Tag: Manchester Mystics

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2024-25 Week 6

Thursday 31st October

Sheffield Elite 82-61 Trafford Magic U18 – Cup R3

Trafford Magic U18 dropped out of the National cup at the third round stage after an away loss against Sheffield Elite on Thursday evening.

Up next for Trafford Magic U18 is an away game against St. Helens Saints on Sunday 9th November at 1:00pm.

Trafford Mystics U18 67–68 Manchester Mystics U18 – Cup QF

Manchester Mystics U18 advanced to the semi finals of the National Cup after an away win against in-house rivals Trafford Mystics U18 on Thursday evening, Trafford Mystics drop out of the National Cup at the Quarter Final stage.

Up next for Trafford Mystics U18 is an away game against Nottingham Wildcats on Saturday 16th November at 12:30pm.

Up next for Manchester Mystics U18 is a home game against Bromsgrove Bears on Saturday 9th November at 3:00pm.

Saturday 2nd November

Endeavor Ipswich 80-51 Manchester Mystics D1

Manchester Mystics D1 moved to 3-2 in the WNBL Division One after an away loss against Endeavor Ipswich on Saturday afternoon.

Mystics were led by Irene Oboavwoduo 16 points, 15 rebounds, an assist, 4 steals and 3 blocks, with support from Kizzy Spence 10 points and 3 rebounds , Elizandra Costa 8 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals, Michelle Ortega 3 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, Nat Feurtado 4 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals and Success Odemwingie 4 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals.

Up next for Mystics D1 was an away game against Loughborough Riders on Sunday afternoon in the National Cup, find out how they got on below. 

Sheffield Elite 53-74 Manchester Magic U16

Manchester Magic U16 moved to 6-0 in the Premier North after an away win against Sheffield Elite on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U16 was an away game against York Eagles 1 in the National Cup on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

City of Birmingham Rockets 76-62 Trafford Magic U16

Trafford Magic U16 move to 2-4 in the Premier North after an away loss against City of Birmingham Rockets on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford Magic U16 is a home game against Milton Keynes Breakers on Sunday 10th November at 1:15pm.

Trafford Mystics U16 59–76 Nottingham Wildcats

Trafford Mystics U16 moved to 3-2 in the Premier North after a home loss against Nottingham Wildcats on Saturday afternoon. 

Up next for Trafford Mystics U16 is an away game against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday 10th November at 4:00pm.

Manchester Mystics U16 2 71–30 Hartlepool Huskies

Manchester Mystics U16 2 moved to 5-0 in the North Conference League after a home win against Hartlepool Huskies on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 2 was an away game against Mersey Mavericks on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

Manchester Magic U14 2 74–73 Tameside Vikings

Manchester Magic U14 2 moved to 1-1 in the North West 1 League after a home win against Tameside Vikings on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U14 2 was an away game against Barrow Thorns on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

Sunday 3rd November

Cardiff City 77-79 Manchester Magic D2

Manchester Magic D2 moved to 4-2 in the NBL Division 2 North after an away win against Cardiff City on Sunday evening.

Magic were led by Dan Davies 19 points, 8 rebounds, an assist and a steal, with support from Albert Margai 17 points, 5 rebounds and a steal, Jack Walton 13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal, Ethan Tucker 10 points, 2 rebounds and a block, Tyme Regent-Bascombe 9 points and 10 rebounds, and Bailey Goodall 8 points and a rebound.

Up next for Magic D2 is a home game against Bristol Basketball United on Saturday 9th November at 5:30pm.

Loughborough Riders 73-68* Manchester Mystics D1 – Cup Round 2 – *Overtime

Manchester Mystics D1 dropped out of the National Cup at the second round stage after an away loss against Loughborough Riders on Sunday afternoon.

Mystics were led by Kissy Spence 16 points, 3 rebounds and a steal, with support from Elizandra Costa 15 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals, Michelle Ortega 14 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and a block, Rehana Khalil 10 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals and a block, Irene Oboavwoduo 3 points and 5 rebounds and Remi Idowu 2 points, 9 rebounds, an assist and a steal.

Up next for Mystics D1 is an away game against Brent Bulls on Sunday 10th November at 3:00pm.

Manchester Magic U18 101–49 Manchester Giants Blue – Cup Round 3

Manchester Magic U18 advanced to the fourth round of the National Cup after a home win against Manchester Giants Blue on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U18 is a home game against Derby Trailblazers on Sunday 10th November at 3:30pm.

York Eagles 1 32-82 Manchester Magic U16 – Cup Round 3

Manchester Magic U16 advanced to the fourth round of the National Cup after an away win against York Eagles 1 on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U16 is a home game against Derby Trailblazers on Saturday 9th November at 12:30pm.

Manchester Magic U16 2 44–64 Cheshire Wire Green

Manchester Magic U16 2 moved to 2-2 in the North West 1 Conference League after a home loss against Cheshire Wire Green on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U16 2 is an away game against Manchester Giants Green on Sunday 10th November at 12:00noon.

Manchester Mystics U16 67–51 Sheffield Hatters – Quarter Final

Manchester Mystics U16 advanced to the semi finals of the National Cup after a home win against Sheffield Hatters on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 is a home game against Bristol Academy Flyers on Sunday 10th November at 1:15pm.

