Eagles Weekly Wrap - Issue:6

An action-packed weekend saw 9/10 of our teams compete in games this weekend, with U13s kicking off their season in the Yorkshire Regional, and U11s & U12s playing in intraclub friendlies, and our U18s kicking off their season as they made their debut in the U18s Northern Premier. 

Below is our Wrap of the games that took place in week 2 of the 2023/24 JNL season.

Saturday 30th September 2023

York Eagles @ Barnsley Leaders

U13 Yorkshire League

Result: 57-36 (W)

Player of the game: Louis Copeland (10 Points)

Coach Dave Smith commented on the U13s performance:

“A comfortable win for a new team which is made up of 3 different age groups, offensively Louis Copeland and Jake Robinson did well in doing consistently the right things. But Louis in particular, who passed well and had good defensive awareness.”

York Eagles v Barrow Thorns

U14 Jr NBL Girls North Conference

Result: 63-34 (W)

Player (s) of the game: Maya Foulkes (13pts/10rebs/6asts) & Amelie Hetherton (10pts/15rebs)

Coach Ghada Khattab Commented on the U14s Girls' performance:

“The girls had another convincing win this week, with exemplary team defence and everyone contributing to the scoresheet. Several assists by so many players show how much better we have become at spotting our teammates in the right spaces. It was also nice to see cautious players come out of their shells. We now need to read the defence a little better for our players to have the intended impact, and to work on our shooting. There were outstanding performances by Amelie Hetherton on rebounds and all-around strong contributions from Maya Foulkes.”

York Eagles I v Newcastle Eagles II

U14 Jr NBL Boys North Conference 1

Result: 58-43 (W)

Player of the game: Caleb Flitcroft (16pts/12rebs/3asts)

Coach Tyler Paton-Pottage commented on the U14s A performance:

“A first real test for this group – having had a pretty straight-forward preseason and start to NL, we knew what Newcastle would bring to the court. We knew Newcastle would press for the majority of the game, so we dealt with that very well. It was a tight game in the 3rd as Newcastle fought back to a 5-point deficit. However, we regained composure and produced a strong 4th quarter to win the game and remain unbeaten. Although, as a coach, I’m still demanding better from certain players and not allowing only the stronger players to do the job, as we need a balance on the team.”

York Eagles II @ City of Leeds White

U14 JR NBL North Conference I

Result: 77-34 (W)

Player of the Game: Malachi Brown (17pts/14rebs/11stls)

Coach Steve Hardisty commented on the U14s performance:

“After 2 tough games against physically bigger and stronger opponents at home, it was great to get on the road and take to the court in a more even match up against a very competent Leeds' side that follow a similar basketball style to the Eagles. The boys put in a great team performance today, with each of them playing a role in securing a comfortable win with our intensity and ability to drive to the basket. There is still plenty to work on, especially in defence, and limiting fouls by reaching in.”

York Eagles II @ Bradford Dragons I

U16 JR NBL North Conference I

Result: 42-44 (L)

Player of the Game: Liam Corbally (8pts)

Coach Reece Horton commented on the U16s performance:

“We started the game off slow on both ends, but stepped up on defence as the game went on as we closed the gap, but too many turnovers on offense, gave them a narrow win. One that got away…”

York Eagles @ Manchester Giants

U18 JR NBL Northern Premier

Result: 59-104 (L)

Player (s) of the Game: Dimitri Kotidis (14pts/5asts/3stls) & Freddie Marshall (13pts, x3 3PM)

Coach Kostas Kotidis commented on the U18s performance:

“This was the baptism of fire for a depleted U18s Eagles. It came against one of the strongest teams in the country and despite the heavy defeat, I hope we can take away the positives (we had periods of controlling the pace and being effective both offence and in defence). We also should get to learn from the negatives, that is that this league is played ‘up a gear’ and doesn’t forgive ‘absent-mindednesses for a second. Let’s do all that and I believe good things will happen this season.”

Sunday 1st October 2023

York Eagles V City of Leeds Gold

U16 Jr NBL Boys Northern Premier

Result: 68-45 (W)

Player of the game: Emilis Vildziunas (9pts/4rebs/2blks)

Coach Paul Pickering was away so a team of Coach Reece Horton/Tyler Paton-Pottage led & commented on the U16s performance:

“A slow start on defence which allowed Leeds to hit shots from behind the arc keeping them in the game early on, however, defence really ramped up as we only conceded 9 points throughout the next 20 minutes of gameplay. A small lapse at the end (lack of discipline) made the score less effective, but a good performance offensively as we looked to go on 1v1 scenarios and finishing well for most of the game.”

Rounding off the Week 2 of the season, Associate Head Coach Tyler Paton-Pottage was pleased:

“I am really happy with where we are heading even after week 2. Having all of our u14s teams win shows that coaches are doing a fantastic job of developing players for the future. Our U16s Prem side is unbeaten and showing signs of having a real impact in the Northern Premier, and our U18s are hopefully learning a lot at the highest level of junior basketball in the country. 

My highlight was being a part of watching the U11s/U12s play in an intraclub set of games, which allowed our newest and youngest players a go at it on the court and seeing some of them wear the Eagles jersey for the first time.”