South East Premier LeagueWorthing U18 88 Ipswich Tomcats U18 103Ipswich Tomcats Under-18s finally stayed out of foul trouble to record their first league win of the season at Worthing.
South East Premier League
Worthing U18 88 Ipswich Tomcats U18 103
Ipswich Tomcats Under-18s finally stayed out of foul trouble to record their first league win of the season at Worthing.
The first quarter opened with Leigh Greenan scoring off a post move, Worthing quickly replied, however Greenan again showed his inside power before Bert Scott and Michael Holbrook helped themselves to baskets.
Jacob Swift then got in on the scoring act, which saw the Tomcats open up an early lead that they would never lose.
As the quarter went on Holbrook, returning from a recent ankle injury, emerged as Ipswich's missing piece as he recorded nine points in the first period.
First quarter: Worthing 20 Ipswich 34
In the second period it was again Holbrook doing damage for Ipswich as the forward collected points from all over the court.
A three pointer, a put-back, a dunk on the fast break and a spectacular 'tip-jam' had Holbrook on a career high for points before the half-time buzzer had sounded.
But it was the Tomcats' team basketball that was allowing, not only Holbrook, but Greenan and Scott to shine.
Half time: Worthing 40 Ipswich 57
The third period saw Worthing claw their way back into the game, but unlike previous games Ipswich didn't panic and weathered the storm.
Despite having their lead reduced to nine, Greenan led his team mates as the Tomcats stayed in the driving seat.
Third quarter: Worthing 65 Ipswich 73
In the fourth, Worthing valiantly tried to mount a come back, but Ipswich's rounded offence and much improved rebounding allowed the visitors to open the game up.
James Fairs scored off a reverse lay-up, captain Aaron Moseley quietly went about being effective in all areas, while Jacob Swift knocked down a key three pointer to put the nail in the coffin.
Final score: Worthing 88 Ipswich 103
Head Coach Nick Drane said: “Believe it or not this team had lost a bit of self belief, they had not been used to losing, so going 0-4 hit them pretty hard.
“However, we always knew that we had the players to play at this level and today just proves that we can, on our day, be a very good team.
“I have to state the obvious, but we had no foul trouble today. Leigh (Greenan) and Mike (Holbrook) kept themselves on the court and as a result I was able to rotate the squad at maximum strength and play the style of basketball that we are best at.”
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