Mersey Mavericks 35-78 Manchester Mystics U16 2

Manchester Mystics U16 2 moved to 6-0 in the North Conference League after an away win against Mersey Mavericks on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 2 is an away game against York Eagles on Saturday 9th November at 1:00pm.

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2024-25 Week 5

Saturday 26th October

Manchester Magic D2 67–69* Bristol Academy Flyers 2 *Overtime

Manchester Magic D2 moved to 3-2 in the NBL Division 2 North after a home overtime loss against Bristol Academy Flyers 2 on Saturday evening.

Magic were led by  Dan Davies 16 points, 11 rebounds, an assist, 2 steals and a block, with support from Demi Babalola 15 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and a block, Tyme Regent-Bascombe 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, Jack Walton 8 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals and Elgin Govan 7 points, a rebound, 2 assists, a steal and a block.

Up next for Magic D2 was an away game against Liverpool in the National Cup on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

Bristol Academy Flyers 41-98 Trafford Mystics U18

Trafford Mystics U18 moved to 1-1 in the Premier North after an away win against Bristol Academy Flyers on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford Mystics U18 is a home game against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics in the National Cup on Thursday 31st October at 8:15pm.

Manchester Magic U16 78–50 Trafford Magic U16

Manchester Magic U16 moved to 5-0 in the Premier North after a home win against in-house rivals Trafford Magic on Saturday afternoon. Trafford Magic U16 move to 2-3 in the Premier North.

Up next for Magic U16 is an away game against Sheffield Elite on Saturday 2nd November at 1:00pm, followed by an away game against York Eagles 1 in the National Cup on Sunday 3rd November at 3:00pm.

Up next for Trafford Magic U16 is an away game against City of Birmingham Rockets on Saturday 2nd November at 12:20pm.

Lancashire Spinners 58-60 Trafford Mystics U16

Trafford Mystics U16 moved to 3-1 in the Premier North after an away win against Lancashire Spinners on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford Mystics U16 is a home game against Nottingham Wildcats on Saturday 2nd November at 3:00pm.

Teesside Lions 34-83 Manchester Mystics U16 2

Manchester Mystics U16 2 moved to 4-0 in the North Conference League after an away win against Teesside Lions on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 2 is a home game against Hartlepool Huskies on Saturday 2nd November at 12:30pm, followed by an away game against Mersey Mavericks on Sunday 3rd November at 12:00noon.

Leeds LDM 44-59 Manchester Magic U14

Manchester Magic U14 moved to 3-1 in the Premier North after an away win against Leeds LDM on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U14 is an away game against City of Leeds Gold on Saturday 9th November at 12:20pm.

Manchester Mystics U14 2 55–81 Newcastle Eagles

Manchester Mystics U14 2 moved to 0-3 in the North 1 League after a home loss against Newcastle Eagles on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U14 2 is an away game against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics on Wednesday 13th November at 6:00pm.

Sunday 27th October

Liverpool 53-61 Manchester Magic D2 – National Cup Round 3

Manchester Magic D2 advanced to the fourth round of the National Cup after an away win against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic D2 is an away game against Cardiff City on Sunday 3rd November at 4:30pm.

Manchester Mystics D1 61–69* Anglia Ruskin *Overtime

Manchester Mystics D1 moved to 3-1 in the WNBL Division One after a home overtime loss against Anglia Ruskin on Sunday afternoon.

Mystics were led by Irene Oboavwoduo 17 points, 8 rebounds 3 assists and a steal, with support from Kizzy Spence 14 points and 3 rebounds, Elizandra Costa 13 points, 4 rebounds, an assist and 5 steals, Rehana Khalil 6 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and a block and Remi Idowu 6 points, 5 rebounds, an assist and a block.

Up next for Mystics D1 is an away game against Endeavor Ipswich on Saturday 2nd November at 3:30pm, followed by an away game against Loughborough Riders on Sunday 3nd November at 3:30pm in the National Cup.  

Myerscough 95-35 Trafford Magic U18

Trafford Magic U18 moved to 0-4 in the Premier North after an away loss against Myerscough on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford Magic U18 is an away game against Sheffield Elite on Thursday 31st October at 7:00pm in the National Cup.

Coach Jim's Report

Coach Jim’s Report: Mystics U16 2 at Derby

After a 3-hour drive through enough rain to put off a hosepipe ban for another 5 years, I thought I was hallucinating when I spotted one of our club minibuses in the car park yesterday. Had I driven around in circles and taken a wrong turn on the M6 to end up in Whalley Range? I hadn’t realized Magic U16s were playing at the same venue.

Unfortunately, Magic failed to produce enough of their name and couldn’t overcome a powerful Derby Trailblazers U18s. Mystics’ U14 game v Trailblazers U16 followed this but our opponents weren’t as powerful as the team Magic faced.(Water pistol compared to power washer.)

We began as tentatively as a vegetarian opening a tin of spam. This is often the case when playing on a strange court. (It wasn’t strange due to it being bright yellow, it was just that we had never played there before.) We missed a couple of early lay ups, possibly because the basketball was so bouncy that if there had been no roof, it would now on its way to the moon. The ball was as over-inflated as an American politician’s own opinion of his own fabulousness. (A word I’ve just made up.)

