our now trademark swarming defence put pressure on the visitors and caused numerous turnovers where we simply stole the ball or forced them into mistakes which the team were quick to capitalise on. Nye continued his fine form hitting from long range, Harry joining in hitting back to back threes. Coach Heath showed his appreciation to both boys by promptly benching them both! At the end of the first half we were comfortable leading 56-19. The start of the second half saw the end of the game as a competitive fixture as George came out scoring 14 unanswered points. This was excellent news as it allowed some less experienced players extended minutes in which they all performed superbly. It also allowed some much needed rest for others in what is an exceptionally busy week. Full Team this week George, Harry M, Leonardo, Dennis, Joseph, Mathew, William, Riley, Ben, Nye, Harry R, Bruno
The basketball squads have a number of challenges ahead this week. First up the U14’s represent Newcastle in the Tyne and Wear games today, Thursday the U17’s host Myersough College in the quarter finals of the National Schools and then finally on Friday having already won the Newcastle city leagues our U16s and U19s face Dame Allen at Finals night on Friday. Fingers crossed for some silverware along the way.
