Tag: Manchester Mystics

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)

Manchester Magic and Mystics Trials 2025/26

Want to join the most successful junior basketball club of the last 25 years? Manchester Magic and Mystics are holding National League Trials for the 25/26 season! If you’re in Year 4 to 12 REGISTER NOW!

📅 Trial Dates BOYS: 

 • Year 4-10: Saturday 10th May

 • Year 11&12: Sunday 11th May

📅 Trial Dates GIRLS:

 • Year 4-12: Sunday 11th May

🔗 Sign up now

Coach Jim's Report

Coach Jim’s Report: Mystics U14/U16 2 Post Season Preview

Having completed their Northern Conference U16 league fixtures with a victory over closest rivals Leeds Gold, Mystics U14 have ended the regular season as champions of both that league with 19 wins from 20 matches and the Northern Premier U14 league with 12 wins from 12 games. The combined tally which reads played 32 won 31 lost 1 is a testament to the squad’s exceptional team spirit, togetherness, mental toughness and ability.

To prepare for the play off quarter final, we have games at Lancashire Spinners on 5 April before hosting Ipswich the weekend after. If successful, I will try to arrange a game before Final Fours on May 3 and 4.

If possible, please try to come and support our team in the Ipswich game. (No drums please!)

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2024-25 Week 25

Thursday 20th March

Trafford Magic U18 51–104 Manchester Magic U18

Trafford Magic U18 finish in 11th place in the Northern Premier with a 5-17 record after a home loss against in-house rivals Manchester Magic U18 on Thursday evening.  Manchester Magic U18 moved to 19-2.

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

Saturday 15th March

CoLA Southwark Pride 63-52 Manchester Mystics D1

Manchester Mystics D1 finish WNBL Division One with a 12-10 record to finish in 6th/7th place, pending the outcome of Loughborough’s remaining fixtures next weekend, after an away loss against CoLA Southwark Pride on Saturday afternoon.  

Mystics were led by Kizzy Spence-Mussington 15 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists, with support from Rehana Khalil 12 points, 2 rebounds and an assist, Carina Costa 10 points, 2 rebounds, an assist and 3 steals, Elizandra Costa 6 points and 3 steals, Irene Oboavwoduo 4 points and 4 rebounds and Faith Lord 5 rebounds.  

Mystics D1 await their fate in the play-offs.

York Eagles 1 47–52 Manchester Magic U16

Manchester Magic U16 moved to 21-0 in the Premier North after an away win against York Eagles 1 on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U16 was an away game against City of Leeds Gold on Sunday afternoon, their final game of the regular season, find out how they got on below.

Nottingham Wildcats 78–48 Trafford Mystics U16

Trafford Mystics U16 moved to 5-14 in the Premier North after an away loss against Nottingham Wildcats on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford Mystics U16 was a home game against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U16 on Sunday afternoon, their final game of the regular season, find out how they got on below.

City of Leeds Gold 37-48 Manchester Mystics U16 2

Manchester Mystics U16 2 finish 1st in the North Conference League with a 19-1 record, after an away win against City of Leeds Gold on Saturday afternoon.

Coventry Tornadoes 46–71 Manchester Magic U14

Manchester Magic U14 finish 2nd in the Northern Premier with a 17-3 record, after an away win against Coventry Tornadoes on Saturday afternoon.

Magic U14 await their fate in the play-offs.

Manchester Magic U14 2 100–43 Cheshire Wire

Manchester Magic U14 2 finish 4th in the North West 1 League with a 8-6 record, after a home win against Cheshire Wire on Saturday afternoon.

Sunday 16th March

Myerscough 71–80 Manchester Magic U18

Manchester Magic U18 finish 1st in the Northern Premier with a 20-2 record, after an away win against Myerscough on Sunday afternoon.

Magic U18 await their fate in the play-offs.

