Worcester Wolves U16’s Vs. Taunton Huish Tigers U16’s

Venue: University of Worcester

Date 26/1/13 Tip Off: 12:30pm

Wolves u16’s faced a tough test against Taunton, having been beaten 73-69 earlier in the season and without a win in 2013, Wolves would have to be at their best to achieve that elusive win.

The opening 6 minutes of the first quarter is one the Wolves would like to forget, too many fouls committed, too many missed shots and too many turnovers. After only 2 minutes played Wolves called a timeout but this did little to stop the rampant Tigers. After six minutes Tigers led by 19-2 and the game looked over. Coach Smith changed the team around and slowly the game began to turn. With James Cook leading the offensive charge and Troy Gahrs and Daniel Cox holding firm in defence the Wolves went on a 9-0 run to end the first quarter trailing 19-11.

Kieran Henry-Fellows opened the scoring for Wolves in the second quarter before the teams exchanged baskets for the next few minutes with both Cook and Henry-Fellows scoring consistently for Wolves. With the score at 22-17 in favour of the Tigers, Matt Vicary was then fouled in the act of shooting, he made one from two from the charity stripe, this however seemed to give Vicary the confidence he was earlier missing and as he scored two more baskets the whole game changed. With 8 minutes played Wolves were now only losing by 1 point, a strong drive by Cook ended with a successful lay-up and Wolves had completed a remarkable come back and now led 25-24. Just before the break the Wolves lead had extended to 28-24 on the back of a 26-5 run, the team showing true character and desire at both ends of the court. A late 3 for Taunton reduced the half time lead to 28-27 but the momentum was now with the home team.

As Sam Bishop found his range in the third quarter Wolves began to open up a more comfortable lead. Some strong defence from Dylan Aresu, fewer turnovers and fewer fouls all contributing to the team playing with more confidence. Wolves won the quarter 11-5 with Bishop picking up 8 of the points. Wolves leading at the end of the third quarter by 39-32

The final quarter was a much closer affair, the first five minutes belonged to Tigers as they staged their own comeback. Only one point scored for Wolves in those opening minutes but 8 for Tigers had tied the game at 40-40. Cook was then fouled as he made his basket, under pressure he kept his calm and made the And1 to give Wolves a 3 point advantage, Will Briggs then increased the lead to 5 with a long rang range 2. Two points for Tigers reduced the lead to 3 points before top scorer Cook collected another 6 points to give Wolves a 9 point lead with just 2 minutes to play. Tigers hadn’t given up and finished with a 6-2 run to reduce the gap to 5 but it was Wolves that ended victorious much to the delight of the Team and their supporters.

Wolves U16’s play Gloster Jets on Saturday 2^nd February at the University of Worcester, tip-off 12:30pm.

Wolves Top Scores: James Cook 22 points, Sam Bishop 12 points and Matt Vicary 7 points.

Report written by Robert Cox.