U14 Boys Premier remain perfect; defeat Feltham
An eagerly anticipate fixture between two sides who have both dominated the under 14 south premier league so far. Feltham was the visitor who is an amalgamation of the winning team that represented the South regionals in the national tournament. Out-numbered, undersized and looking like the underdogs Youngbloods were determined to keep their undefeated record alive.
The game tipped off with both teams struggling to find their feet, missing easy chances and looking nervous. It was the visitors that broke the deadlock as their talisman Z Martinez who leads all scorers with 36pts drove in uncontested to score a layup. Both teams then traded baskets and were evenly matched halfway through the first. Youngblood then went on a 10-0 run lead by Neave Gregoire-Clarke hitting a deep 3pt shot and Cameron Thompson hitting 2 baseline shots. The visitors would answer back with their own 10-0 run ending the quarter 18-19 in favour of the home side.
Defence, was the key in the 2nd quarter as Boatey began to show his brilliance locking down the big 15 resulting in multiple fast breaks. Christian Adun began to come into his own and proving his worth dominating the boards and then causing all sorts of problems for Feltham. Added support from Joshua Morgan and Nathaniel Boatey would see the home side take a 3pt lead at the half.
A change in line up and tactics sees Youngbloods extend their lead with well executed offences resulting in back to back baskets from Adun. More defensive effort from Neo Clunis and Rukas lead to transitions plays. Another well-designed play sees Gregoire-Clarke nail his second 3pt to the delight of the crowd. Though the visitors would score a few baskets, it was the home side that finished the better going on an 8-0 run to close the quarter.
With Youngbloods leading by 13pts, the visitors would begin to mount a come back lead by Z Matinez who was impressive on the day. Like the first quarter both teams would trade baskets hoping to gain the advantage. Gregoire-Clarke would silence the visitors with yet another deep 3pt shot followed by Morgan with 2 more back-to-back 3s forcing a time out by Feltham. The visitor’s plan was simple, foul Youngbloods to slow the game to their advantage but J Morgan would go to the line and sink 8 strait free throws to end the game 90-78
HERE
