Worcester Wolves Basketball Academy

Central Venue League

 4^th January 2013

Under new coach Rick Solvason, Worcester Bears U12s pounced on their opponents, Worcester Lakers, to take an early 6-2 lead. With Jacob Solvason and Josh Walker (top scorer and Most Valuable Player MVP) putting in good performances, the Bears continued to impress, but the Lakers responded well. Good lay-ups from their top scorer and MVP, Oliver Wright, helped the Lakers to open up a large lead, but the Bears fought back to within 4 points with minutes to go. Whilst the Lakers held on to win 25-16, the Bears will have taken great heart from their performance and under their new guidance will improve further.

In the other U12s game, Max Matthews (Wolves' top scorer) opened the scoring for the Wolves Wizards and helped them achieve an impressive 21-8 win over Frankley Falcons. Sheer effort and rebounding skills from Dade Haynes, Falcons MVP, played a massive part in their performance which saw them on equal points at half time. However, the Wizards worked their magic in the third quarter and held on. Excellent defence from Will Wright earned him the MVP vote from his coach.

The game of the night was the pulsating U14s clash between Worcester Rockets and Frankley Falcons. Billy Beddows opened the scoring for the Frankley team as they gained a slim advantage in the first two, hard-fought quarters. The third period saw the Rockets draw level on 18 each. With Callum Wilkins' 100% effort for the Falcons and Josh Solvason's 'smart play' for the Wolves Rockets earning them the MVP votes from their respective coaches, the teams played their part in a thrilling final quarter that saw the Rockets holding a 24-22 lead with 10 seconds left. Both teams scored again in the closing seconds and Wolves Rockets held on grimly for a 26-23 victory. Top scorers - Nicholas Gibbs (Falcons) and Will Wright (Rockets).

In the other U14s game, Wolves Hornets had to work hard to keep the well-organised Big Sky team at bay. The Hornets broke the deadlock and then maintained the lead until the final whistle. After their 20-11 win the Hornets' coach was pleased with his team's performance and made special mention of the contribution made by Johnathan Hunt who 'controlled the game and made some big shots'. Big Sky coach and former Birmingham Bullets legend, Clive Allen, said he was particularly pleased with the 'teamwork and effort' of Lauren Saa. Abi Finn (Hornets) and Bradley Kennedy (Big Sky) scored well for their teams.

Big Sky Basketball U16s were impressive in their 48-27 win against Frankley Falcons. Despite B. George scoring 13 points for the Falcons, Reece Maxwell surpassed that with a massive 18 points for Big Sky, who remain unbeaten in the league this season. Josh Varley's improvement earned him the Falcon's MVP award, whilst Reece Maxwell's rebounds and domination of the game saw him claim the award for Big Sky.

The final game of the night involved the U16 Wolves Development Squad and Wolves Select. Wolves Select had the advantage after the first quarter and held on for a 19-19 draw at half time. Having edged ahead after the 3rd, the Wolves Development team showed some class in the final period to stretch their lead and win 51-28. Top scorers were Mark Oliver for Development and Tom Cox for Wolves Select. The Wolves Select coach voted Laura Tiffney MVP for her passing and dribbling skills, with Edgar Johnson's awareness gaining him the award for the Development team.

The next matches will take place on Friday 1^st February.