Category: The Play-off Wrap

The Weekend Wrap

The Play-off Wrap 2024-25 North West Regional Finals

Saturday 26th April

Manchester Mystics U12 84–45 Manchester Mystics U12 2 – North West Play-off Final

Manchester Mystics U12 were crowned the Under 12 Girls North West Regional Champions after beating Manchester Mystics U12 2 in an exciting play-off final at the Manchester Basketball Centre on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester Magic U12 97–76 Cheshire Phoenix – North West Play-off Final

Manchester Magic U12 were crowned the Under 12 Boys North West Regional Champions after beating Cheshire Phoenix in the play-off final at the Manchester Basketball Centre on Saturday afternoon.

The Weekend Wrap

The Play-off Wrap 2024-25 Round 2

Saturday 12th April

Manchester Magic U16 62–75 London Elite – Play-off Quarter Final

Manchester Magic U16’s play-off run ended at the Quarter-Final stage after a home loss against London Elite on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester Mystics U16 101–64 Sussex Storm – Play-off Quarter Final

Manchester Mystics U16 advanced to the play-off Semi-Finals, after a home victory against Sussex Storm on Saturday afternoon. The Semi-Finals will be held on Saturday 3rd May at 10:00am at the National Basketball Performance Centre, with the final/3rd/4th place game on Sunday at 10:00am.

Oaklands College Wolves 100-64 Trafford Mystics U16 (Combined Score: 154-156) Relegation/Promotion Play-off Round 2

Trafford Mystics U16 lost to Oaklands College Wolves in the second of two games on Saturday afternoon, however, due to the combined score being in Mystics’ favour, they earn the right to first refusal of a place in the Norther Premier next season.

Manchester Mystics U14 81–62 Endeavour Ipswich – Play-off Quarter Final

Manchester Mystics U14 advanced to the play-off Semi-Finals, after a home victory against Endeavour Ipswich on Saturday afternoon. The Semi-Finals will be held on Saturday 3rd May at 12:00noon/4:00pm at the National Basketball Performance Centre, with the final at 4:45pm and 3rd/4th place game at 12:15pm on Sunday.

Manchester Mystics U12 2 61–55 Stockport Lapwings – North West Play-off Semi Final

Manchester Mystics U12 2 advanced to the North West play-off Final after a home victory against Stockport Lapwings on Saturday afternoon, they face Manchester Mystics U12 in the Final on Saturday 26th April at 12:30pm at the Manchester Basketball Centre (at home).

Sunday 13th April

Manchester Magic U18 96–71 London Westside Rangers – Play-off Quarter Final

Manchester Magic U18 advanced to the play-off Semi-Finals, after a home victory against London Westside Rangers on Sunday afternoon. The Semi-Finals will be held on Saturday 3rd May at 4:00pm at the National Basketball Performance Centre, with the final/3rd/4th place game on Sunday at 4:45pm.

Trafford Magic U18 84–57 Mersey Mavericks Black – Relegation/Promotion Play-off Round 2

Trafford Magic U18 beat Mersey Mavericks Black in the relegation/promotion play-off on Sunday afternoon, to earn first refusal for a place in the Northern Premier for next season.

Manchester Mystics U18 87–47 Reading Rockets – Play-off Quarter Final

Manchester Mystics U18 advanced to the play-off Semi-Finals, after a home victory against Reading Rockets on Sunday afternoon. The Semi-Finals will be held on Saturday 3rd May at 2:00pm at the National Basketball Performance Centre, with the final/3rd/4th place game on Sunday at 2:30pm.

Endeavour Ipswich 81-55 Trafford Mystics U18 – Play-off Quarter Final

Trafford Mystics U18’s play-off run ended at the Quarter-Final stage after an away loss against Endeavour Ipswich on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester Magic U12 95–32 Manchester Giants – North West Play-off Semi Final

Manchester Magic U12 advanced to the North West play-off Final after a home victory against Manchester Giants on Sunday afternoon, they face the winner of Cheshire Phoenix/Tameside Vikings in the Final on Saturday 26th April at 5:30pm at the Manchester Basketball Centre (at home).