It soon became evident that our pace and range of passing would prove to be as problematic To Derby as I find trigonometry. Consequently, I was able to share court time equitably amongst the 11 Mystics on show. All 11 made positive contributions (over and above shelling out for their match fee.)

Without being at their very best (which, by all accounts they were the day before under James’s tutelage in their impressive 72-45 win over a strong Leicester Riders U16s), the girls did produce enough flashes of brilliance to secure a very comfortable 85-23 victory to maintain their excellent start to the season-  U14 Northern Prem. 1-0, U16 Northern Conf. 3-0.

Many thanks to James, Annmarie and Lorna for all you do for our team plus to our fab parents for your support and taxi driving.

Please could you inform Annmarie of any unavailability re. training and games on 26 Oct and 2 and 3 Nov.

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2024-25 Week 4

Saturday 19th October

Barking Abbey 33-66 Manchester Mystics D1

Manchester Mystics D1 moved to 3-0 in the WNBL Division One after an away win against Barking Abbey on Saturday evening.

Mystics were led by Rehana Khalil 24 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals, with support from Irene Oboavwoduo 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, Remi Idowu 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and a block, Faith Ohiengbomwan 6 points, 8 rebounds, an assist and a steal and Elizandra Costa 3 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.

Up next for Mystics D1 is a home game against Anglia Ruskin University on Sunday 27th October at 3:30pm.

Trafford Magic U18 76–81 Charnwood College Riders

Trafford Magic U18 moved to 0-2 in the Premier North after a home loss against Charnwood College Riders on Saturday afternoon

Up next for Trafford Magic U18 was an away game against Derby Trailblazers on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.  

Manchester Magic U16 83–70 Mersey Mavericks

Manchester Magic U16 moved to 4-0 in the Premier North after a home win against Mersey Mavericks on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U16 is a home game against in-house rivals Trafford Magic on Saturday 26th October at 12:30pm.

Trafford Mystics U16 63–60 Bristol Academy Flyers

Trafford Mystics U16 moved to 2-1 in the Premier North after a home win against Bristol Academy Flyers on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford Mystics U16 is an away game against Lancashire Spinners on Saturday 26th October at 1:00pm.

Manchester Mystics U16 2 72–45 Leicester Riders

Manchester Mystics U16 2 moved to 2-0 in the North Conference League after a home win against Leicester Riders on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 2 was an away game against Derby Trailblazers on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

Manchester Magic U14 88–84 Milton Keynes Breakers 2

Manchester Magic U14 moved to 2-1 in the Premier North after a home win against Milton Keynes Breakers 2 on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U14 is an away game against Leeds LDM on Saturday 26th October at 11:30am.

Sunday 20th October

Leicester Warriors 63-56 Manchester Magic D2

Manchester Magic D2 moved to 3-1 in the NBL Division 2 North after an away loss against Leicester Warriors on Sunday afternoon.

Magic were led by Demi Babalola 15 points, 3 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals, with support from Dan Davies 13 points, 7 rebounds and an assist, Jack Walton 12 points, 2 rebounds and a steal, Ronney Ani 7 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals and Bailey Goodall 8 rebounds a steal and 2 blocks.

Up next for Magic D2 is a home game against Bristol Academy Flyers on Saturday 26th October at 5:30pm, followed by an away game against Liverpool on Sunday 27th October at 3:00pm in the National Cup.

Derby Trailblazers 103-63 Trafford Magic U18

Trafford Magic U18 moved to 0-3 in the Premier North after an away loss against Derby Trailblazers on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford Magic U18 is an away game against Myerscough on Sunday 27th October at 4:00pm. 

Manchester Mystics U18 98–58 Charnwood College Riders

Manchester Mystics U18 move to 4-0 in the Premier North after a home win against Charnwood College Riders on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U18 is a home game against Nottingham Wildcats on Saturday 26th October at 3:00pm.

Trafford Magic U16 88–117 Newcastle Eagles

Trafford Magic U16 moved to 2-2 in the Premier North after a home loss against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford U16 is an away game against in-house rivals Trafford Magic on Saturday 26th October at 12:30pm.

St. Helens Saints 128-26 Manchester Magic U16 2

Manchester Magic U16 2 moved to 2-1 in the North West 1 Conference League after an away loss against St. Helens Saints on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U16 2 is a home game against Manchester Swarn on Saturday 26th October at 3:00pm.

Derbyshire Arrows 38-92 Manchester Mystics U16

Manchester Mystics U16 moved to 4-0 in the Premier North after an away win against Derbyshire Arrows on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 is a home game against Milton Keynes Breakers on Sunday 27th October at 1:15pm.  

Derby Trailblazers 23-85 Manchester Mystics U16 2

Manchester Mystics U16 2 moved to 3-0 in the North Conference League after an away win against Derby Trailblazers on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 2 is an away game against Teesside Lions on Saturday 26th October at 1:00pm.

Manchester Mystics U14 2 46–114 Sheffield Hatters

Manchester Mystics U14 2 moved to 0-2 in the North 1 League after a home loss against Sheffield Hatters on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U14 2 is a home game against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday 26th October at 12:30pm.

Manchester Magic U12 87–40 Tameside Vikings

Manchester Magic U12 moved to 2-0 in the North West Irwell after a home win against Tameside Vikings on Sunday afternoon.  

Up next for Magic U12 is an away game against Cheshire Phoenix on Sunday 10th November at 12:30pm.

