Tag: Manchester Mystics

Coach Jim's Report

Coach Jim’s Report: Mystics U14 vs Mystics U16 3 Friendly

Despite enough hiccups to get into the Guinness Book of Records, our friendly game – if there is such a thing – versus Mystics U16 III did go ahead against all the odds last Saturday. At one point it looked as if it had as much chance as Red Rum has of winning the 2024 Grand national! We overcame illness to the u16 coach, replaced by the U14 assistant coach James, who did a brilliant job, a very late change of tip off time plus a lack of referees. Many thanks to Esha and Sheri who stepped in and were superb.

Without our 4 internationals, who have yet to appear together in games or training, our 12 remaining u14s reminded me of Edmund Hillary’s challenge in 1953. They both had a big mountain to climb! Fortunately, it was the younger of the two sides who sprung into action in the first half. I had asked the girls to play harder and smarter than our opponents. I defined harder as getting up and down court faster, winning loose balls , rebounding early and aggressively as well as playing tough defence. Being smarter meant striving to be one move ahead with a plan A and B, doing the simple things well and winning the post-match quiz!

Our exceptional play during the opening 10 minutes yielded a massive 21 point via 7 different scorers. Our opposition appeared as bewildered as Marie Antoinette was just before her head and shoulders parted company. We were nearly as good in the second quarter and went into the interval deservedly 14 ahead at 39-25, something even Psychic Sally could not have foreseen.

In the back of my (tiny) mind, I was concerned that it would be asking too muck of such a young team to over-produce once more in the second half. The U16s have some talented players. Surely they would raise their game. They did. Big time. They used their physical superiority to their advantage by being far more aggressive going to basket and on the boards. This made defensive match ups problematic for our team. We capitulated to go into the final quarter 6 points down. This quickly extended to 11 before an impressive fight back reduced it to 6 at 57-63 by the final whistle.

We had produced basketball of a high level for 30 minutes against strong opponents and the girls should be as proud as I am of their overall performance. Sincere thanks to James, Louise, Dawn, Sheri and Esha for helping to ensure this local derby went ahead  (nearly as scheduled.)

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2023-24 Week 9

Tuesday 21st November

Manchester Mystics U18 88-43 Manchester Mystics U18 2

Manchester Mystics U18 moved to 2-0 in the Premier North after a home win against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U18 2 on Tuesday evening. Manchester Mystics U18 2 moved to 1-2.

Up next for Mystics U18 was a home game against Cardiff Met Archers on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.  

Up next for Mystics U18 2 was a home game against City of Birmingham Rockets on Saturday afternoon, find out how they got on below.  

Saturday 25th November

Leicester Warriors 84-74 Manchester Magic D2

Manchester Magic D2 moved to 7-2 in the NBL Division Two after an away loss against Leicester Warriors on Saturday evening.

Magic were led by, Andre Gayle 22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal, with support from Josh Pearce 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals, Darstin Onye 13 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and a block Daniel Davies 11 points, 8 rebounds, a steal and a block, Saul May 7 points, a rebound, 7 assists and a steal and Bailey Goodall 2 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists.

Up next for Magic D2 is a home game against Bristol Hurricanes on Saturday 2nd December at 7:00pm, followed by a home game in the National Cup against Derby Trailblazers on Sunday 3rd December at 5:30pm.  

Loughborough Riders 66-63 Manchester Mystics D1

Manchester Mystics D1 moved to 4-4 in the WNBL Division One after an away loss against Loughborough Riders on Saturday afternoon.

Mystics were led by, Success Odemwingie 16 points, 5 rebounds, an assist and 5 steals, with support from Irene Oboavwoduo 13 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals, Hannah Alty 8 points, 8 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals and Rehana Khalil 6 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.

Up next of Mystics D1 is a home game against Thames Valley Cavaliers on Sunday 3rd December at 3:30pm.

City of Edinburgh 80-86* Manchester Magic U18 – Overtime

Manchester Magic U18 moved to 7-1 in the Premier North after an overtime away win against City of Edinburgh on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U18 is a home game against Sheffield Elite on Tuesday 5th December at 6:30pm.

Trafford Magic U18 79–62 Derby Trailblazers

Trafford Magic U18 moved to 4-3 in the Premier North after a home win against Derby Trailblazers on Saturday afternoon.

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

Manchester Magic U16 107–44 Sheffield Elite

Manchester Magic U16 moved to 7-0 in the Premier North after a home win against Sheffield Elite on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U16 is an away game against Manchester Giants on Saturday 2nd December at 12:00noon, followed by an away National Cup Quarter Final game against Manchester Giants on Sunday 3rd December at 12:00noon.

Trafford Magic U16 46–113 Manchester Giants

Trafford Magic U16 moved to 3-3 in the Premier North after a home loss against Manchester Giants on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford U16 is an away game against Milton Keynes Breakers on Saturday 2nd December at 1:15pm.

Preston 65-70 Manchester Magic U16 2

Manchester Magic U16 2 moved to 2-4 in the Conference North West after an away win against Preston on Saturday afternoon. 

