This weekend proved to be a challenging one for Team Wolverhampton SLAM! with three of our teams falling to strong opponents. However, our U16 Boys stood tall and secured a well-deserved victory. Here’s how it all unfolded:
Saturday, 5th October:
U14 Boys vs West Bromwich Basketball U14s
Result: West Bromwich Basketball Wins 67 - 66
Against a team that the players and the coach consider our close rivals, the match was full of action. The first and second quarters saw us come out trading baskets, with neither team managing to break away. Some mistakes cost us more than a few baskets, with lapses in judgement and turnovers being converted to baskets by West Bromwich Basketball. The first half finished with West Bromwich in the lead by 3, although a slow start to the second half of the game saw our boys down 15 by the end of the third. Going into the fourth, the boys knew what had to be done defensively, and they started capitalising on the advantages on the offensive side, which saw us chip away at West Brom’s lead, which was very impressive. We had a fantastic 28 - 14 last quarter. However, mistakes earlier in the game and the high volume of turnovers saw us narrowly lose the game
Head Coach Watson Chirara shared his thoughts:
"A tough third quarter saw us fall behind by 15, but the boys showed great resilience in the fourth, delivering an outstanding 28:14 run. Unfortunately, earlier mistakes and 46 turnovers led to a narrow 66-67 loss. Despite the result, every player contributed positively, and I’m confident we’ll build on this strong performance moving forward."
U18 Girls vs Trafford Mystics
Result: Trafford Mystics win 89-49
A difficult game for our U18 Girls as they faced an experienced Trafford Mystics team. There were some bright spots despite the defeat. Our girls gave it their all, and their commitment to improvement is clear. It’s all part of the journey, and we’re confident they'll bounce back stronger in their upcoming fixtures.
Head Coach Marc Evans shared his thoughts:
"Tough game for our U18 girls against a strong premier team in the national cup 2nd round. We started out solid enough and competed but lack of experience in key moments meant Mystics were able to assert control at the end of the first quarter. Plenty to work on but I was proud of the fight, especially in the second half.
U16 Boys @ West Bromwich Basketball U16s
Result: SLAM Wins 58-55
Our U16 Boys delivered the standout performance of the weekend, edging out West Bromwich’s U16s in a thrilling win. This was a closely contested game from start to finish, but the boys stayed composed in key moments to grind out the win. Their hard work and discipline are paying off, and this result will give them great momentum going into the rest of the season.
Assistant Coach Tony Milovsorov had this to say:
"We expected a hostile environment and that’s what we encountered from tip off to the final second. West Brom effectively full court pressed the whole game and exploited fast break opportunities whenever possible. The aggressive press interrupted our play as it was expected to. However, we led for most of the game and though it got uncomfortably close, a few clutch moments saw us deservedly win."
Sunday, 6th October:
U18 Boys @ Warwickshire Warriors
Result: Warwickshire Warriors Wins 101 - 66
A tough matchup for the U18 Boys as they went up against a well-drilled Warwickshire Warriors side, losing 101-66. While the scoreline was heavy, the boys showed glimpses of great potential, and there’s no doubt they’ll keep building and improving as the season progresses!
Head Coach Dan Hollyhomes commented:
"Not our best game, but we have the potential to improve."
Up next: Upcoming Fixtures: Another Action-Packed Weekend Ahead
Next weekend promises even more exciting basketball, with plenty of games to watch across multiple age groups. Let’s get ready to support our teams at home and on the road!
Saturday, 12th October 2024:
U14 Boys (Home) vs Stourport Spartans
Tip-Off: TBC @ St. Peter’s, James Gordan Arena, WV3 9DU
U16 Boys (Home) vs Shrewsbury Storm
Tip-Off: TBC @ St. Peter’s, James Gordan Arena, WV3 9DU
U18 Girls (Away) vs Northants Lightning
Tip-Off: TBC @ Northampton School for Girls, NN3 6DG
U18 Boys (Home) vs Bromsgrove Bears
Tip-Off: TBC @ St. Peter’s, James Gordan Arena, WV3 9DU
Sunday, 13th October 2024:
Men’s Team (Home) vs Worcester Bears
Tip-Off: TBC @ St. Peter’s, James Gordan Arena, WV3 9DU
U18 Boys (Home) vs Warwickshire Warriors
Tip-Off: TBC @ St. Peter’s, James Gordan Arena, WV3 9DU
U16 Boys (Home) vs Leicester Riders
Tip-Off: TBC @ St. Peter’s, James Gordan Arena, WV3 9DU
With six games at home this weekend, we need your support more than ever! Supporters and families let’s pack the stands and bring that energy—your cheers make all the difference! 💥 For our players, let’s stay focused, work hard in training this week, and bring our A-game to the court.
Thanks to everyone involved in this weekend’s games, from players and coaches to parents and supporters. This is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting season for Team Wolverhampton SLAM!
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