Manchester Mystics U12 112–14 Mersey Mavericks

Manchester Mystics U12 moved to 2-0 in the North West 1 League after a home win against Mersey Mavericks on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U12 is an away game against Padgate on Sunday 3rd November at 1:30pm.

Manchester Mystics U12 2 78–75 Stockport Lapwings

Manchester Mystics U12 2 moved to 1-1 in the North West 1 League after a home win against Stockport Lapwings on Sunday afternoon.  

Up next for Mystics U12 2 is an away game against Mersey Mavericks on Sunday 10th November at 10:00am.

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2024-25 Week 3

Thursday 10th October

Manchester Mystics U18 83–38 The Sheffield College – Cup R2

Manchester Mystics U18 advanced to the third round of the National Cup after a home win against The Sheffield College on Thursday evening.

Up next for Mystics U18 was an away game against in-house rivals Trafford Mystics on Monday evening, find out how they got on below.

Saturday 12th October

Manchester Magic D2 64–58 Cardiff Met Archers

Manchester Magic D2 moved to 3-0 in the NBL Division 2 North after a home win against Cardiff Met Archers on Saturday evening.

Magic were led by Tyme Regent-Bascombe 16 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals, with support from Josh Pearce 12 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists a steal and a block, Jack Walton 11 points and 4 assists, Elgin Govan 9 points, a rebound and an assist and Dan Davies 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and a block.

Up next for Magic D2 is an away game against Leicester Warriors on Sunday 20th October at 1:00pm.

Liverpool 50-95 Manchester Mystics D1 – Cup Round 1

Manchester Mystics D1 advanced to the third round of the National Cup after an away win against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics D1 is an away game against Barking Abbey on Saturday 19th October at 6:00pm.

Manchester Giants 76-78 Manchester Magic U16

Manchester Magic U16 moved to 3-0 in the Premier North after an away win against Manchester Giants on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U16 was an away game against Stockport Falcons Green on Sunday afternoon in the National Cup, find out how they got on below.

City of Leeds Gold 83-72 Trafford Magic U16

Trafford Magic U16 moved to 2-1 in the Premier North after an away loss against City of Leeds Gold on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford U16 is a home game against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday 20th October at 1:15pm.

City of Birmingham Rockets 32-94 Manchester Mystics U16

Manchester Mystics U16 moved to 3-0 in the Premier North after an away win against City of Birmingham Rockets on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 was an away game against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday afternoon in the National Cup, find out how they got on below.

Manchester Mystics U16 2 68–38 Liverpool

Manchester Mystics U16 2 opened their season with a home win against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon to move to 1-0 in the North Conference League.

Up next for Mystics U16 2 is a home game against Leicester Riders on Saturday 19th October at 12:30pm, following by an away game against Derby Trailblazers on Sunday 20th October at 3:00pm.

Manchester Mystics U14 74–47 Lancashire Spinners

Manchester Mystics U14 opened their season with a home win against Lancashire Spinners on Saturday afternoon to move to 1-0 in the North 1 League.

Up next for Mystics U14 is an away game against Stockport Lapwings on Sunday 10th November at 2:00pm.

Sunday 13th October

Manchester Kings 33–108 Manchester Magic U18 – Cup Round 2

Manchester Magic U18 advanced to the third round of the National Cup after an away win against Manchester Kings on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U18 is an away game against St. Helens Saints on Sunday 20th October at 1:00pm.

Trafford Magic U18 108–41 Stockport Falcons – Cup Round 2

Trafford Magic U18 advanced to the third round of the National Cup after an away win against Stockport Falcons on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford Magic U18 is a home game against Charnwood College Riders on Saturday 19th October at 3:00pm.

Stockport Falcons Green 60–76 Manchester Magic U16 – Cup Round 2

Manchester Magic U16 advanced to the third round of the National Cup after an away win against Stockport Falcons Green on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U16 is a home game against Mersey Mavericks on Saturday 19th October at 12:30pm.

Newcastle Eagles 38–105 Manchester Mystics U16 – Cup Round 2

Manchester Mystics U16 advanced to the third round of the National Cup after an away win against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 is an away game against Derbyshire Arrows on Sunday 20th October at 1:00pm.

Manchester Magic U16 2 83–71 Barrow Thorns

Manchester Magic U16 2 moved to 2-0 in the North West 1 Conference League after a home win against Barrow Thorns on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U16 2 is an away game against St. Helens Saints on Sunday 20th October at 11:00am.

Monday 14th October

Trafford Mystics U18 68-87 Manchester Mystics U18

Trafford Mystics U18 opened their season with a home loss against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics to move to 0-1 in the Premier North. Manchester Mystics U18 move to 3-0 in the Premier North.

Up next for Trafford Mystics U18 is a home game against The Sheffield College on Saturday 19th October at 3:00pm.

Up next for Mystics U18 is a home game against Charnwood College Riders on Sunday 20th October at 3:30pm

Wednesday 16th October

Manchester Mystics U12 2 22-64 Manchester Mystics U12

Manchester Mystics U12 2 opened their season with a home loss against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U12 to move to 0-1 in the North West 1 League. Manchester Mystics U12 moved to 1-0.

Up next for Mystics U12 2 is a home game against Stockport Lapwings on Sunday 20th October at 11:00am.

