2015/16 Game Report
Team
Opposition
Home/Away
Competition
Date
Score
Newcastle Eagles Under 14 Boys
Durham Widcats
H
EBL Under 14 Boys North East Development League
5th December 2015
Newcastle Eagles
56
V 59 Durham Widcats
Report
After a frustrating and disappointing away loss last week to Bradford Dragons, the Eagles took a step back from last week’s
events to mentally prepare for what would be one of their biggest tests of the season so far. They would face-off against an
experienced and well coached Durham Wildcats who currently hold the second spot in the NBL table with a 4-1 record.
Although Durham displayed no real threat as a physical presence, they were an athletic and agile opponent who could stand
to take and hold an advantage over the Eagles with their up tempo style of play. The Eagles have continued to improve
rapidly throughout the early parts of the 2015-2016 season and now, nearing the midway point, sought to continue their
campaign with a hopeful win over the Wildcats.
The first quarter was a great start for both teams. Up until the fourth minute of the quarter, both teams traded basket for
basket to keep the score tied up at 6 apiece. The Eagles ran a well executed offence with great perimeter spacing and
excellent entries to the low-post to allow efficient penetration of the defence. Durham responded well, and tactically pushed
the ball at a slow pace to respond Eagles backcourt, this opened up easy opportunities for Durham to go on a 12-0 scoring
streak. The Eagles defence lacked a sense of urgency at the mid-point of the quarter and didn’t quite respond quickly
enough to halt the Wildcats scoring streak. The Eagles managed to disrupt the Wildcats flow for a short period of time to
allow themselves to catch up with a few field goals and free-throw opportunities. The Eagles maintained good aggressive
play throughout the quarter, however early lapses in defensive communication allowed Durham to take an early advantage
to end the first quarter 29-15. Although mistakes were made, general offensive execution was good throughout but tweaks
needed to be made to disrupt Durham’s offence.
In the second quarter the Eagles came out firing early in the quarter scoring the first basket within the first minute of play.
Defensively the Eagles defended the pick and roll extremely well, and as far as communication goes, it improved
dramatically. Durham still hung on to convert 14 points in the quarter, however the tactical play of the Eagles starting five
and second lineup led them to finish the second with 20 points. Possessions and percentages played a huge part for the
Eagles down the stretch, and that consistency to play within the structure of the offence opened up great spacing and
scoring opportunities for both guards and forwards alike. Passing to the right spots at the right time and remaining patient in
order to find the best shot available really paid off. The Eagles led the quarter to finish the half 20-14 to narrow the lead to 8
points, 35-43.
The third quarter was again a good performance by the Eagles and Durham also. The intensity of the game was fantastic
and great to watch as both teams streaked at crucial points during the quarter trading basket for basket. The quarter was
closer than the last 16-13 with the Eagles leading the way. The Eagles rebounded the ball well and continued their strong
play defensively to stall Durham’s offence. Both teams put up a great fight however the Eagles kept the momentum flowing
in their favour, and the play of the forwards really allowed them to maintain the lead as the quarter came to a close. At this
point the Eagles managed to draw the game even closer 56-51. The Eagles again closed the gap 16-13 to end the third.
The fourth quarter was again so exciting to watch as both teams picked up the intensity defensively and offensively. The
Eagles being within 5 continued to execute their offensive sets with a few adjustments. Durham responded well defensively
to hedge well against the Eagles high pick and roll, however the Eagles still found a way to get some easy free throw
opportunities. Again a few defensive lapses and poor turnovers in the final minutes of the game allowed the Wildcats to jump
ahead slightly with 4 quick conversions to maintain their lead to end the quarter 19-13 and to finish the game 75-64.
Although Durham took away the win, the Eagles put up their best and most exciting performance of the season so far.
Offensive execution was vastly improved and defensively, it was a massive improvement as reflected in the second and third
quarters of the game. Consistency at crucial points of the game will come with experience but overall everything we could
have done we did, however some fundamental errors during the game cost us opportunities that could have changed the
course of the game. All in all a great and exciting performance and hopefully there will be more to come. The Eagles
hopefully look to close the year with a win away to Sheffield to start next year on a high.