City of Leeds Gold 68–67 Manchester Magic U16

Manchester Magic U16 finish 1st in the Northern Premier with a 21-1 record, after an away loss against City of Leeds Gold on Sunday afternoon.

Magic U16 await their fate in the play-offs.

Cheshire Wire Green 69-53 Manchester Magic U16 2

Manchester Magic U16 2 finish in 10th place in the North West 1 Conference League with a 3-17 record, after an away loss against Cheshire Wire Green (played at home) on Sunday morning. 

Trafford Mystics U16 39–98 Manchester Mystics U16

Trafford Mystics U16 will finish 10th/11th in the Northern Premier with a 5-15 record, after a home loss against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U16 on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester Mystics U16 finish 1st in the Northern Premier with a 19-1 record, after an away win against in-house rivals Trafford Mystics U16 on Sunday afternoon. 

Mystics U16 await their fate in the play-offs.

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2024-25 Week 24

Wednesday 12th March

Manchester Mystics U12 104–60 Manchester Mystics U12 2

Manchester Mystics U12 finish top of the North West 1 League with a 12-0 record, after a home win against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U12 2 on Wednesday evening. Manchester Mystics U12 2 finish second in the North West 1 League with a 10-2 record.

They both await their fate in the play-offs.

Thursday 13th March

Trafford Magic U18 64–71 Manchester Giants Blue

Trafford Magic U18 moved to 5-15 in the Premier North after a home loss against Manchester Giants Blue on Thursday evening.

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

Liverpool 47-72 Manchester Mystics U16 2

Manchester Mystics U16 2 moved to 16-1 in the North Conference League after an away win against Liverpool on Thursday evening.

Up next for Mystics U16 2 was an away game against City of Leeds Black on Saturday afternoon and a home game against Derby Trailblazers on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

Saturday 15th March

Liverpool 69-79 Manchester Magic D2

Manchester Magic D2 finish in 4th/5th place in the NBL Division 2 North with a 15-7 record, awaiting other results to confirm league placing, after an away win against Liverpool on Saturday evening.

Manchester Mystics D1 73–47 Reading Rockets

Manchester Mystics D1 moved to 12-9 in the WNBL Division One after a home win against Reading Rockets on Saturday afternoon.

Mystics were led by Elizandra Costa 21 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals, with support from Irene Oboavwoduo 15 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals, Isobel Robinson 6 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a block, Kizzy Spence-Mussington 9 points, 2 rebound and 2 assists, Faith Lord 2 points, 9 rebounds, a steal and 2 blocks, Success Odemwingie 6 points, 4 rebounds, an assist and 5 steals, Michelle Ortega 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals, Carina Costa 3 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, Remi Idowu 4 points, 3 rebounds and a steal and Natalie Feurtado 2 points, 3 rebounds and a steal.

Up next for Mystics D1 is an away game against CoLA Southwark Pride on Saturday 22nd March at 2:15pm, their final game of the regular season.

Manchester Magic U16 79–65 City of Birmingham Rockets

Manchester Magic U16 moved to 20-0 in the Premier North after a home win against City of Birmingham Rockets on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U16 is an away game against York Eagles 1 on Saturday 22nd March at 3:00pm, followed by an away game against City of Leeds Gold on Sunday 23rd March at 12:00noon, their final game of the regular season. 

Manchester Mystics U16 78–59 Sheffield Hatters

Manchester Mystics U16 moved to 18-1 in the Premier North after a home win against Sheffield Hatters on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 is an ‘away’ game against in-house rivals Trafford Mystics U16 on Sunday 23rd March at 1:00pm, their final game of the regular season.

City of Birmingham Rockets 57-63 Trafford Mystics U16

Trafford Mystics U16 moved to 5-13 in the Premier North after an away win against City of Birmingham Rockets on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford Mystics U16 is a home game against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U16 on Sunday 23rd March at 1:00pm, their final game of the regular season.