Up next for Mystics U12 is a home game against Mersey Mavericks on Sunday 20th October at 11:00am.

Coach Jim's Report

Coach Jim’s Report – two reports for the price of one

Report 1/2

Mystics U14 I’s basketball bonanza began, for some, with a non-national league game at Reddish for who ever which meant a number of our number would get number and number as the day progressed due to being part of in 3 games in 6 hours. Fortunately, those involved are as fit as fiddles and came through with flying colours. (To my chagrin, I have used two expressions there which make no sense to me. Is a fiddle any fitter than, say, a trumpet and has anyone ever seen colours fly?)

I digress, as I often do. Back to our first game, versus Lancashire Spinners (who sound far less fierce some than if they were named Lancashire Fast Bowlers. Our starting 5 of Adele, Christiana, Emmanuela, Darcie and Elsa is as well-balanced as an Olympic athlete performing on the beam. If they felt they had something to prove, they proved it in emphatic fashion in the opening 5 minutes. A breath taking burst resulted in an 18-2 lead. Just about everything this talented quintet served up was worth 3 Michelin stars.

The early introduction of Emmy Chichi, Maisie W and Alycia did not hinder the quality of the basketball on show as we dominated the first quarter 24-9. Olivia and Gabby then made cameo appearances early in the second period and both looked as sharp as new pencils. Although Spinners tightened up somewhat on defence and benefitted from being gifted a host of free throws, we pulled away further to go up 42-20 by half-time despite being in foul trouble.

Aside from the major contributions from our more established ‘Magnificent Seven,’ I was most gratified to have confirmed the faith I had in those who came off the end of the bench. The trust I have in their ability is far greater than that I witnessed when I saw a man who was teaching a friend to drive. He was evidently doubtful of the driver’s capabilities because he got into the passenger seat wearing a crash helmet!

Foul trouble did slow us down after the break (which was just as well because some of our fast breaks were in danger of incurring a speeding fine.) As an aside, which I wouldn’t mention if we had lost, a foul count of 21-5 against us, with no fouls at all called on our opponents in the entire second half (which is as likely to happen as me turning water into wine) is bewildering. It baffled me even more than the fact that Belgians have chosen to speak French when they don’t have to, why this country has only one Monopolies Commission or why any sane person supports Spurs!

With a lead as comfortable as a de luxe mattress, the second half was principally about trying to keep our noses in front while giving our less experienced team members a good run. And run well they all did to make this a genuine all-round team display against opposition who performed far better than the did in our pre-season friendlies against them. It was heart warming to discover that no less than 5 Mystics registering double figures. This makes thing far more problematic for opponents than facing a team with just one or two dominant scorers.

Obviously, there is much still to work on, particularly movement off the ball at both ends plus a tendency to over-dribble but early season signs are far more encouraging for us than they are for a local Premier League football outfit while they have Erik ten Excuses in charge!

Report two to follow as soon as I recover from word processers cramp and return home after my flu jab at 12.10.

Report 2/2

With the 12.30 fixture over, I had just enough time to dally with possible indigestion by hurriedly cramming a sandwich and an apple into my chops (not at the same time). The orange would have to wait until later. Up next were Liverpool U16s at 3.00. If I said the U14s were playing up, you would be forgiven for thinking they were being a nuisance. Far from it. James and I (not myself!) consider ourselves fortunate to have inherited such a delightful group of athletes (and parents).

Being faced with players who, in  some cases are 3 years older than 6 of our group and 2 years older than our ‘seniors,’ I was anxious that the u16 conference could be too demanding physically. If this encounter (which didn’t turn out to be either close or of the third kind with it being our first u16 fixture) is anything to go by, I should save any anxiety I may have for how difficult it is likely to be for me to cut my own toenails in years to come!

The early skirmishes did give the impression that the contest would be as tight as anyone from Leeds, Bradford, Hull or Halifax etc. (For anyone hailing from Yorkshire, every pound is a prisoner!) Tight that is, until Adele and Christiana found their Midas touch towards the end of the first quarter. With Elsa, Emmy and Darcie looking as impenetrable as Fort Knox on defence, we deservedly established a 21-11 lead.

Chichi (nearly a dance!) then came into her own at both ends of the court in the second period as she and Darcie took over as our main scorers. Special mention now also goes to Aila and Alycia for scrapping as hard as prize fighters on defence to help us go into the break 35-26.

I still didn’t have time to eat my orange but that was a small price to pay for a performance that was as impressive as the Taj Mahal (the palace in India, not the curry house in Rusholme!) On a slight downside, we were once again alleged to have done (by the same referee or by his twin brother?) more fouling than an untrained dog. This was to result in having to do without the highly valuable services of Christiana for a great deal of the second half. It would have been a much bigger deal had not Emmy stepped up so efficiently in the same role. (Position not ham or cheese.)

When a team has a decent lead, being more liberal with substitutions becomes easier. I’m pleased to report that our least experienced players in Morgan, Maisie I, Zoe and Aila all contributed positively in the second half. Maisie gave nothing away on defence. (Maybe she’s from Yorkshire?) Morgan finished proceedings with 2 nicely taken baskets. Zoe fitted in extremely well on offence to provide 3 assists for Chichi and Aila continued to contest every loose ball as if her life depended on it.