Wednesday 16th April

Manchester Mystics U12 103–45 Lancashire Spinners – North West Play-off Semi Final

Manchester Mystics U12 advanced to the North West play-off Final after a home victory against Lancashire Spinners on Wednesday evening, they face Manchester Mystics U12 2 in the Final on Saturday 26th April at 12:30pm at the Manchester Basketball Centre (at home).

Coach Jim's Report

Coach Jim’s Report: Mystics U14 Play-off Quarter Final

If Mystics U14s were to continue our club’s enviable long interrupted run of National Final Four appearances at this level, we would have to overcome Endeavour Ipswich in the April 12th Quarter Final knock out tie. As part of our preparation, James and I had assessed their results in the Southern Premier League where they had finished 4th. Their moderate 9 wins and 9 losses appeared mediocre but something didn’t ring true. They had been acutely inconsistent, losing to some weaker sides yet running most of the stronger teams close. 

I found out why in the car park 2 hours before tip off when I conversed with their esteemed coach. He coaches 3 other teams besides the u14s (which he had possibly also taken on because his daughter was in the side). Consequently, he had been unable to coach a large chunk of their fixtures due to clashes. This was likely to mean that the task before us had become tougher than anticipated. It was!

From what little else I had ascertained, I expected Ipswich to press us from the outset, to rely on their 2 high scorers, #7 and # 13, for the majority of their points and to shoot plenty of 3s (probably led by the coach’s daughter #4.) I did not expect them to have as much height as they did or for them to cause us so many problems in the early stages.

They certainly began in a manner befitting their name. I take endeavour to mean having a go and doing one’s very best. Their bright start took us by surprise and forced me into an immediate change of plan. Our first five was out-heighted and Ipswich immediately used this to good effect to score inside. This prompted me to waste no time in introducing Chichi in an attempt to address the balance. It did.

The next problem we faced came from early foul trouble. It meant that the influential Emmanuela needed to sit which provided Olivia with the opportunity to step up. She did so most impressively, as did Zoe when Chichi also picked up her second foul early on.

On the positive side, although Ipswich did press, it prove ineffective thanks to Adele’s, Christiana’s and Darcie’s ability to break it without any mishaps. Their #13 was an early threat inside, scoring 8 points in the opening quarter. Their highly talented point guard, #7, also contributed 9 points via strong drives and free throws. The 3 pointers did come from #4. She missed 1, bricked 1 and swished 1 in the last minute to help give her team a 17-23 lead.

This was only the second occasion we had lost the first quarter this season and 23 points was many more than we had conceded previously. Despite being like Tiger Woods on a bad day- well below par- we had remained in touch thanks largely to Christiana’s and offensive skills. Nevertheless, either a Churchillian type speech or a JCB was required to help the players dig deep in order to raise our game.

We had created more openings than our opponents but had missed several put backs. This was far less of a concern than our leaky interior defence (which had more holes in it than a large cullender) and our mounting foul count. In an attempt to rectify this, I changed some of our match ups. I  switched Elsa from one of their bigs on to the other. She had rendered #5 scoreless and was now detailed to try to subdue the more threatening #13. She did such an amazing job that her opponent could only add 1 more basket in the entire game!

Christiana was now detailed to do all she could to put the breaks on #7 with Adele and Emmanuela looking to subdue Ipswich’s long rang sharpshooter. What a transformation! Our team defence stepped up that many notches that Ipswich were restricted to a mere 8 points in the entire quarter. Outstanding defence led to easier offense as Christiana, Adele, Emmanuela and Chichi registered a combined 23 points to give us a deserved 40-31 half-time lead with Alycia having entered the fray and fitting in seamlessly.

Such a magnificent team response now meant that it was foul trouble that was our John Dillinger- public enemy number 1. Indeed, by the final whistle we had somehow managed to have been accused of committing what could be an entry into the Guinness Book of Records for a staggering 30 team fouls (cf Ipswich’s 12.) We had 4 players on 4 fouls and 1 on 3. Fortunately, our strength in depth came through for us big time in the third quarter. Olivia and Zoe continued their excellent work from the first half and Maisie W also contributed positively, as did Morgan and Maisie I latterly.

All 12 Mystics helped us control the third period to the tune of 28-13 as Emmanuela and Chichi ran riot to build a virtually unassailable 24 point lead going into the final stanza (a posh word for period.)  This enabled me to share minutes more equitably throughout the last 10 minutes which Ipswich took advantage of to win 13-18 and give a touch more respectability to the 81-62 outcome.

