# U16s Stop Rockets Taking Off

- Link: https://www.newhamyoungbloods.co.uk/2015/11/u16s-stop-rockets-taking-off/
- Published: 2015-11-03T21:11:58+00:00
- Author: admin

Newham Youngbloods Under 16 Boys looking to continue their recent excellent form
to make it 4 straight win in the Basketball England Under 16 Boys Premier South 
competition against Reading Rockets in a historically close match-up between the
two sides.

Youngbloods won the tip off and got of to a blistering start at **Termon Serrant**
hit a shot from downtown to open up proceedings following good ball movement early
on from the home team. This was quickly followed by another score and Rockets able
to get onto the scoring board too. **Devante Abana-Odita** and **Richmond Ariyo**
however had their own plans as they attacked the basket one after the other completing
their baskets to go on a run of 8 straight points as Youngbloods took an early 11-
2 lead within the first three minutes of play forcing the Rockets to take a time
out. Following the timeout, Rockets were able to score quickly, however the introduction
of **Jonathan Odur** into play saw instant results as he converted from close range.
Serrant hit another nail biting three point shot as Youngbloods seemed to be in 
cruise control early on with spectacular ball movement stretching out the Reading
defence early on as Odur, Abana-Odita and Ariyo continued to cause havoc for the
visiting side, getting to the basket, attacking at will and getting fouled in the
process. Serrant continued in fine shooting form as he hit a shot from deep with
two minutes remaining in the first period before Reading hit a three point shot,
yet again Serrant had plans of his own and replied instantly with his own three-
ball to spark a run of 15 points without reply as **Shequell Roberts **and **Laja
Ogidan** joined in the party to give Youngbloods a massive 41-13 opening quarter
lead.

Odur started off the first quarter just as teammate Serrant did in the first opening
up proceedings early on, however Youngbloods could not get settled defensively for
the first 5 minutes of the second quarter and Reading Rockets took full advantage
of this going on a 9-0 forcing Youngbloods Coach **Aaron Senior** to take a timeout
and talk it out. **David Olupitan** came into play and immediately made an impact,
driving to the basket and get fouled on the fast break, converting one of the free-
throws, before netting a 3 point shot from deep to give Youngbloods some composure
yet again. Olupitan again converted the three ball from beyond the arc with **Gabriel
Sanni** helping to build upon the lead established in the first quarter giving Youngbloods
a 54-24 point lead going into the halftime break.

Reading Rockets came out of the half time the brighter of the two sides, following
an inital 4 points scored by the home side. Reading went on a run of 6 points as
they began to frustrate Newham who began to pick up fouls early on getting into 
foul trouble within the first 5 minutes of the third period. Youngbloods frustrations
to build and Reading took full advantage despite scores from **Menelik Stanley**
late on, reading were able to reduce Newham Youngbloods lead to only 17 points.

Youngbloods started the fourth quarter much like the first, scoring almost at will,
with Serrant yet again leading the charge. Ogidan began to show his ability to get
to the rack, as **Alex Distras** found him on multiple occasions, with smart post
play giving Ogidan 9 fourth quarter points as well as helping his side go on a 19-
0 run throughout the fourth quarter with reading finally breaking their scoring 
deadlock in the last minute of play. Odur and Sanni completed the rout for the Home
Side as they won the final quarter 25-3, finish the game with a 91-52 scoreline.

Head Coach **Aaron Senior** _“The quick and punishing start from us was a joy to
behold, Termon Serrant lead from the front and as a coach you couldn’t ask for a
better start from your team than that, however we became complacent in the middle
periods and ahead of an important weekend next week we must ensure we build upon
this performance, it was impressive indeed”_