City of Leeds Black 39-62 Manchester Mystics U16 2

Manchester Mystics U16 2 moved to 17-1 in the North Conference League after an away win against City of Leeds Black on Saturday afternoon. 

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

Manchester Magic U14 99–86 Newcastle Eagles

Manchester Magic U14 moved to 15-3 in the Premier North after a home win against Newcastle Eagles on Saturday afternoon.

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

Sunday 16th March

Manchester Magic U18 128–79 Nottingham Wildcats

Manchester Magic U18 moved to 18-2 in the Premier North after a home win against Nottingham Wildcats on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U18 is an ‘away’ game against in-house rivals Trafford Magic U18 on Thursday 20th March at 6:30pm, followed by an away game against Myerscough on Sunday 23rd March at 2:00pm, their final game of the regular season.  

Manchester Giants Blue 75–73 Trafford Magic U18

Trafford Magic U18 moved to 5-16 in the Premier North after an away loss against Manchester Giants Blue on Sunday afternoon. 

Up next for Trafford Magic U18 is a home game against in-house rivals Manchester Magic U18 on Thursday 20th March at 6:30pm, their final game of the regular season.  

Manchester Mystics U16 2 75–13 Derby Trailblazers

Manchester Mystics U16 2 moved to 18-1 in the North Conference League after a home win against Derby Trailblazers on Sunday afternoon. 

Up next for Mystics U16 2 is an away game against City of Leeds on Saturday 22nd March at 2:00pm, their final game of the regular season.

Newcastle Eagles 53–86 Manchester Magic U14

Manchester Magic U14 moved to 16-3 in the Premier North after an away win against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U14 is an away game against Coventry Tornadoes on Saturday 22nd March at 11:30am, their final game of the regular season. 

Manchester Magic U14 3 46–59 Lancashire Spinners

Manchester Magic U14 3 moved to 6-5 in the North West Dee League after a home loss against Lancashire Spinners on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U14 3 is an away game against Manchester Kings on Sunday 23rd March at 11:00am.

Manchester Magic U12 80–41 Manchester Swarm Black

Manchester Magic U12 finish top of the North West Irwell league with a 10-0, after a home win against Manchester Warm Black on Sunday afternoon.

Magic U12 await their fate in the play-offs.

Coach Jim's Report

Coach Jim’s Report: Mystics U14 and U16 2 on a roll

After a run of successive wins against 3 U16 opponents, Mystics U14 I returned to complete their U14 Premier League action with a scintillating team display away to Newcastle Eagles yesterday 9/3/25. The victory gives the team a 100% 12-0 winning record to go alongside the 15 wins and 1 loss so far in the U16 Northern Conference.

We started the month with a home game against York Vikings (Eagles) U16s. Fortunately, they didn’t play in horned helmets and Harold Blue Tooth, Sweyn Forkbeard and King Canute weren’t on the coaching staff! York play to their strengths and are as well drilled as my molars. Their physicality and 3 point shooting on sight caused us problems initially. We trailed 14-18 after 10 minutes as Emmanuela carried most of the burden for our offensive production.

We needed to up our defensive intensity and move the basketball more efficiently if we were to get our noses in front. We did and we did. Chichi came to the fore on offense and our team defence became more stifling than a major heat wave. We won the quarter 23-8!

The third and fourth stanzas were more even as we benefitted from increased production from Darcie and lost little ground despite equitable sharing of court time. The 10 point 67-57 win was as deserved as it was hard-fought.

The following day, we hosted Leeds U16 Black who weren’t devious enough to turn up in white kit to confuse us. They did, however, confuse us enough to take the first quarter 11-16. I considered using a loud alarm clock to wake our players up but opted for a plea for greater focus. As they so often do, these talented young athletes responded in positive fashion. We won the second period 22-9 and the third 27-8, leading to a 75-50 victory with Emmanuela, Chichi, Zoe, Morgan, Alycia, Adele and Olivia all productive in the points column. 