It would be remiss of me not to mention what an outstanding job Elsa did to curtail the genuine threat of Liverpool’s dangerous centre M Forsyth. All 11 Mystics who represented our club in this game echoed the achievement of a slightly different 11 in the u14 game in that they all played with skill, intensity and togetherness. The 68-38 victory in the second match was far more deserved than being shoved up into the House of Lords by some of our recent Prime Ministers without merit. Always good to end on a controversial note! 

Sincere thanks to Annmarie, Lorna and Mike plus our excellent table officials for all they did for us. Likewise, to our wonderful parents/potential assistant coaches for their magnificent support. Two u16 games next week- Leicester at home on Saturday and Derby away on Sunday. Please let us know of any unavailability as soon as possible.

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2024-25 Week 2

Saturday 5th October

Manchester Magic D2 74-59 Myerscough

Manchester Magic D2 moved to 2-0 in the NBL Division 2 North after a home win against Myerscough on Saturday evening.

Magic were led by Jack Walton 14 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals, with support from Dan Davies 12 points, 4 rebounds, an assist and a block, Josh Pearce 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks, Tyme Regent-Bascombe 10 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals, Ronny Ani 9 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block and Albert Margai 8 points, a rebound, 8 assists and 4 steals.

Up next for Magic D2 was a home game against Cheshire Wire on Sunday afternoon in the National Cup, find out how they got on below.

Manchester Mystics D1 60–51 Bristol Academy Flyers

Manchester Mystics D1 moved to 2-0 in the WNBL Division One after a home win against Bristol Academy Flyers on Saturday evening.

Mystics were led by Elizandra Costs 15 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, with support from Kizzy Spence 13 points, 4 rebounds and a steal, Irene Oboavwoduo 10 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, Rehana Khalil 8 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals and Michelle Ortega 7 points, 2 rebounds, an assist and a steal.

Up next for Mystics D1 is an away game against Liverpool on Saturday 12th October at 1:00pm in the National Cup.

Manchester Giants 116-35 Trafford Magic U18  

Trafford Magic U18 opened their season with an away loss against Manchester Giants on Saturday afternoon to move to 0-1 in the Premier North.

Up next for Trafford Magic U18 is a home game against Stockport Falcons on Sunday 13th October at TBC in the National Cup.

Team Wolverhampton SLAM! 49-89 Trafford Mystics U18 – Cup Round 2

Trafford Mystics advanced to the third round of the National Cup after an away win against Team Wolverhampton SLAM! on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford Mystics U18 is a home game against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics on Monday 14th October at 6:15pm.

Trafford Mystics U16 35–117 Milton Keynes Breakers

Trafford Mystics U16 moved to 1-1 in the Premier North after a home loss against Milton Keynes Breakers on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford Mystics U16 is a home game against Bristol Academy Flyers on Saturday 19th October at 3:00pm.

Manchester Magic U14 79–83 Coventry Tornadoes

Manchester Magic U14 moved to 1-1 in the Premier North after a home loss against Coventry Tornadoes on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U14 is a home game against Milton Keynes Breakers 2 on Saturday 19th October at 12:30pm.

Cheshire Phoenix White 84-41 Manchester Magic U14 2

Manchester Magic U14 2 opened their season with an away loss against Cheshire Phoenix White on Saturday afternoon to move to 0-1 in the North West 1 League.

Up next for Magic U14 2 is a home game against Cheshire Wire on Sunday 20th October at 1:15pm.

Manchester Magic U14 3 60–59 Manchester Kings

Manchester Magic U14 3 opened their season with a home win against Manchester Kings on Saturday afternoon to move to 1-0 in the North West Dee League.

Up next for Magic U14 3 is an away game against Barrow Thorns on Sunday 3rd November at 2:00pm.

Sunday 6th October

Manchester Magic D2 81–21 Cheshire Wire – National Cup Round 2

Manchester Magic D2 advanced to the third round of the National Cup after a home win against Cheshire Wire on Sunday afternoon.

Magic were led by Eligin Govan 14 points, 4 rebounds, with support from Sion Gordon 12 points, 5 rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block, Fortune Iguma 11 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals, Ethan Tucker 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal, Matthew Williamson 9 points, 4 rebounds and an assist and Joshua Kubacki 8 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals.  

Up next for Magic D2 is a home game against Cardiff Met Archers on Saturday 12th October at 5:30pm.

Manchester Magic U18 77-65 Myerscough

Manchester Magic U18 moved to 1-1 in the Premier North after a home win against Myerscough on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U18 is an away game against Manchester Kings on Sunday 13th October at TBC in the National Cup.

Charnwood College Riders 35-63 Manchester Mystics U18

Manchester Mystics U18 moved to 2-0 in the Premier North after an away win against Charnwood College Riders on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U18 is a home game against The Sheffield College on Thursday 10th October at 8:15pm in the National Cup. Followed by an away game against in-house rivals Trafford Mystics on Monday 14th October at 6:15pm.

Manchester Magic U16 95–73 York Eagles 1

Manchester Magic U16 moved to 2-0 in the Premier North after a home win against York Eagles 1 on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U16 is an away game against Manchester Giants on Saturday 12th October at 1:00pm, followed by an away game against Stockport Falcons Green on Sunday 13th October at 2:00pm in the National Cup.

