Winterbourne Wolves Progress Again in National Cup

Winterbourne Wolves, the U14 basketball team at Winterbourne International Academy, beat their toughest opposition yet on Thursday 3^rd  April to reach the final 8 of the National Schools Basketball Competition.

Churston Ferres from Torbay, managed by the SW England junior coach turned up with a well drilled outfit and deep bench, but Winterbourne Wolves were going to take some stopping. The first quarter was a closely fought affair, with the referees making lots of calls, sending both teams to the free throw line. Individual foul trouble would be a problem for both coaches throughout the game. The defences were impeccable and the first period ended 9-5 to the home team.

Leo Kayar came out strong in the 2^nd  quarter, scoring 2 quick successive baskets. The Wolves continued to extend the lead and by half time were up by 8. This has been the first game of the season where the team felt challenged. This was reflected by an air of uncertainty amongst the players, but with some wise advice and motivation from the coach they knew it was their game to lose.

Oli Carey (cpt) started heating up in the 3^rd  with some impressive drives, ankle breaking moves and strong mid range jumpers, he held the team together. Oli finished with 16 points, played the whole game and did everything a captain should, and more.

This quarter saw Churston pile big pressure on our defence. Callum and Leo started getting in foul trouble, but the team once again demonstrated their maturity and nerve by holding their lead. After a few misses, Seb started to get his eye in and hit 2 big 3 point shots. The quarter score was 18-18.

The Wolves were scoreless for the first 4 minutes of the final quarter. Despite some outstanding defence from Marley Butler, Brandon Hatt and Rory Schofield, Churston clawed their back within 4 points with 5 minutes to play. After a quick regroup, Seb curled around the screen, catches the ball on point and launches a 3 point shot like an arrow into the heart of the visitors. The crowd went crazy.   Oli, Callum and Seb saw out the game scoring a total of 16, 16 and 17 points respectively to win the game 56-46. The final buzzer was a welcome sound.

The quarter final details are due to be confirmed once all other matches have been played.

The team are made up of Year 8s and 9s. The boys are;

Oli Carey (cpt), Callum Fitzgerald, Seb Hodge, Morgan Stiles (injured for the match), Leo Kayar, Brandon Hatt, Marley Butler, Rory Schofield, Harry Padfield.

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