Sincere congratulations to the girls for making it all the way to the Final Fours with an unblemished record at U14s and many thanks to James and Annmarie for their invaluable assistance. Thank you also to the parental support we have been fortunate enough to have profited from all season as well as to the 4 Mystics who did not play this time but who still turned up to support their teammates. 

Best wishes,

Jim

The Weekend Wrap

The Play-off Wrap 2024-25 Round 1

Saturday 5th April

Team Solent Kestrels 82-74 Manchester Magic D2 – Play-off Quarter Final

Manchester Magic D2’s play-off run ended at the Quarter-Final stage after an away loss against number one seed from the South, Team Solent Kestrels on Saturday evening.

Magic D2 were led by Ronny Ani 18 points, 2 rebounds, an assist and 4 steals, with support from Jack Walton 17 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals, Demi Babalola 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocks, Luca Lara Sanchez 9 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal, Dan Davies 5 points, 8 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals, Tyme Regent-Bascombe 4 points, 4 rebounds, an assist and a steal, Thomas Browne 4 points, 4 rebounds, Bailey Goodall 3 points, 4 rebounds, an assist and 3 steals and Sion Gordon a rebound and 2 assists.

Manchester Magic U16 105–83 Newcastle Eagles – Play-off Round 1

Manchester Magic U16 advanced to the play-off Quarter-Finals next weekend, after a home victory against Newcastle Eagles on Saturday afternoon. Date, time and opposition to be confirmed.

Manchester Magic U14 55–62 West London Gators – Play-off Round 1

Manchester Magic U14’s play-off run ended at the first-round stage after a home loss against West London Gators on Saturday afternoon.

Barrow Thorns 77–53 Manchester Magic U14 3 – North West Play-off Quarter Final

Manchester Magic U14 3’s play-off run ended at the Quarter-Final stage after an away loss against Barrow Thorns on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester Mystics U12 2 92–36 FBA – North West Play-off Quarter Final

Manchester Mystics U12 2 advanced to the North West play-off Semi-Finals after a home victory against FBA on Saturday afternoon, they face the winner of Stockport Lapwings vs Mersey Mavericks at home in the Semi-Finals next weekend.

Sunday 6th April

Brent Bulls 60-35 Manchester Mystics D1 – Play-off Quarter Final

Manchester Mystics D1’s play-off run ended at the Quarter-Final stage after an away loss against number three seed, Brent Bulls on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester Magic U18 99–75 Milton Keynes Breakers – Play-off Round 1

Manchester Magic U18 advanced to the play-off Quarter-Finals next weekend, after a home victory against Milton Keynes Breakers on Saturday afternoon. Date, time, and opposition to be confirmed.

Trafford Magic U18 77–67 York Eagles – Relegation/Promotion Play-off Round 1

Trafford Magic U18 beat York Eagles in the first of two relegation/promotion games on Sunday afternoon, they face the winner of game D at home next weekend in the battle for a place in the Northern Premier for next season.

(The winner of this game, game A, plays the winner of game D at home next weekend, the winner of this game gets first refusal of a U18 Northern Premier place for the 2025/26 season).

Trafford Mystics U16 92–54 Oaklands College Wolves – Relegation/Promotion Play-off Round 1

Trafford Mystics U16 beat Oaklands College Wolves in the first of two games on Sunday afternoon, they face Oaklands College Wolves against next weekend with a +38 point advantage, in the battle for a place in the Northern Premier for next season.

(Games are played over 2 legs, home and away, aggregate score wins. Winner on aggregate would get first refusal of a U16 Girls Premier place for the 2025/26 season)

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

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2023-24 Week 28

This weekend saw the last time the Magic and Mystics U12s and Magic U14 3 compete in the Junior North West Junior Final Fours, find out how they got on below.

Saturday 27th April

Manchester Magic U14 3 54-52 Congleton Grizzles Red

Manchester Magic U14 3 advanced to the North West Regional Final after a win against Congleton Grizzles Red in the Play-off Semi Finals on Saturday afternoon, find out how they got on in the final below.

Manchester Magic U12 62-23 Manchester Magic U12 2

Manchester Magic U12 advanced to the North West Regional Final after a win against Manchester Magic U12 2 in the Play-off Semi Finals on Saturday afternoon, find out how they got on in the final below.