Trafford Magic U16 86–62 Derby Trailblazers

Trafford Magic U16 moved to 2-0 in the Premier North after a home win against Derby Trailblazers on Sunday afternoon

Up next for Trafford U16 is an away game against City of Leeds Gold on Saturday 12th October at 11:00am.

Manchester Mystics U16 111–40 Newcastle Eagles

Manchester Mystics U16 moved to 2-0 in the Premier North after a home win against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 is an away game against City of Birmingham Rockets on Saturday 12th October at 12:20pm.

Stockport Lapwings 76–46 Manchester Mystics U14 2

Manchester Mystics U14 2 opened their season with an away loss against Stockport Lapwings on Sunday morning to move to 0-1 in the North 1 League.

Up next for Mystics U14 2 is a home game against Sheffield Hatters on Sunday 20th October at 1:15pm.

Stockport Falcons 35–90 Manchester Magic U12

Manchester Magic U12 opened their season with an away win against Stockport Falcons on Sunday afternoon to move to 1-0 in the North West Irwell.

Up next for Magic U12 is a home game against Tameside Vikings on Sunday 20th October at 3:30pm.

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2024-25 Week 1

The Weekend Wrap is back! The 2024-25 season has tipped off, let’s find out how our new-look teams got on in their first league outings.

Saturday 28th September

Encon Derbyshire Arrows 65–67 Manchester Magic D2

Manchester Magic D2 opened their season with an away win against Encon Derbyshire Arrows on Saturday evening to move to 1-0 in the NBL Division 2 North.

Magic were led by Babalola 14 points, Pearce 12 points and Margai 11 points.

Up next for Magic D2 is a home game against Myerscough on Saturday 5th October at 7:30pm, followed by a home game against Cheshire Wire on Sunday 6th October at 3:45pm in the National Cup.

Worcester Wolves 47-70 Manchester Mystics D1

Manchester Mystics D1 opened their season with an away win against Worcester Wolves on Saturday evening to move to 1-0 in the WNBL Division One.

Mystics were led by Irene Oboavwoduo 16 points, 8 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals, with support from Rehana Khalil 12 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals, Elizandra Costa 8 points, a rebound, an assist and 4 steals, Faith 6 points, 5 rebounds and an assist and Kizzy Spence 6 points, a rebound, an assist and a steal.

Up next for Mystics D1 is a home game against Bristol Academy Flyers on Sunday 5th October at 5:30pm.

City of Leeds 39–70 Manchester Mystics U18

Manchester Mystics U18 opened their season with an away win against City of Leeds on Saturday afternoon to move to 1-0 in the Premier North.

Up next for Mystics U18 is an away game against Charnwood College Riders on Sunday 6th October at 12:00noon.

Milton Keynes Breakers 75-79 Manchester Magic U16

Manchester Magic U16 opened their season with an away win against Milton Keynes Breakers on Saturday afternoon to move to 1-0 in the Premier North.

Up next for Magic U16 is a home game against York Eagles 1 on Sunday 6th October at 11:00am.

City of Birmingham Rockets 49–62 Manchester Magic U14

Manchester Magic U14 opened their season with an away win against City of Birmingham Rockets on Saturday afternoon to move to 1-0 in the Premier North.

Up next for Magic U14 is a home game against Coventry Tornadoes on Saturday 5th October at 12:30pm.

Sunday 29th September

Manchester Magic U18 70-76 Charnwood College Riders

Manchester Magic U18 opened their season with a home loss against Charnwood College Riders on Sunday afternoon to move to 0-1 in the Premier North.

Up next for Magic U18 is a home game against Myerscough on Sunday 6th October at 1:15pm.

Leicester Riders 69-70 Trafford Magic U16

Trafford Magic U16 opened their season with an away win against Leicester Riders on Sunday afternoon to move to 1-0 in the Premier North.

Up next for Trafford U16 is a home game against Derby Trailblazers on Sunday 6th October at 11:00am.

Manchester Magic U16 2 54–45 Northwich

Manchester Magic U16 2 opened their season with a home win against Northwich on Sunday afternoon to move to 1-0 in the North West 1 Conference League.

Up next for Magic U16 2 is an away game against Manchester Giants Green on Sunday 6th October at 12:00noon.

Bromsgrove Bears 13-86 Manchester Mystics U16

Manchester Mystics U16 opened their season with an away win against Bromsgrove Bears on Sunday afternoon to move to 1-0 in the Premier North.

Up next for Mystics U16 is a home game against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday 6th October at 11:30am.

Trafford Mystics U16 75–58 Derbyshire Arrows

Trafford Mystics U16 opened their season with a home win against Derbyshire Arrow on Sunday afternoon to move to 1-0 in the Premier North.

Up next for Trafford Mystics U16 is a home game against Milton Keynes Breakers on Saturday 5th October at 3:00pm.

Summer of International Basketball 2024

Summer of International Basketball Schedule 2024

It’s come to that time of year when our players represent their national teams at the FIBA European Championships, here we’ll bring you up to speed with the latest results as and when they happen and let you know how our current and former players have been getting on. (Dates and times subject to change)

Great Britain U20 Women 6-14 July 2024: FIBA U20 Women European Championships Div B – Sofia, Bulgaria – Group D

7 July Netherlands 77-66 GB 1:30pm

8 July GB 84-63 Romania 4:00pm

10 July Belgium 82-48 GB 4:00pm Group F

11 July GB 63-74 Croatia 6:30pm Group F

13 July Ukraine 70-55 GB 11:00am 5th-8th Classification Games

14 July GB 20-0 Croatia 10:30am 7th-8th Classification Game

GB U20 Women finish 7th.

