Eagles Weekly Wrap - Issue:17

Below is our Wrap of the Coaches report summarising the first game weekend of the 2024.

Saturday 6th January 2024

York Eagles @ City of Leeds Gold

U16 Jr NBL Northern Premier

Result: 67-78 (Win)

Player of the game:

George Andrews – 16pts/9rebs/4stls

Coach Paul Pickering commented on the U16s performance:

“A good start to 2024, shaking off some rust to come away with the win against local rivals Leeds. At times we were ran very close by a passionate Leeds side that refused to roll over, but a captain’s performance from Andrews kept us ahead until Vildziunas got going and took over the glass at both ends. Some work to do this week on communication, team defensive help and offensive sets in prep for a tough game at home to Leicester Riders on Sunday.”

York Eagles 2 v City of Leeds White

U14 Jr NBL North Conference 1

Result: 48-38 (Win)

Player of the game:

James Clayton – 10pts/8rebs

Coach Steve Hardisty commented on the U14s 2 performance:

“A very hesitant start from both teams as both teams struggled to get the game flowing with points, Eagles managed to claw themselves back into it in the 2nd Q and finish up by 1 at HT. A strong third quarter from the boys gave us a decent buffer that we looked comfortable in keeping until the final buzzer. After a long run of very difficult (unwinnable) games, it was great to see the boys out on court in a close game, and they stepped up and everyone did their part in winning the game! And the boys list ended well to coaches and have started signs of discipline in our defence.

York Eagles v Manchester Giants

U18 Jr NBL Northern Premier

Result: 50-67 (Loss)

Player of the Game:

Korbin Evans – 14pts/12rebs

Coach Kostas Kotidis commented on the U18s performance:

“The team played against a very big Giants team. Our already depleted team was in even greater difficulty as, for different reason, only 5 U18 players were available to play. Thus, we had to enlist our ever-enthusiastic U16s players to be able to at least make the numbers. The result was more than what Rod and I expected. The boys came through in fine style. Not only do w emanate to make on of the strongest teams to work hard to beat us, but we also even won a quarter of the game too. The positives: mental strength and reduction of turnovers. The less positive: we could have played stringer defence (we only had 7 fouls) and perhaps a better percentage in uncontested shots and deposit adversity can make us proud and have some hope.”

Sunday 7th January 2024

York Eagles 2 v Bradford Dragons

U16 Jr NBL North Conference 1

Result: 46-55 (Loss)

Player of the game:

Jack Armstrong – 15pts/12rebs

Coach Reece Horton commented on the U16s 2 performance:

“A frustrating result as we had the opportunities to win this game but didn’t take them. Too many shots missed, same story as in previous games this season.”

York Eagles U14 Girls v York Eagles U14s 2

Inter-Club Friendly

Result: 40-47

Coach Ghada Khattab commented on the U14s Girls performance:

“The girls had a rusty return to BB this week with a bit of loss of focus and fitness. They had the lead several times in the game and stopped the shooters and drivers when they worked hard together. But then kept dipping back into late defence, allowing drivers too close to the basket or not engaging in help defence. It also wasn’t our shooting day. The boys, on the other hand, took every opportunity they got and managed to cut through or get some easy/uncontested 3-point shots. Definitely time to wake up before we restart the league matches next week! Special mention to Zofia for defending and Danika for some great baskets.”

Coach Kris Gladwin commented on the U14s 2 performance:

“A bit of a grudge match for the ages! This was a close, physical back-and-forth game that was highly entertaining for the fans in the stands. The lead kept changing regularly and most quarters ended with one basket differential. All the boys put in a real team performance to get 2 wins from 2 this weekend!”

York Eagles @ Newcastle Eagles 2

U14 Jr NBL North Conference 1

Result: 44-82 (Win)

Player of the game:

James Wormald – 20pts/6rebs/4stls

Coach Tyler Paton-Pottage commented on the U14s performance:

“A very nervy start as it was the boys' first opportunity to really play at a high-profile venue and I think it was a little daunting as we struggled to settle as we were going back and forth with the fellow Eagles side who definitely wanted to put us under some pressure! Our bench of Wormald and Flitcroft did a lot of damage on offence as they were direct in their attacks. 2nd half, the team settled well and got into our usual rhythm of pushing the ball quickly, matched with some fantastic defence from Ho, Wormald, and Smales. A very good team performance in all. 12-1.”

Assistant Head Coach Tyler Paton-Pottage commented on the development of the teams and what we need to build on going into 2024:

“Having seen everyone play at some point over the last month in games and training, the development of players has been really exciting to watch and that’s a credit to the players putting the hard work in and listening to the coaches, who also do a fantastic job. The job isn’t done with some teams fighting for survival and some even fighting for league supremacy. 2024 is looking exciting for us.”