Manchester Magic U12 2’s play-off run came to an end at the Semi-Final stage after a loss against Manchester Magic U12 on Saturday afternoon, bringing to an end a highly successful season.

Manchester Mystics U12 84-42 Lancashire Spinners

Manchester Mystics U12 advanced to the North West Regional Final after a win against Lancashire Spinners in the Play-off Semi Finals on Saturday afternoon, find out how they got on in the final below.

Sunday 28th April

Manchester Magic U14 3 54–42 Horwich Locos

Manchester Magic U14 3 were crowned U14 North West Regional Champions are a win against Horwich Locos on Sunday afternoon, bringing the 2023-24 season to a satisfying end.

Manchester Magic U12 52–55 Manchester Giants

Manchester Magic U12 came up agonisingly short at the final hurdle in the North West Regional Final after a loss against Manchester Giants on Sunday afternoon. The future is certainly bright for this group of players.

Manchester Mystics U12 79–61 Mersey Mavericks

Manchester Magic U12 were crowned U14 North West Regional Champions are a win against Mersey Mavericks on Sunday afternoon, bringing to a close an epic season for the young Mystics side.

The National Junior Final Fours take place next weekend at the National Basketball Performance Centre, with Semi-Final on Saturday 4th May and Finals and third/fourth place games on Sunday 5th May buy your tickets here, Magic and Mystics Semi-Final fixtures are as follows:

Manchester Magic U18 vs Canterbury Academy Crusaders at 4:00pm

Manchester Mystics U18 vs Endeavour Ipswich Basketball at 2:00pm

Manchester Magic U16 vs Manchester Giants at 12:00noon

Manchester Mystics U16 vs Richmond Knights at 10:00am

Manchester Magic U14 vs London Stars 1 at 2:00pm

Manchester Mystics U14 vs Kingston Lions at 12:00noon

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2023-24 Week 27

This weekend saw the last time the Junior teams will play at home, or away, before the Junior Final Fours in May (and North West Junior Final Fours next weekend for the Magic and Mystics U12s and Magic U14 3).

Saturday 20th April

Manchester Magic U16 67–60 Richmond Knights – Quarter Final

Manchester Magic U16 advanced to the Junior Final Fours after a home win against Richmond Knights on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester Magic U16’s Semi Final opponents are to be confirmed, the Semi Final is to be played on Saturday 4th May at 12:00noon at the National Basketball Performance Centre, with the Final or 3rd/4th Place game to take place on Sunday 5th May at 12:15pm, buy tickets here.

Manchester Mystics U16 80–38 Kingston Lions – Quarter Final

Manchester Mystics U16 advanced to the Junior Final Fours after a home win against Kingston Lions on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester Mystics U16’s Semi Final opponents are to be confirmed, the Semi Final is to be played on Saturday 4th May at 10:00am at the National Basketball Performance Centre, with the Final or 3rd/4th Place game to take place on Sunday 5th May at 10:00am, buy tickets here.

Manchester Mystics U14 88–59 Sussex Storm – Quarter Final

Manchester Mystics U14 advanced to the Junior Final Fours after a home win against Sussex Storm on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester Mystics U14’s Semi Final opponents are to be confirmed, the Semi Final is to be played on Saturday 4th May at 12:00noon or 4:00pm, TBC, at the National Basketball Performance Centre, with the Final at 4:45pm or 3rd/4th Place game at 12:15pm to take place on Sunday 5th May, buy tickets here.

Milton Keynes Breakers – Manchester Mystics U14 2 – Quarter Final

Manchester Mystics U14 2 drop-out of the Under 14 play-offs after an away loss against Milton Keynes Breakers on Saturday afternoon at the Quarter Final stage.

Sunday 21st April

Myerscough 57-61 Manchester Magic U18 – Quarter Final

Manchester Magic U18 advanced to the Junior Final Fours after an away win against Myerscough on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester Magic U18’s Semi Final opponents are to be confirmed, the Semi Final is to be played on Saturday 4th May at 4:00pm, at the National Basketball Performance Centre, with the Final or 3rd/4th Place game to take place on Sunday 5th May at 4:45pm, buy tickets here.

