Month: May 2024

Coach Jim's Report

Coach Jim’s Report: Mystics U14 at Junior Final Fours

During our first meeting at Belle Vue for the week-end get together, I stressed the need for it to be an enjoyable experience. Players perform better when they enjoy themselves and this was an occasion relatively few across the board are good enough to be involved in. Looking back now, being a group who are as obedient as a highly trained sheep dog, that’s exactly what all 15 of Mystics U14 1 did.

Having performed admirably all season, M1 (the team, not the motorway), we now faced the daunting task of competing with the cream of the south (sounds like a Scottish football team) in the form of Kingston Lions and then, possibly, Milton Keynes (Leg) Breakers. Would these two highly reputable teams rise to the top or curdle?

Fortunately, I was in possession of a lot of very useful information on Kingston from a close coaching friend. This had the potential to see us into another final if I composed an effective game plan. We went into the semi-final having prepared for their press, as well as having plans to nullify their talented left-handed guard and their rebounding potential. On first sight, it was immediately apparent they had a long line (literally) of tall players. I could either ask some of our team to play on stilts or ask them all to jump higher. As the stats show, we opted for the latter to win the battle of the boards 65-54.

For any young athlete, representing one’s club in a show piece event can be as nerve-racking as being forced to climb a mountain when you suffer from vertigo (which is not a star sign.) We were also playing on an unfamiliar court against one of the country’s top four sides. It was, therefore, understandable that we weren’t at our best in the initial stages. (To quote Winston Churchill, the man not the dog: ‘Only mediocre people are always at their best.’) Even so, we did enough to win the first quarter 21-14.

This helped calm the inevitable nerves of both players and parents. As when you are unfortunate enough to go on holiday to the very much mis-named Weston-super-Mare, I knew that better thing were on the horizon. They were. Similar to how a friend of mine takes his coffee, two dashes, one of 11-3 and one of 10-5, afforded us with a comfortable 20 point half-time lead.

I now had scope to be even more liberal with my substitutions and give our starters (3 of whom had rushed over having represented our u16s) a prolonged rest. To their great credit, those off the bench, as opposed to on the bench would would make them lawyers, played well enough and hard enough to extend our lead further. With the lead now a massive 32 points, I had scope to ensure that all 12 players had sufficient time to have an impact. As expected, with Kingston still playing the majority of their starters, including the excellent #33 who now cashed in big time, the lead was reduced down to 25 to leave us with an impressive 89-64 victory.

Predictably, Milton Keynes Breakers had broken down Sheffield to win the other semi-final. James and I (I, not myself!) had watched the game intently and had taken notes from which to formulate our game plan for the Final. It was evident we had to find ways to break their relentless, merciless full court press which had terrorised greater numbers than the Kray twins. They were generally considered to be firm favourites to be crowned as the 2023-24 National Champions by anyone who was unaware of how determined we all were for this not to happen. Our resolve was hardened further by the way they needlessly crushed our u14 II in the quarter final in April. Someone’s unbeaten record had to go. I had to devise a way for it to be theirs, not ours.

Our press break , although simple, worked a treat for all but the last couple of minutes. Their 2 guards had scored 27 points apiece in the semi by driving hard right in a straight line. Our plan to make them go left. In the event, this restricted both unbelievably well until tiredness set in during the last quarter.

In what was all set to be a titanic struggle, the question was who was it that would sink? There were no clues in the first quarter which had three lead changes. The first five minutes was owned by Mojan. For me, she is the best player for her age in the country and she certainly looked like it in the opening skirmishes. We led 12-10. Mojan scored 10 of those, shooting 5 from 7 two pointers. Milton Keynes subsequently did all they could to triple team her in and around the key so that all we could muster for the next five minute were an impressive 5/6 free throws from Anya and Mojan who had to sit out the last three minutes due to being called for two fouls. The second of these was when she was charged with a charge which, if I’d been in charge would have gone uncharged!

Two three pointers from our illustrious opponents, one of which thundered off the backboard with enough force to clean all of the dust on it, helped Milton Keynes (which could be a good name for a comedian?) steal the first quarter 17-18. I stressed the need for a positive start to the second period. More obedience from the girls manifested itself by way of a 13-4 five minute burst which was more explosive than the Gunpowder Plot. Akeala and Mya hit from medium range. More accurate free throws from William Tell and Robin Hood (aka Mojan and Anya) who were getting to the foul line regularly thanks to their positive drives to basket without any need for a chauffeur, plus phenomenal all-out effort from Tiana and cameo appearances from  two of our most improved players, Sophie O and Neeusha with an earlier one from Eniola, all contributed to a one point deficit turning into an 8 point advantage by half-time.

During the interval, I apologised to Lola, Alycia, Elsa and Adele for not being able to get them on court. There was no negative reaction from any of them and each one contributed by demonstrating what an awesome team spirit this team has from the bench. (The same can be said for the trio not involved- Sophie B, Fatima and Lola P.) They are all as responsible as anyone else for our successful season.)