Up next for Magic U16 2 is an away game against Northwich on Saturday 2nd December at 12:00noon, followed by a home game against Stockport Falcons on Sunday 3rd December at 11:00am.

City of Birmingham Rockets 25-85 Manchester Mystics U16

Manchester Mystics U16 moved to 4-0 in the Premier North after an away win against City of Birmingham Rockets on Saturday afternoon. 

Up next for Mystics U16 is a home game against Newcastle Eagles on Saturday 2nd December at 1:00pm.

Cheshire Phoenix 37-50 Manchester Magic U14 3

Manchester Magic U14 3 moved to 2-1 in the North West Dee League after an away win against Cheshire Phoenix on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U14 3 is a home game against Congleton Grizzlies Black on Sunday 3rd December at 11:00am.

Manchester Mystics U14 2 42–68 Lancashire Spinners

Manchester Mystics U14 2 moved to 2-4 in the North League 1 after a home loss against Lancashire Spinners on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U14 2 is an away game against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U14 on Saturday 14th January at 12:30pm.

Sunday 26th November

York Eagles 56-79 Trafford Magic U18

Trafford Magic U18 moved to 5-3 in the Premier North after an away win against York Eagles on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford U18 is a home game against City of Edinburgh on Saturday 9th December at 3:30pm, followed by a home game against Team QE Basketball Academy on Sunday 10th December at 3:00pm.  

Your team performance of the week last week was Manchester Magic U12 with 40% of the vote.

Who was your team of the week this week?

Coach Jim's Report

Coach Jim’s Report Mystics U14 Friendly vs Northants

Amidst a dearth of league fixtures which leaves us with a spell of 1 competitive game in 10 weeks, I arranged a friendly in the not-so-nearby Northamptonshire to play Northants Lightning U14s last Sunday. As is the norm, this was one of many games which clash with Mystics u16 I so Mojan, Anya and Tiana were once again unavailable, as was Sophie O whose glass ankle gave way for a second time last week.

This meant it would be a good test for the remaining 12 Mystics U14 I squad. Fortunately, most of them are good at tests! In the event, the match was as keenly contested as the annual games of crazy golf I have with my wife (who keeps the score card whenever she wins!) Lightning stormed (!) into an early lead and first impressions were that this was going to be as tough as an arithmetic exam for an innumerate candidate. 

Some magic from Mystics (!) quickly restored parity but it wasn’t easy containing  well-drilled (their coach might be a dentist), physically strong opponents intent on driving hard to basket whether there was an open path or not. Despite not wearing body armour or crash helmets, Jane, Akeala and Neeusha courageously did all they could to minimise this threat to both the basket and their well-being. 

As the game progressed, Elsa, Eniola and Adele also put themselves in line for a gallantry award by way of some effective help defence. Eniola further assisted our cause with some very determined defensive rebounding. Offensively, in the first quarter, the excellent Mya and the effervescent Lola T demonstrated their prowess from the short corner with shooting accurate enough to to win a coconut at a fairground. Our 1 point  lead after 10 minutes became 5 by half-time thanks mainly to late baskets by the ever-improving Elsa, 3 in a row from the inspired Sophie B plus the move of the game involving Lola P and Jane.

After the break, despite no half-time oranges or cups of tea, we re-started well but fell away in the latter stages (possibly due to a lack of breath caused by too much singing on the journey!) and were 38-39 down with 9 minutes remaining. The team’s togetherness and wonderful team spirit then helped us turn things around. Jane’s one-person full-court press proved more fruitful than many an orchard. It produced as many steals as a kleptomaniac in overdrive. Our impressive team defensive transition, exemplified by Alycia, Neeusha, Adele and Lola T, nullified Lightning’s appropriately named fast break. An eye-catching score from Fatima drew thunderous (!) applause from the capacity crowd and 2 free throws (which were harder to come by than a kept promise from a politician) from the reliable Akeala sealed the deal at 56-48 to bring just reward for a team display full of all-out effort and determination.

Sincere thanks to Louise and Darren for going above and beyond to help us out. Unfortunately, there is still no venue for our Thursday evening training sessions but we do have a game vs Mystics u16 III this Saturday at 12.30.

Best wishes to both my readers.

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2023-24 Week 8

Thursday 16th November

Manchester Mystics U16 3 55–65 Lancashire Spinners

Manchester Mystics U16 3 moved to 3-3 in the Conference North after a home loss against Lancashire Spinners on Thursday evening.

Up next for Mystics U16 3 was a home game against City of Leeds Black on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

Saturday 18th November

Manchester Magic D2 75–68 Bristol Academy Flyers

Manchester Magic D2 moved to 7-1 in the NBL Division Two after a home win against Bristol Academy Flyers on Saturday evening.

Magic were led by, Andre Gayle 20 points, 5 rebounds 2 assists, a steal and a block, with support from Tyme Regent-Bascombe 18 points, 9 rebounds, an assist, 2 steals and a block, Saul May 18 points, 3 rebounds, an assist and 4 steals, Bailey Goodall 9 points (3/3 2FG, 1/1 3FG), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 4 blocks

Up next for Magic D2 is an away game against Leicester Warriors on Saturday 25th November at 4:20pm.  