Trafford Magic U18 51–74 Islington Panthers – Quarter Final

Trafford Magic U18 drop-out of the Under 18 play-offs after a home loss against Islington Panthers on Sunday afternoon at the Quarter Final stage.

Manchester Mystics U18 85–34 Sussex Storm – Quarter Final

Manchester Mystics U18 advanced to the Junior Final Fours after a home win against Sussex Storm on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester Magic U18’s Semi Final opponents are to be confirmed, the Semi Final is to be played on Saturday 4th May at 2:00pm, at the National Basketball Performance Centre, with the Final or 3rd/4th Place game to take place on Sunday 5th May at 2:30pm, buy tickets here.

Manchester Magic U14 90-59 Milton Keynes Breakers – Quarter Final

Manchester Magic U14 advanced to the Junior Final Fours after a home win against Milton Keynes Breakers on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester Magic U14’s Semi Final opponents are to be confirmed, the Semi Final is to be played on Saturday 4th May at 10:00am or 2:00pm, TBC, at the National Basketball Performance Centre, with the Final at 2:30pm or 3rd/4th Place game at 10:00am to take place on Sunday 5th May, buy tickets here.

North West Junior Final Fours fixtures upcoming next weekend hosted at the Manchester Basketball Centre with Semi Finals on Saturday 27th April:

Manchester Magic U14 3 vs Congleton Grizzles at 2:00pm

Manchester Magic U12 vs Manchester Magic U12 2 at 12:00noon

Manchester Mystics U12 vs Lancashire Spinners at 10:00am

The North West Finals will be on Sunday 28th April at the Manchester Basketball Centre

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2023-24 Week 26

We have reached that time of the year when the regular season has now ended, and we move onto the play-offs, where the winner advances and for the loser, the season is over.

Saturday 13th April

Team Solent Kestrels 95-65 Manchester Magic D2 – Quarter Final

Manchester Magic D2 drop-out of the NBL Division 2 play-offs after an away loss against Team Solent Kestrels on Saturday evening at the Quarter Final stage.

Magic were led by Andre Gayle 24 points, 2 rebounds, 4 steals and a block, with support from Pharroh Gordon 19 points, 3 rebounds and a steal, Martell Elly 8 points, a rebound and 3 assists, Tyme Regent-Bascombe 6 points, 11 rebounds, an assist and a steal, Dan Davies 6 points, 11 rebounds and an assists and Bailey Goodall 7 rebounds and a steal.

Manchester Magic U16 88–70 Bristol Academy Flyers – Round One

Manchester Magic U16 advanced to the next round of the Under 16 play-offs after a home win against Bristol Academy Flyers on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester Magic U16’s Quarter Final opponents for next weekend are to be confirmed, the date and time to be confirmed.

Manchester Magic U14 83–53 Bristol Academy Flyers – Round One

Manchester Magic U14 advanced to the next round of the Under 14 play-offs after a home win against Bristol Academy Flyers on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester Magic U14’s Quarter Final opponents for next weekend are to be confirmed, the date and time to be confirmed.

Manchester Magic U12 71–18 Barrow Thorns – Quarter Final

Manchester Magic U12 advanced to the next round of the North West play-offs after a home win against Barrow Thorns on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester Magic U12 face Manchester Magic U12 2 at home next weekend in the Semi-Final, date and time to be confirmed. 

Sunday 14th April

Manchester Magic U18 89–85* St. Helens Saints – Round One

Manchester Magic U18 advanced to the next round of the Under 18 play-offs after a home overtime win against St. Helens Saints on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester Magic U18’s Quarter Final opponents for next weekend are to be confirmed, the date and time to be confirmed.

Trafford Magic U18 73–61 Manchester Giants – Round One

Trafford Magic U18 advanced to the next round of the Under 18 play-offs after a home win against Manchester Giants on Sunday afternoon.

Trafford Magic U18’s Quarter Final opponents for next weekend are to be confirmed, the date and time to be confirmed. 

Magic U14 3 67–44 Manchester Kings – Quarter Final

Manchester Magic U14 3 advanced to the next round of the North West play-offs after a home win against Manchester Kings on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester Magic U14 3 face the winner of Congleton Grizzles Red vs Barrow Thorns Blue at home next weekend in the Semi-Finals, date and time to be confirmed. 