Having effectively countered our opponents’ plan A, I full expected a change of approach from them. They would continue to press, despite it being as ineffective as my attempts to carry out any DIY task. ( For me, it’s Destroy It Yourself.) It came from two unexpected sources. Their # 9 and # 11 had featured as little as an extra in a block buster film in the semi-final and during the first half. To begin the third quarter, however, they became the star turns as their guards finally stopped trying to act as battering rams in vain attempts to smash their way through our excellent interior team defence. They now opted to pull up higher in the key and dish the ball to the weak side low post to score. And score they did, initially.

This prompted me to call a time out to offer up a solution which was acted upon to such good effect that it subsequently worked no better than a broken clock (which is only correct twice a day!) As a result, we increased our lead to 10 going into the crucial final stanza (which isn’t a variety of pizza.) Worryingly, we came out seemingly unprepared for the inevitable onslaught which was bound to be thrown at us. For a couple of minutes, it looked as though Breakers were firing rocket launchers at us while we were trying to respond by waving sparklers at them. Earlier than I would have liked, I called a time out after just three minutes to stop the bleeding.

A ten point lead had been whittled down to a dangerously close five. Understandably, the five players I’d felt the need to use almost exclusively against such challenging opponents, were experiencing a high degree of fatigue due to the enormous physical and mental effort they had put in. I asked each one if they needed to be rested in a ploy to get them to dig even deeper. Each of them declined the offer. I now requested that they go back on court and demonstrate that they had sufficient energy and ability to get the job done.

What a response. All five played out of their skins immediately after the lead had shrunk to 3. An almost super-human team effort, spurred on by fantastic support from the bench and our supporters, inspired an incredible 12-2 run which meant we went into the last 60 seconds 13 to the good. They scored to bring it down to 11 but I now let my heart rule my head by intending to get as many of the four players on court who had yet to appear at all. I brought two on. Then, through no fault of theirs, two quick baskets against us caused widespread panic in the crowd with one or two heart monitors doing overtime as we were now like a fizzy drink and 7 up. This obviously prevented me from bringing the  other two on but calm was instantly restored as Akeala, Mojan and Anya sealed the deal with late baskets to see us through 78-69.

Although we only trailed for 2 minutes 13 seconds in the whole encounter, a breakdown of just how tight each quarter was clearly demonstrates, unfortunately, how difficult it would have been to give all  12 Mystics reasonable court time. After the game and the wild celebrations which ensued, I apologised to the players and parents I failed to use in the game. They all appeared to accept this in good grace in the knowledge that our success wasn’t based on this one game. All 16 squad members are to be acknowledged and appreciated as having contributed in positive fashion.

Post-game, we then had an award I have never been a fan of and see little point to. Victories are achieved by teams, not one individual. We had 5 MVPs on the day and for it to be limited to just one player can be unnecessarily divisive and cause disagreement. All that really matters is that Manchester Mystics are the 2023-24 National Champions, not who should (or shouldn’t) be like David Beckham and have a golden ball. On the same tack, I have been fortunate enough to have 16 MVPs on our rosta. A huge thank you to them, their wonderfully cooperative parents for their unfailing support as well as to James and Louise over an unforgettable season. Congratulations team. You have achieved what we set out to accomplish. You are officially the best U14 girls team in England! 

best wishes

Jim

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2023-24 Week 29

This weekend saw the 2023-24 season come to a close with the Junior Final Fours, with six teams representing the Magic and Mystics, one in every age category, find out how they all got on below.

Saturday 4th May

Manchester Magic U8 44-77 Canterbury Academy Crusaders

Manchester Magic U18 advanced to the third-place game against Islington Panthers on Sunday after a loss against Canterbury Academy Crusaders in the Play-off Semi Finals on Saturday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

Magic U18 were led by Ronney Ani 10 points, 8 rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block, Spike Noden 8 points, 2 rebounds and an assist, Osarumwense Iguma 6 points, 9 rebounds and an assist and Daniel Laycock 6 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.

Manchester Mystics U18 70–62 Endeavour Ipswich Basketball

Manchester Mystics U18 advanced to the National Championship Final against CoLA Southwark Pride on Sunday after a win against Endeavour Ipswich Basketball in the Play-off Semi Finals on Saturday afternoon, find out how they got on in the final below.

Mystics U18 were led by Elizandra Costa 22 points, a rebound, 2 assists and 10 steals, Isobel Robinson 17 points, 7 rebounds, an assist, 2 steals and a block and Irene Oboavwoduo 8 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.

Manchester Magic U16 88–55 Manchester Giants

Manchester Magic U16 advanced to the National Championship Final against Newham Youngbloods on Sunday after a win against Manchester Giants in the Play-off Semi Finals on Saturday afternoon, find out how they got on in the final below.

