Mystics U14s prepared for the new season with two physically demanding friendlies against Lancashire Spinners U16 girls and Sefton U14 boys.

Despite the height and strength disadvantages, plus having to play with a bigger basketball than they are used to – a size 6 rather than a 5 – Mystics acquitted themselves most credibly in both games.

Finding themselves 13 down late on in Bury, the girls showed great spirit and determination to close the gap, only to go down 42-46 with captain, Courtney Kenyon-Betts putting in an impressive MVP performance at both ends of the court. 

It was a similar story in the Sefton game. We trailed by 13 at the start of the fourth quarter but drew level with seconds to go, only to miss two free-throws and concede on the buzzer to make it 53-55.

Eleven-year-old Charli Wroe stole the show this time with 20 points.

Mystics tip off their league programme at Bury this Sunday at 3:00pm.

Report: Jim Carnegie