The weekend after, we entertained Sheffield Hatters U16. That’s not to say we threw a party for them, it’s merely a way of saying we were at home. A tough physical encounter, worthy of any of the battles in the War of the Roses, ensued. Our young team rose to the occasion early on to lead 14-7. The second quarter was as even as any number that’s not odd at 10-10. To the girls’ credit, we really upped our game after the break to pull away to win 57-39 with Adele leading all scorers and highly creditable defensive displays all round, notably from Elsa and Emmanuela but also from our younger, smaller team members, Maisie I, Olivia, Gabby and Zoe, all of whom refused to be intimidated.

Our hectic schedule continued on 9/3/25 with a jaunt up to the frozen north to play Newcastle eagles U14s. Our unfortunate bad run with injuries worsened early on when an opponent unintentionally mistook Darcie’s shin for a punch bag! This followed on from a nasty finger injury for Olivia the day before. In keeping with this team’s truly amazing team spirit, Olivia was far more concerned she’d let her team down than she was with the pain or the fact that she wouldn’t be able to play the piano for a while!

Darcie’s mishap presented Maisie W with the opportunity for extended minutes and she certainly rose to the occasion, particularly on the defensive end. Despite the 3 hour minibus journey, we began as brightly as our red kit to dominate the opening period 18-7 with 5 different scorers. Our defensive display in the second quarter was as near to perfection as is possible at this level. Newcastle gave it all they had but could only muster 2 points, both from free throws in the final seconds of the quarter. By contrast, inspired by a stunning offensive display from Adele, closely followed by Emmanuela and Chichi, we extended the lead to 28 at 37-9 by half-time. 

Not to be out done, Elsa showed encouraging signs of getting back to her best after injury, Darcie refused to let a string of bumps and bruises deter her, Zoe provided admirable cover for Elsa as she eased her way back, Morgan showed us she has back up guard skills against the press, Jahnia came off the bench to show progress in her defence off the ball and Aila revelled in any physical tussle. All in all, this added up to another thoroughly impressive team display from a thoroughly impressive group of players.

Many thanks to James and Annmarie for all they do for us and to Kofi who was willing to give up his Sunday to drive the minibus even though his daughter Christiana is injured. Thank you, too, to our parents for your help and support.

Best wishes,

Jim

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2024-25 Week 23

Saturday 8th March

London Cavaliers 35-59 Manchester Mystics D1

Manchester Mystics D1 moved to 11-9 in the WNBL Division One after an away win against London Cavaliers on Saturday afternoon.

Mystics were led by Irene Oboavwoduo 17 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals, with support from Elizandra Costa 16 points, a rebound, an assist and 3 steals, Michelle Ortega 9 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 steals, Carina Costa 7 points and 4 rebounds, Kizzy Spence-Mussington 6 points, a rebound and a steal, Rehana Khalil a point, 8 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals, Faith Lord 10 rebounds, a steal and a block and Remi Idowu 3 rebounds and 4 steals.

Up next for Mystics D1 is a home game against Reading Rockets on Saturday 15th March at 5:30pm.

Manchester Giants 63-86 Manchester Magic U18

Manchester Magic U18 moved to 17-2 in the Premier North after an away win against Manchester Giants on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U18 is a home game against Nottingham Wildcats on Sunday 16th March at 3:30pm.

Trafford Magic U18 61–86 Derby Trailblazers

Trafford Magic U18 moved to 4-14 in the Premier North after a home loss against Derby Trailblazers on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford Magic U18 was a home game against Nottingham Wildcats on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

 Manchester Magic U16 86–54 Leicester Riders

Manchester Magic U16 moved to 19-0 in the Premier North after a home win against Leicester Riders on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U16 is a home game against City of Birmingham Rockets on Saturday 15th March at 12:30pm. 

