2015/16 Game Report
Team
Opposition
Home/Away
Competition
Date
Score
Newcastle Eagles Under 14 Boys
Killamarsh Derbyshire Arrows
H
EBL Under 14 Boys North East Development League
24th October 2015
Newcastle Eagles
110 V 32 Killamarsh Derbyshire Arrows
Report
The Eagles U14's were excited to begin their 2015-2016 Development League campaign on their home court on Saturday,
making their first NBL debut against Derbyshire Arrows in an uncertain matchup.
Quarter 1: Immediately after the tip-off the Arrows struck quickly, led by their star point guard, as they managed to convert
some easy field goals to take an early 4-0 lead. The Eagles started nervously as it took a few minutes for them to ease
themselves into the game, but they began to gain some momentum as the quarter progressed. After some early conversions
from the Arrows, the Eagles managed to quickly swing the momentum from their back-court and really turn up the heat. The
Eagles went on a 25-2 scoring run! After applying a full-court press, they forced numerous steals and turnovers, which
provided some easy field goal opportunities which allowed them to closed the gap early and provide a momentum shift for
them to gain some rhythm. Maintaining a full-court press throughout the first quarter caused a lot of disruption for the
Arrows, and allowed the Eagles to take advantage of the available space off stolen inbound passes, providing opportunities
for open field goals. The Eagles gained a convincing lead, ending the quarter 25-6.
Quarter 2: The second quarter continued much in the same way the Eagles left off. The Eagles continued their run for a
while longer only giving up 3 points in the quarter, all of which were scored from the free-throw line. Defence was solid,
communication was much improved, and the level of intensity was maintained and unmatched throughout the quarter. The
Arrows were made to work for every opportunity offensively and defensively. There was a lot of unselfish play from the
Eagles backcourt, the guards displayed great court vision and found our big men early within our offence so we could
establish a presence in the paint. The Eagles took advantage in the post, as the Arrows defence was constantly riddled with
mismatches that were left unaddressed which allowed us to find some easy baskets in the paint. After establishing our
presence in the lane, it clearly decided the course of the game as we ended the quarter 31-3. We went into the second half
56-7.
Quarter 3: Again the Eagles were relentless in their press defence. Although the margin was 49 points at the half the Eagles
continued their strong and aggressive play in the same way they left off. At this point the outcome of the game was decided,
however the Arrows displayed so much heart and passion for the game, they were such respectful opponents. However the
Eagles applied a half-court press instead of playing full-court man to man to allow more of a half-court game to unfold for
both sides. The Eagles continued to clean up on the glass, be unselfish, maintain good ball and player movement and
ended the quarter 31-4.
Quarter 4: The Fourth quarter was very much even in play, as the Eagles starters were seated for most of the quarter. The
Arrows really fought back and displayed great sportsmanship even with the deficit being so vast. All players showed great
character and unselfish play. It was a great win for the Eagles side, however their real tests remain ahead of them. The
Eagles ended the quarter 22-19. Final Score 110-32.
Coach Gilchrist said after the game, “It was an encouraging way for the young and inexperienced Eagles to begin their NBL
journey. Hopefully there will be more success to come but most importantly, I hope they continue to grow together as a
team, as a unit and as a group of individuals who love to play the game!”
Eagles Top Performances: L. Jones (22 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals), S. Kande (18 points, 10 rebounds, 5
blocks, 7 steals), E. Gibson (10 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals), B. Proctor (8 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 steals)