Great Britain U20 Men 12-21 July 2024: FIBA U20 Men European Championships Div B – Pitesti, Romania – Group B (Magic Academy’s Matthew Goodwin and Joe Buchanan)

12 July GB 85-66 Ireland 4:00pm Matt had 4 pts, 1 reb, 1 st, Joe had 7 pts, 5 reb and 2 as.

13 July Azerbaijan 51-97 GB 1:30pm Matt had 8 pts 3 reb 1 as 1st, Joe had 6 pts, 6 reb, 4 as, 3 st

14 July GB 75-102 Netherlands 6:30pm Matt had 1 reb, Joe had 5 pts 1 reb

16 July Portugal 90-79 GB 4:00pm Matt had 1 reb 1 as, Joe had 8 pts 4 reb 2 as

19 July GB 82-70 Latvia 4:00pm 9th-16th Classification Games Matt DNP Joe had 1 as 2 st

20 July GB 63-72 Bulgaria 6:30pm 9th-12th Classification Games Matt DNP Joe started had 11 pts 3 reb 1 as 2 st

21 July Estonia 84-83* GB 2:00pm 11th-12th Place Classification Game Matt DNP Joe had 3 reb 1 as

GB U20 Men finish 12th.

Great Britain U18 Men 26 July -7 August 2024: FIBA U18 Men European Championships Div B – Skopje, North Macedonia – Group D

26 July Georgia 80-67 GB 5:30pm

27 July GB 51-58 Norway 5:30pm

28 July Portugal 81-52 GB 8:00pm

31 July GB 63-85 Austria 10:00am

2 Aug Cyprus 57-63 GB 10:00am Group F 17-22 Classification Games

3 Aug GB 53-56 Bosnia and Herzegovina 10:00am Group F 17-22 Classification Games

4 Aug Netherlands 72-78 GB 8:00am 19-20 Place Classification Games

GB U18 Men finish 19th.

Great Britain U18 Women 2-11 August 2024: FIBA U18 Women European Championships Div B – Ploiesti, Romania – Group B (Mystics’ Maisie Keyes)

2 Aug Lithuania 61-62 GB 7:00pm Maisie started, had 2 pts, 3 reb 4 as

4 Aug GB 38-65 Denmark 11:30am Maisie started, had 4 pts 2 reb

7 Aug Netherlands 57-67 GB 2:00pm Maisie had 2 pts 2 as 2 st

9 Aug GB 50-68 Greece 4:30pm Quarter Final Maisie had 7 pts 2 reb 1 st

10 Aug GB 74-60 Bosnia and Herzegovina 2:00pm 5th-8th Classification Games Maisie had 4 pts 3 reb 6 as 1 st

11 Aug Lithuania 73-62 GB 8:30am 5th-6th Classification Games Maisie started, had 2 pts 4 reb 3 as 1 bl

GB U18 Women finish 6th.

Great Britain U16 Men 8-17 August 2024: FIBA U16 Men European Championships Div B – Skopje, North Macedonia – Group C

8 Aug GB 65-70 Ireland 10:00am

9 Aug Slovakia 67-64 GB 8:00pm

10 Aug GB 66-60 Denmark 3:00pm

12 Aug Romania 76-57 GB 10:00am

13 Aug Norway 62-85 GB 8:00pm

15 Aug GB 78-56 Austria 3:00pm 9th-16th Classification Games

16 Aug Hungary 67-51 GB 8:00pm 9th-12th Classification Games

17 Aug Portugal 76-63 GB 3:30pm 11th-12th Place Classification Game

GB U16 Men finish 12th.

Great Britain U16 Women 15–24 August 2024: FIBA U16 Women European Championships Div B –Konya, Turkey – Group D (Mystics’ Irene Oboavwoduo (Captain) and Mojan Malek)

16 Aug GB 105-34 Bosnia and Herzegovina 12:00noon Irene started, had 25 pts 8 reb 5 st, Mojan had 6 pts 1 reb 1 as 2 st

17 Aug Estonia 51-77 GB 2:30pm Irene started, had 31 pts 11 reb 2 as 9 st, Mojan did not play

19 Aug GB 63-79 Lithuania 5:00pm Irene started, had 14 pts 8 reb 2 as 1 st, Mojan did not play

20 Aug Iceland 66-82 GB 12:00noon Irene started, had 14 pts 7 reb 1 as 4 st 1 bl, Mojan played 1 min

22 Aug Denmark 61-86 GB 12:00noon Quarter Final Irene started, had 26 pts 6 reb 3 as 6st, Mojan played 3 min

23 Aug GB 61-65 Czechia 7:30pm Semi-Final, Irene started, had 16 pts 6 reb 4 as 4 st 1 bl, Mojan did not play

24 Aug GB 84-62 Turkey 4:00pm 3rd/4th Classification Game Irene started, had 15 pts 6 reb 2 as 4 st 1 bl, Mojan did not play

GB U16 Women finish 3rd and gain promotion to Division A!

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