Manchester Magic U12 2 86–27 Preston – Quarter Final

Manchester Magic U12 2 advanced to the next round of the North West play-offs after a home win against Preston on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester Magic U12 2 face Manchester Magic U12 away next weekend in the Semi-Finals, date and time to be confirmed. 

Stockport Lapwings 70-39 Manchester Mystics U12 2 – Quarter Final

Manchester Magic U12 2 drop-out of the North West play-offs after an away loss against Stockport Lapwings on Sunday afternoon at the Quarter Final stage.

Quarter Final play-off fixtures upcoming next weekend not mentioned above, dates and times to be confirmed:

Manchester Mystics U18 vs Sussex Storm, Manchester Mystics U16 vs Kingston Lions, Mystics U14 vs Sussex Storm and Milton Keynes Breakers vs Mystics U14 2 (Saturday 20th April 1:15pm)

Manchester Mystics U12 face Lancashire Spinners at home in the Semi-Finals.

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2022-23 Week 30

Junior Final Fours Special

Saturday 29th April – Semi-Finals

Manchester Magic U18 78-59 Haringey Hawks at 4:00pm

Manchester Magic U18 advanced to the play-off final after a semi-final win against Haringey Hawks on Saturday afternoon at the National Basketball Performance Centre, they faced London Elite in the Final on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

The Magic were led by Joe Buchanan 28 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals, Shaquille Furlonge 16 points, 18 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal and Ben Brown 12 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists.

Manchester Mystics U18 80-88 Ipswich at 2:00pm

Manchester Mystics U18 advanced to the 3rd/4th place game after a semi-final loss against Ipswich on Saturday afternoon at the National Basketball Performance Centre, they faced City of Birmingham Rockets in the 3rd/4th place game on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

The Mystics were led by Josephine Vourliotis 26 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal and a block, Irene Oboavwoduo 11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and Favour Elabour 9 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Manchester Mystics U16 53-33 CoLA Southwark Pride at 10:00am

Manchester Mystics U16 advanced to the play-off final after a semi-final win against CoLA Southwark Pride on Saturday morning at the National Basketball Performance Centre, they faced Richmond Knights in the Final on Sunday morning, find out how they got on below.

The Mystics were led by Maisie Keyes 22 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 6 steals and 2 blocks. Elizandra Costa 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals and Irene Oboavwoduo 10 points, 17 rebounds, an assist, a steal and 2 blocks.

Manchester Magic U14 80-76 London Elite at 10:00am

Manchester Magic U14 advanced to the play-off final after a semi-final win against London Elite on Saturday morning at the National Basketball Performance Centre, they faced London Warriors in the Final on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

The Magic were led by David Akhidime 27 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals, Camran Hanson 17 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists and a steal and Ege Cakmakkaya 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and a block.

Manchester Mystics U14 87-58 Sheffield Hatters at 12:00noon

Manchester Mystics U14 advanced to the play-off final after a semi-final win against Sheffield Hatters on Saturday afternoon at the National Basketball Performance Centre, they faced Milton Keynes Breakers/Richmond Knights in the Final on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

The Mystics were led by Mojan Malek 27 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 7 steals, Anya Williams 14 points, 12 rebounds and 3 steals and Tiana Walker 10 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals.

Sunday 30th April – Finals / 3rd/4th Place

Manchester Magic U18 98-86 London Elite at 4:45pm – Video

Manchester Magic U18 National Champions 2022-23
Manchester Magic U18 National Champions 2022-23

Manchester Magic U18 were crowned National Champions after beating London Elite in the Final on Sunday afternoon.

The Magic were led by Matthew Goodwin (MVP) 34 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals, Joe Buchanan 19 points and 10 rebounds, Shaquille Furlonge 17 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal and Luca Lara-Sanchez 7 points, a rebound, 6 assists and 5 steals.

Manchester Mystics U18 69-43 City of Birmingham Rockets at 2:30pm

Manchester Mystics U18 finished 3rd taking home the bronze medal, after beating City of Birmingham Rockets in the 3rd/4th place game on Sunday afternoon.

The Mystics were led by Saffron Erving-Murphy 15 points and 4 rebounds, Alejandra Escriva Gay 12 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal and a block, Daisy Bryan 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals and a block and Favour Elabour 8 points, 10 rebounds, an assist, a steal and 5 blocks.

