The Georgia Jones Tournament held at the National Basketball Performance Centre, the base of the Manchester Mystics WBBL side for which Jones plays, and is for under 15 girls, with participating teams from across the UK and Ireland competing.
Speaking about the Tournament’s formation, Joe Forber, Director of girls coaching, said, “Our Club felt that there was a major gap in the calendar for girls competitive basketball so we decided to organise an U15 Tournament with invitations going to the best Clubs from Scotland and Ireland. The England U15 team quickly expressed a wish to play which gives the Tournament extra kudos.
“We decided that pre-season was the best time for the tournament and were very grateful that BE and Manchester City Council immediately indicated their support.
“Because Georgia had come through our Club system many, many years ago and has shown what can be done at the top level with dedication and ambition, she was the obvious choice to put her name to the Tournament. Her success at Club level, top College USA, European Club and GB Ladies is an example to all young girls aspiring to do well in basketball.
“Just as importantly, she has done it with class at all times, showing top standards in everything she does, both on and off the floor – a true role model for all girls.”
Georgia Jones acknowledged the important role the Mystics played in her career and the pride at having a tournament named in her honour, saying “It is an honour to have this tournament named after me. Manchester set the foundation to all I have achieved in my career and is the place I really fell in love with the sport. I have always been very proud to be a part of this club and the opportunities it creates for players. This tournament is another great example of that and I’m so pleased we are providing girls with another competitive outlet to play basketball.”
Tournament information:
Venue: National Basketball Performance Centre, Belle Vue, Manchester,
Dates: 14/15 September 2019
Game Times: 8 minute quarters, stopping clock.
Competing Teams:
Falkirk Fury (Scotland)
Lady Rocks Glasgow (Scotland)
Liffey Celtics (Ireland)
Ongar Chasers (Ireland)
Northants
England U15
Manchester Mystics 1 (coached by Tom Paraskeva, assisted by Jez Taylor and Ploutos Vourliotis)
Manchester Mystics 2 (coached by Joe Andrew and Natalie Feurtado)
| Pool A | Pool B |
| Ongar Chasers (Ireland | Liffey Celtics (Ireland) |
| Glasgow Lady Rocks (Scotland) | Falkirk Fury (Scotland) |
| England U15 | Northants Lightning |
| Manchester Mystics 2 | Manchester Mystics 1 |
Saturday 14 September Pool Games
| Game Time | Court 1 | Court 2 |
| 11am – 12:30pm | Manchester 2 24-42 Ongar | Glasgow 45-56 England |
| 12:30pm – 2pm | Manchester 1 81-18 Northants | Falkirk 38-48 Liffey |
| 2pm – 3:30pm | Manchester 2 23-60 Glasgow | England 61-26 Ongar |
| 3:30pm – 5pm | Manchester 1 76-30 Falkirk | Northants 35-56 Liffey |
| 5pm – 6:30pm | Manchester 2 12-82 England | Ongar 36-41 Glasgow |
| 6:30pm – 8pm | Manchester 1 52-33 Liffey | Falkirk 58-33 Northants |
Sunday 15 September Play-off Games
| Game Time | Court 1 | Court 2 |
| 10am – 11:30am | Ongar 48-31 Northants | Manchester 2 28-43 Falkirk |
| 11:30am – 1pm | England 68-29 Liffey Celtics | Glasgow 38-48 Manchester 1 |
| 1pm – 2:30pm | Ongar 48-39 Falkirk 5/6 Playoff | Northants 49-51 Manchester 2 7/8 Playoff |
| 2:30pm – 4pm | England 57-24 Manchester 1 Final | Liffey Celtics 29-56 Glasgow 3/4 Playoff |
Presentations at 4pm
Tournament finish before 5pm
Placings
1. England U15
2. Manchester Mystics 1
3. Glasgow Lady Rocks
4. Liffey Celtics
5. Ongar Chasers
6. Falkirk Fury
7. Manchester Mystics 2
8. Northants Lightning