# U16 Boys defeat Peckham; inflict first defeat

- Link: https://www.newhamyoungbloods.co.uk/2015/12/u16-boys-defeat-peckham-inflict-first-defeat/
- Published: 2015-12-13T11:42:02+00:00
- Author: admin

Under 16 Boys travelled away to Basketball England Under 16 Boys Premier South league
leaders and undefeated Peckham Pride in an eagerly anticipated match up at the City
of London Academy, Bermondsey. Between the two sides who have had many great battles
over the past few seasons at this level.

Youngblood’s won tip and immediately went on the offensive but failed to convert
the first opportunity of the game, allowing Peckham to score the first points of
the game. **Devante Abana-Odita** scored first for the visiting side Newham Youngblood’s
as he converted an and-1 play as he was fouled whilst scoring and converted his 
shot from the free-throw line. Peckham built a small gap of 5 points as they converted
from beyond the arc, before scoring from close range. Youngblood’s then had great
defensive stops as **Termon Serrant** lead from the front sparking a run of 7 points
unanswered with **Richmond Ariyo** and Abana-Odita staring forcing the Home Side
into foul trouble early on whilst giving the Newham side their first lead of the
game. Peckham quickly brought the game back to level pegging as both team ended 
the first quarter 16 apiece.

**Titas Zydelis** converted the first points of the second quarter, as Youngblood’s
once again took the lead ably backed up by scores from Serrant and Abana-Odita. 
Peckham continued to stick at their game plan as they hit back with 6 points of 
their own as game was once again brought back to level pegging mid way through the
second period. **Laja Ogidan** converted following a strong rebound as he was fouled
whilst scoring and converted his free throw. The two sides once again to continued
to trade baskets as **Jonathan Odur** was introduced into play proving an instant
hit sparking team mates Serrant and Abana-Odita to force their way into paint forcing
the Pride to foul as Newham Youngblood’s closed out the first half with a 4-point
lead, 30-34.

Peckham started the brighter of the two sides following the break forcing Coach **
Aaron Senior** into taking a time out with 3 minutes played in the third stanza 
urging his side to control and dictate the tempo of the game. Peckham overturned
their 4-point deficit at half time as they now lead 41-37.  Youngblood’s then seized
the opportunity as Peckham began to tire due their fast break play, **Alex Distras**
started a 9-0 run for the visiting side as they once again took control of proceedings
with Serrant, Ogidan and Ariyo once again scoring as Newham Youngblood’s closed 
out the quarter ahead 36-41.

Peckham fought hard in the opening stages of the fourth undertaking a very physical
approach to defence to begin the quarter which caught the visiting Newham side off
guard as an 8-0 run to start the fourth once again gave the Home side, Peckham Pride,
the lead by 1 point, 49-48. However due to Peckham’s physical approach, entered 
foul trouble early on and this enabled Youngblood’s to go to the free throw line
on 5 occasions during a two-minute period mid way through the fourth. Peckham managed
to score as Youngblood’s began to show lapses in concentration on Defence. Peckham
still had the lead with two minutes to go, as they were up by 4 points as **David
Olupitan** was brought back in to play, as he hit a three point shot from deep to
cut the home sides lead to just one point, Peckham replied immediately, Olupitan
then hit another three from beyond the arc right after tying the game up with a 
minute left to play in the game. Peckham failed to convert on their attack as a 
great stop from Abana-Odita lead to a fast break opportunity on the other end as
he was foul, he converted one of two free throws to give Youngblood’s a one-point
lead with less than 15 seconds left to play. Peckham called a time out and advanced
the ball as a result. Peckham executed a play as soon as they inbounded the ball,
and the Youngbloods defence collapsed allowing Peckham to score giving them the 
lead by 1 with only 5 seconds left to play in the game.

[https://www.newhamyoungbloods.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/IMG_0135.mp4](https://www.newhamyoungbloods.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/IMG_0135.mp4)

Coach Senior once again called a time out, for Youngbloods to now advance the ball.
Youngbloods executed the play perfectly upon inbounds as Abana-Odita was given the
chance to score, his chance failed to go in, **Laja Ogidan** rose to the occasion
and completed the put back score in tense circumstances for the young player showing
maturity which belied his age as Youngbloods took the lead by one with only 0.8 
seconds remaining on the game clock. Peckham called a time out and advanced the 
ball up the floor, and great defence from Youngbloods didn’t make it easy for Peckham
as they put up a shot which fell short and Newham Youngbloods were victorious with
a final score of 59-60 inflicting first defeat on the Peckham Pride Under 16s this
season.

Head Coach Aaron Senior said “We stayed cool under pressure and to have young guys
on the floor that were able to control that also shows the great future we have.
As always this is a long season and we have a long way to go. Credit to Coach Sterling
from Peckham as we gave a display of two good basketball programmes in London”