Worcester Wolves U16’s Vs. Gloster Jets U16’s

Venue: University of Worcester

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

Fresh from their first victory in 7 games Wolves faced local rivals Gloster Jets for the third time this season. The Wolves had renewed confidence and an appetite to propel themselves up the table with their first back to back victories of the season.

Wolves began the game brightly, an early basket for James Cook was quickly followed by a drive to basket and lay-up from Dom Elliot with less than a minute played. The remainder of the quarter was a very even affair a 7-0 run by Wolves midway through the first quarter was cancelled by a 10-4 run for Jets as the quarter drew to a close. Wolves were playing a good offensive game with Troy Gahrs picking up 6 points in the quarter. The quarter ending 22-18 to Wolves.

The second quarter was very much like the first, both teams making some shots whilst still managing to give up too many turnovers that neither team could convert. With 6 minutes played Wolves were leading by 32-26 mainly thanks to the driving runs of Dylan Aresu and James Cook. Wolves however lost some shape and Jets took advantage, in the space of a minute the gap had reduced to only one point and for the first time in the game it looked like Jets would take the lead. Wolves dug deep, some good passing movement around the top of the key found Dan Cox open and he sank a neat jump shot to open up some breathing space, the dependable Cook then further extended the lead before Jets responded with a two on the buzzer. Half Time score Wolves 36 Jets 33

Jets started the second half with very clear intentions, tough defence and stop the shot at all costs. Wolves were unable to get off a clean shot and found themselves regularly at the charity stripe. 50% free throw shooting for the home side was not enough to hold off the Jets and they again clawed their way back into the game. 9 minutes into the 3^rd quarter and Jets tied the game, just after that they took the lead for the first time. A great shot from Dom Elliot right at the death again brought the scores level at 43-43 but Jets had now won the last two quarters and Wolves spirit was being tested.

The final quarter was incident packed, full of drama and tantrums and even some decent basketball. The teams traded baskets before Henry-Fellows scored Wolves first 3 of day, Will Briggs then scored another before Henry-Fellows sank a two to give Wolves an 8 point advantage. Jets scored a basket of their own before again resorting to extremely tough defence, Wolves now spending more time at the charity stripe than running plays but holding a 9 point lead. In the 8^th minute Jets playmaker Llvisma fouled Cox and picked up his 5^th foul, another 2 points for Wolves extended the lead to 11. Jets would have to change their tactics, and they did, draining two quick 3 point baskets to reduce the lead to 5 with only one minute to play. What happened next was quite bizarre, Cox was fouled again, he made one from two, Wolves then regained procession with Henry-Fellows who was then fouled by the side line, before he could move he was fouled again and pushed into the crowd. The referees called an unsportsmanlike foul, the Jets coach reacted, ran onto the court and was promptly awarded a Technical foul, an unsavoury reaction to that led to his disqualification and after he had left the arena it was Henry-Fellows that found himself at the free throw line to shoot 8. When calmness under pressure was required Henry-Fellows delivered, scoring 6 from 8. On the inbound play he was fouled again, this time scoring two from two and with it giving Wolves an impressive 14 point victory. The final score Wolves 69 Jets 55.

Wolves U16’s next game is away to Swindon Sonics on Saturday 9^th February, tip-off 3:15pm. Sonics currently sit 3^rd in the table and beat Wolves by 8 when they met earlier this season at the University of Worcester.

Wolves Top Scores: Kieran Henry-Fellows 19 points, James Cook 10 points

Report written by Robert Cox.