Magic U16 were led by Oluwademilade Babalola 12 points, 14 rebounds, an assist, a steal and 3 blocks, Nathan Brown 13 points, a rebound, 4 assists, a steal and a block, Sami Sidi-Boumedine 13 points, 2 rebounds, an assist and a steal, Jack Walton 10 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and a steal and Henry Phillpotts 11 points, 2 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals.

Richmond Knights 53–50 Manchester Mystics U16

Manchester Mystics U16 advanced to the third-place game against CoLA Southwark Pride on Sunday after a loss against Richmond Knights in the Play-off Semi Finals on Saturday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

Mystics U16 were led by Irene Oboavwoduo 15 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 8 steals and 2 blocks, Mojan Malek 12 points, 5 rebounds, a steal and a block and Maisie Keyes 8 points 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and a block.

London Stars 1 54–73 Manchester Magic U14

Manchester Magic U14 advanced to the National Championship Final against London Elite on Sunday after a win against London Stars 1 in the Play-off Semi Finals on Saturday afternoon, find out how they got on in the final below.

Magic U14 were led by Camran Hanson 22 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a block, David Akhidime 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 6 steals and Ege Cakmakkaya 12 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.

Manchester Mystics U14 89–64 Kingston Lions

Manchester Mystics U14 advanced to the National Championship Final against Milton Keynes Breakers on Sunday after a win against Kingston Lions in the Play-off Semi Finals on Saturday afternoon, find out how they got on in the final below.

Mystics U14 were led by Mojan Malak 31 points, 19 rebounds, 3 steals and a block, Anya Williams 16 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and a steal, Tiana Walker 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals and a block, Akeala Daniel 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal.

Sunday 5th May

Manchester Magic U18 44–69 Islington Panthers – 3rd/4th Place

Manchester Magic U18 finished in fourth place in the U18 Men’s National Play-offs after a loss against Islington Panthers in the third/fourth place game on Sunday afternoon.

Magic U18 were led by Osarumwense Iguma 17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, Luca Lara-Sanchez 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals and Jake Smith 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

Manchester Mystics U18 46–62 CoLA Southwark Pride – Play-off Final

Manchester Mystics U18 came up short at the final hurdle in the U18 Women’s National Play-off Final after a loss against CoLA Southwark Pride on Sunday afternoon.

Mystics U18 were led by Irene Oboavwoduo 15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals, Isobel Robinson 9 points, 3 rebounds, an assist and a steal and Success Odemwingie 8 points, 6 rebounds, an assist, 3 steals and a block.

Manchester Magic U16 90–73 Newham Youngbloods – Play-off Final

Manchester Magic U16 were crowned U16 Boys’ National Champions after a win against Newham Youngbloods in the Play-off Final on Sunday afternoon, to add to their National Cup win earlier in the season to make it the double.

Magic U16 were led by Oluwademilade Babalola 19 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 4 blocks and earning the MVP award, Jack Walton 17 points, 4 rebounds, 11 assists and 2 steals, Rufus Everatt 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks and Tom Richardson 21 points, a rebound, an assist and 3 steals.

Manchester Mystics U16 59–30 CoLA Southwark Pride – 3rd/4th Place

Manchester Mystics U16 finished in third place in the U16 Girls’ National Play-offs after a win against CoLA Southwark Pride in the third/fourth place game on Sunday afternoon.

Mystics U16 were led by Maisie Keyes 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 blocks, Irene Oboavwoduo 11 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists and Anya Williams 12 points and an assist.

Manchester Magic U14 79–105 London Elite – Play-off Final

Manchester Magic U14 came up short at the final hurdle in the U14 Boys’ National Play-off Final after a loss against London Elite on Sunday afternoon.

Magic U14 were led by David Akhidime 26 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, Ege Cakmakkaya 14 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and a block and Camran Hanson 14 points,  3 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.

Manchester Mystics U14 78–69 Milton Keynes Breakers – Play-off Final

Manchester Mystics U14 were crowned U14 Girls’ National Champions after a win against Milton Keynes Breakers in the Play-off Final on Sunday afternoon.

Mystics U14 were led by Aleala Daniel 16 points, 3 rebounds, an assist and earning the MVP award, Mojan Malek 32 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocks, Anya Williams 18 points, 18 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals, and nearly a triple-double from Tiana Walker 8 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, 7 steals and 2 blocks.

That concludes the 2023-24 National Basketball League season, on top of the two National titles won this weekend, the two won last weekend in the North West Regional Finals and the Manchester Magic U16 won the National Cup in January, taking the season title total to five and the club’s historic total to 107 Titles since 2000.

We would like to take this moment to thank all the players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and parents for your dedication to our collective success this season, we hope to see you all again next season. And to those who are moving on to pastures new, we wish you all the best, stay in touch, once a Magic and Mystic, always a Magic and Mystic!

Image credits: Basketball England