Recap
The Youngbloods under 16s started off the season with a fierce London Derby game again Peckham Pride who over the years great battles between both sides have been played. Anticipation to this game was also topped by this game being the first of a long season for both in the Basketball England under 16 South Premier Division.
The first quarter got underway, with both teams committing several unforced errors with the game remaining scoreless in the initial stages, before Youngbloods Jelani Watson-Gayle broke the deadlock after 3 minutes of play followed by a Jelani Lewis 3 point shot providing the Youngbloods opening lead. Until Sluggish play by Youngbloods and Peckham continued, with no side providing the spark initiate a scoring run, trading baskets with the Pride coming out on top in the first quarter 14-10.
Jonathan Ragasa’s strong drive to the basket from the Inbounds to begin the second quarter followed by another 2 point shot helped Youngbloods tie the game 14 a piece. Several lead changes occurred throughout the quarter with great defensive stops from both sides. Youngbloods sloppy defense in the last possession of the quarter gifted a three point shot for the Pride, to end the quarter with the Pride still on top 28-23.
Both sides begin the third quarter shakey trying not to give the other the initiative, a defense collapse for the Youngbloods ensued as well as many misplaced passes gifting many easy points to the Pride giving them a run of 8 points and an 11 point lead. the biggest lead of the game, Forcing coach Aaron Senior to take a timeout to rally his troops, and give them a change of strategy. Following the timeout, after a minute to adjust to the tactical changes, Youngbloods defensive hustle, lead to many fast break opportunities and stylish and free flowing attacking play, forcing the Pride into foul trouble and clutch free throw shooting from Aaron Martin and Rayon Brown brought Youngbloods within 6 points to end the third quarter,
The fourth quarter was upon both teams, with Youngbloods slowly but surely with the momentum, both teams continued to trade baskets similar to the second quarter. Defensive intensity from all players as well encouragement from the bench and the small travelling supporters leading in to the final final three minutes down by 6 points, 49-55, Youngbloods allowed the Pride to score no more sparked by Nathan Moyo’s and-1, attacking the basket, creating clear cut chances, and not missing a single free throw, cooly converting free throws under pressure from strong home support from Peckham, going on a 9 point run to establish the lead for the first time since the first quarter. Youngbloods kept their cool despite a last grasp attempt from a Peckham outside the arc, giving Youngbloods the late comeback win against tough opposition.
“Today’s game was always going to be a tough one, and as a team we showed a fighting character, which was set and laid by the U16 Youngbloods team of last year” said Head Coach Aaron Senior “the boys are training hard, and thoroughly deserve this, however we cannot become complacent, there is a long season ahead and a lot of surprises can happen”