CHAMPIONS!!

** MATCH REPORT **

Our u14 Grizzlies travelled away to Winsford to face Northwich Basketball Club in our final game of the NWRL season. Having lost to Northwich at home by a single point, it is safe to say the boys wanted revenge. Add to that the league title was on the line, and you can sense the nervousness from the team before tip. 

The first quarter started fairly well defensively, with the first unit only allowing Northwich one point from the free throw line, however the team struggled to put the ball in the hoop, narrowly leading 7-1 when the second unit checked in. The second unit carried on in similar fashion, with some strong defensive plays, but struggling offensively. The story was much the same for Northwich in the first quarter. Grizzlies lead 13-3 going into the second. 

The second quarter seemed to follow how the reverse fixture went, with Northwich coming back at the Grizzlies with some strong defence that caused turnovers, and some really good drives to the basket that got some Grizzlies players into foul trouble. Some good scores from both sides made for a very tight and entertaining quarter with Northwich edging it 13-8, for a half time score of 21-16 in favour of the Grizzlies. 

The third quarter was more of the same from Northwich, with some great pressure and good rotations causing many problems for the Grizzlies, prompting two timeouts from the coach to get the team back on track. The game started to get tense as Northwich started to gain momentum, eventually gain the lead by two to end the third. 

The fourth quarter is one of grit and concentration, with both teams causing turnovers and rushing possessions, however Northwich found themselves in team fouls with 6 minutes left. This gave the Grizzlies hope and they got to work attacking the basket. Northwich couldn't stop the onslaught, sending the Grizzlies to the line at will, but the Grizzlies were not converting very well. A tight game with 2 minutes left, the Grizzlies were down by 4, but managed to get some crucial steals and fast break points to tie the game at 44 apiece with 2 seconds left. Northwich failed to get off a quality shot, and we went to overtime!

5 minutes on the clock, Northwich vs Congleton, winner takes all. The attacking onslaught from the Grizzlies continued and Northwich were counting on misses, and the Grizzlies were turning the ball over too much allowing Northwich to counter, but both teams were failing to convert. It wasn't until Northwich fouled team captain Lennon Gardner and sent him to the line with 8 seconds on the clock. Lennon steps up, SCORE! Grizzlies go up by one! Lennon shoots the second and misses, and Northwich come up with possession, but some great pressure defence from Jack Rogers caused the ball to head out of bounds. Once again, Northwich had 2 seconds on the clock to get a shot off. Time out Northwich. The play was drawn up, ball is inbound and the catch is fumbled. Buzzer sounds, no shot and the Grizzlies win their first title at the Junior level!

Final score 49-48 to the Grizzlies!!

CONGRATULATIONS GRIZZLIES!!

** MATCH MVP ** 

The match MVP for this game goes to the team captain, Lennon Gardner for composure, aggression to the hoop and his outstanding leadership of the team this season. Well deserved!!