Manchester Mystics U16 59-54 Richmond Knights at 10:00am – Video

Manchester Mystics U16 National Champions 2023
Manchester Mystics U16 National Champions 2023

Manchester Mystics U16 were crowned National Champions after beating Richmond Knights in the Final on Sunday afternoon.

The Mystics were led by Irene Oboavwoduo (MVP) 16 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks, Sara Blake-Smith 12 points and 15 points, Elizandra Costa 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal, Maisie Keyes 9 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a block and Alexandra Hernandez 5 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 7 steals and a block.

Manchester Magic U14 72-69 London Warriors at 2:30pm – Video

Manchester Magic U14 National Champions 2022-23
Manchester Magic U14 National Champions 2022-23

Manchester Magic U14 were crowned National Champions after beating London Warriorsin the Final on Sunday afternoon.

The Magic were led by David Akhidime (MVP) 20 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks, Ege Cakmakkaya 18 points, 6 rebounds, an assist and a steal, Luca Boothe 11 points, 6 rebounds, an assist and a block and Dylan Panton 5 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal.

Manchester Mystics U14 61-96 Richmond Knights at 4:45pm – Video

Manchester Mystics U14 finished 2nd, taking home the silver medal, after losing to Richmond Knights in the Final on Sunday afternoon.

The Mystics were led by Mojan Malek 19 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and a block, Anya Williams 15 points and a rebound and Tiana Walker 8 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.

That concludes the 2022-23 National Basketball League season, on top of the three National titles won this weekend, the Manchester Magic U16 and Manchester Mystics U16 won the National Cups in January, taking the season title total to five and the club’s historic total to 101 National 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!

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2022-23 Week 28

The Play-off Wrap

Saturday 15th April

Manchester Magic U18 96–73 Sussex Storm

Manchester Magic U18 advance to the play-off semi-finals after a home win against Surrey Rams 1 on Saturday afternoon, they will face Haringey Hawks at the National Basketball Performance Centre on Saturday 29th April at 4:00pm

Manchester Mystics U18 75–41 Reading Rockets Academy

Manchester Mystics U18 advance to the play-off semi-finals after a home win against Reading Rockets Academy on Saturday afternoon, they will face Ipswich at the National Basketball Performance Centre on Saturday 29th April at 2:00pm

Manchester Magic U16 93–95* Manchester Giants

Manchester Magic U16 play-off run came to an end after a home quarter-final overtime loss against Manchester Giants on Saturday afternoon.

Milton Keynes Breakers 86-62 Manchester Mystics U14 2

Manchester Mystics U14 play-off run came to an end after an away quarter-final loss against Milton Keynes Breakers on Saturday afternoon.

Read Coach Jim’s report here

Sunday 16th April

Sheffield Hatters 2 84-38 Manchester Mystics D2

Manchester Mystics D2 play-off run came to an end after an away semi-final loss against Sheffield Hatters 2 on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester Mystics U16 74–49 Oaklands College Wolves

Manchester Mystics U16 advance to the play-off semi-finals after a home win against Oaklands College Wolves on Saturday afternoon, they will face CoLA Southward Pride at the National Basketball Performance Centre on Saturday 29th April at 10:00am

Manchester Magic U14 58-54 Ipswich

Manchester Magic U14 advance to the play-off semi-finals after a home win against Ipswich on Sunday afternoon, they will face London Elite at the National Basketball Performance Centre on Saturday 29th April at 10:00am.

Manchester Mystics U14 91-48 Ipswich

Manchester Mystics U14 advance to the play-off semi-finals after a home win against Ipswich on Sunday afternoon, they will face Sheffield Hatters at the National Basketball Performance Centre on Saturday 29th April at 12:00noon.

Tickets for the Junior Final Fours can be purchased here (Adults £5, Concessions £2 – per day)

The Weekend Wrap

Sunday 16th April

Essex Rebels 88-53 Manchester Met Mystics

The Manchester Met Mystics moved to 1-20 in the WBBL championship after an away loss against Essex Rebels on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics WBBL is a home game against London Lions on Saturday 22nd April at 3:00pm at Platt Lane, the Mystics final game of the season.

Your team performance of the week last week Manchester Mystics D2 with 92.8% of the vote. Who was your team of the week this week? (Vote Closed)