Recap
Newham Youngbloods under 14 Boys returned home to St Bonaventure’s this weekend as they look to continue their recent good form in the South Division as they continue to push for playoff contention. Youngbloods won the opening tip off as they failed on their first attempt to convert from close range. The visiting Kent Crusaders started the better of the two sides as a score from Great Igbinomwanhia gave Youngbloods their only points on the board midway through the first quarter as the visiting side took an early lead 7-2. This forced Coach Aaron Senior to take a time out to rally his troops, following the timeout Simon Torres & Laja Ogidan combined well which sparked an energetic run for the Newham side to give them their first lead of the game. Igbinomwanhia continued in fine form attacking the basket as he drew the foul and converted both free throws, with the introduction of Tim Francis taking inspiration from his team mate converted both from the line after being fouled to give Youngbloods the first quarter 21-14.
Youngbloods started the second quarter, similar to the first as they failed to capitalise on early chances as Gabriel Bernard scored 4 points in quick succession to give the home side their first points of the quarter. Dominant inside performance from Houcine Boudeouaou as he caught rebounds and finished the baskets from close range with Stefan Bastianpulle joining in on the action. Ogidan continued to be a threat defensively and offensively as the Crusaders struggled to contain him, as Jasper Hernando found him with ease as the home side built their lead to 27 points thanks to Pavin Rajanathan scoring from deep. Youngbloods going into the half time break 57-30.
Youngbloods continued their onslaught offensively as they went on a run of 10-2 in the first four minutes of play as Emmanuel Oleh joined in on the action, knocking down his free throws after he was fouled driving towards the basket. The home side continued their defence relentlessly to keep Kent Crusaders to only 10 points in the third quarter as they continued in the fourth quarter aswell, as Newham Youngbloods closed out the game 101-51
“This was a good team performance from the guys” said Coach Aaron Senior “they played tough defence and didn’t give Kent Crusaders anything uncontested, to force Kent to only scoring 21 points in the second half of play was a tremendous effort from all”