Manchester Mystics U16 2 57–39 Sheffield Hatters 2

Manchester Mystics U16 2 moved to 15-1 in the North Conference League after a home win against Sheffield Hatters 2 on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 2 is an away game against Liverpool on Thursday 13th March at 7:00pm, followed by an away game against City of Leeds Black on Saturday 15th March at 3:00pm, followed by a home game against Derby Trailblazers on Sunday 16th March at 1:15pm.

Manchester Swarm 40-95 Manchester Magic U14

Manchester Magic U14 moved to 14-3 in the Premier North after an away win against Manchester Swarm on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U14 is a home game against Newcastle Eagles on Saturday 15th March at 12:30pm, followed by an away game against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday 16th March at 2:00pm.

Mersey Mavericks Purple 45-50 Manchester Magic U14 2

Manchester Magic U14 2 moved to 7-6 in the North West 1 League after an away win against Mersey Mavericks Purple on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U14 2 is a home game against Cheshire Wire on Saturday 22nd March at 12:30pm, their final game of the regular season. 

Congleton Grizzlies 46-43 Manchester Magic U14 3

Manchester Magic U14 3 moved to 6-4 in the North West Dee League after an away loss against Congleton Grizzlies on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U14 3 is a home game against Lancashire Spinners on Sunday 16th March at 3:30pm.

Manchester Mystics U12 2 82–47 Lancashire Spinners

Manchester Mystics U12 2 moved to 10-1 in the North West 1 League after a home win against Lancashire Spinners on Saturday afternoon. 

Up next for Mystics U12 2 is an away game against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U16 on Wednesday 12th March at 6:15pm, their final game of the regular season.

Sunday 9th March

Myerscough 58-63 Manchester Magic D2

Manchester Magic D2 moved to 14-7 in the NBL Division 2 North after an away win against Myerscough on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic D2 is an away game against Liverpool on Sunday 15th March 5:00pm, their final game of the regular season.

Trafford Magic U18 101–85 Nottingham Wildcats

Trafford Magic U18 moved to 5-14 in the Premier North after a home win against Nottingham Wildcats on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford Magic U18 is a home game against Manchester Giants Blue on Thursday 13th March at 6:15pm, followed by an away game against Manchester Giants Blue on Sunday 16th March at 12:00noon.  

Manchester Mystics U18 97–30 Bristol Academy Flyers

Manchester Mystics U18 finish top of the Premier North with a 14-0 record, after a home win against Bristol Academy Flyers on Sunday afternoon.

Mystics U18 await their fate in the Play-offs.

Trafford Mystics U18 87-55 Charnwood College Riders

Trafford Mystics U18 will finish in 2nd/3rd in the Premier North with a 11-3 record depending on Nottingham’s pending results, after a home win against Charnwood College Riders on Sunday afternoon.

Trafford Mystics U18 await their fate in the Play-offs.

Trafford Magic U16 47–97 Mersey Mavericks Purple

Trafford Magic U16 will finish in 9th/10th in the Premier North with a 5-17 record, depending on York’s pending results, after a home loss against Mersey Mavericks Purple on Sunday afternoon.

Trafford Magic U16 missed out on a place in the Play-offs.

Manchester Magic U16 2 66–94 Lancashire Spinners

Manchester Magic U16 2 moved to 3-15 in the North West 1 Conference League after a home loss against Lancashire Spinners on Sunday afternoon. 

Up next for Magic U16 2 is an away game against Cheshire Wire Green on Saturday 15th March at 3:00pm, their final game of the regular season.

Newcastle Eagles 37-75 Manchester Mystics U14

Manchester Mystics U14 finish top of the Premier North with a 12-0 record, after an away win against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday afternoon. 

Mystics U14 await their fate in the Play-offs.

Manchester Mystics U12 99–40 Stockport Lapwings

Manchester Mystics U12 moved to 11-0 in the North West 1 League after a home win against Stockport Lapwings on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U12 is a home game against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U12 2 on Wednesday 12th March at 6:15pm, their final game of the regular season.