Derby Trailblazers 79-73 Trafford Magic U18 – National Cup Round 4

Trafford Magic U18 dropped out of the National Cup after a fourth round away loss against Derby Trailblazers on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford U18 is a home game against Derby Trailblazers on Saturday 25th November at 3:30pm, followed by an away game against York Eagles on Sunday 26th November at 3:00pm, followed by a home game against Sheffield Elite on Tuesday 28th November at 6:30pm.

Nottingham Wildcats 68-47 Manchester Mystics U18 2

Manchester Mystics U18 2 moved to 1-1 in the Premier North after an away loss against Nottingham Wildcats on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U18 2 is an away game against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U18 on Tuesday 21st November at 8:15pm.  

Manchester Mystics U16 2 66–61* City of Birmingham Rockets – *Overtime

Manchester Mystics U16 2 moved to 2-3 in the Premier North after a overtime home win against City of Birmingham Rockets on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 2 is a home game against Bristol Academy Flyers on Saturday 2nd December at 3:30pm.

Manchester Giants Blue 49-70 Manchester Magic U14

Manchester Magic U14 moved to 5-0 in the Premier North after an away win against Manchester Giants Blue on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U14 is a home game against Milton Keynes Breakers on Sunday 3rd December at 12:30pm.

Manchester Magic U14 2 67-34 Manchester Giants Green

Manchester Magic U14 2 moved to 4-1 in the North West 1 after a home win against Manchester Giants Green on Saturday afternoon.  

Up next for Magic U14 2 is a home game against Tameside Vikings on Saturday 2nd December at 1:00pm.

Manchester Mystics U14 2 51–78 Sheffield Hatters

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

Up next for Mystics U14 2 is a home game against Lancashire Spinners on Saturday 25th November at 1:00pm.

Liverpool 22-87 Manchester Magic U12 2

Manchester Magic U12 2 moved to 2-0 in the North West Mersey League after an away win against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U12 2 is an away game against Bromborough on Sunday 3rd December at 1:45pm.

Manchester Mystics U12 89-47 Padgate

Manchester Mystics U12 moved to 2-0 in the North West League after a home win against Padgate on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U12 was an away game against Lancashire Spinners on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

Sunday 12th November

Manchester Mystics D1 68–61 Barking Abbey

Manchester Mystics D1 moved to 4-3 in the WNBL Division One after a home win against Barking Abbey on Sunday afternoon.

Mystics were led by, Elizandra Costa 19 points 2 rebounds and a steal, with support from Natalie Feurtado 10 points, 7 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals, Hannah Alty 10 points, 4 rebounds and an assist, Irene Oboavwoduo 9 points, 9 rebounds, an assist and 3 steals, Favour Elabor 5 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, Rehanna Khalil 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals, Alejandra Escriva-Gay 4 points, 3 rebounds 3 assists and a block.

Up next of Mystics D1 is an away game against Loughborough Riders on Saturday 25th November at 3:00pm.

Manchester Magic U16 119–39 Sheffield Elite – National Cup Round 4

Manchester Magic U16 advanced to the next round of the National Cup after a home win over Sheffield Elite on Sunday morning, the Quarter Final of the cup will take place on Sunday 3rd December.

Up next for Magic U16 is a home game against Sheffield Elite on Saturday 25th November at 1:00pm.

Manchester Magic U16 2 48–82 Manchester Swarm

Manchester Magic U16 2 moved to 1-4 in the Conference North West after a home loss against Manchester Swarm on Sunday afternoon. 

Up next for Magic U16 2 is an away game against Preston on Sunday 26th November at 1:00pm.

Manchester Mystics U16 73–82 Milton Keynes Breakers – National Cup Round Quarter Final

Manchester Mystics U16 dropped out of the National Cup at the Quarter Final stage after a home loss against Milton Keynes Breakers on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 is an away game against City of Birmingham Rockets on Saturday 25th November at 12:30pm.

Manchester Mystics U16 3 77–43 City of Leeds Black

Manchester Mystics U16 3 moved to 4-3 in the Conference North after a home win against City of Leeds Black on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 3 is a home game against City of Leeds Gold on Sunday 3rd December at 3:00pm.

Manchester Magic U12 79–48 Stockport Falcons

Manchester Magic U12 moved to 4-0 in the North West Irwell League after a home win against Stockport Falcons on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U12 is a home game against Cheshire Wire on Sunday 10th December at 12:30pm.

Lancashire Spinners 23-93 Manchester Mystics U12

Manchester Mystics U12 moved to 3-0 in the North West League after a home win against Lancashire Spinners on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U12 is an away game against Mersey Mavericks on Saturday 2nd December at 12noon. 

Your team performance of the week last week was Manchester Magic U12 with 40% of the vote.

Who was your team of the week this week? (Voted closed)

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2023-24 Week 7

Monday 8th November

Manchester Mystics U16 106-35 Manchester Mystics U16 2 National Cup Round 3

Manchester Mystics U16 advanced to the next round of the National Cup after a home win over in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U16 on Monday evening, the Quarter Final of the cup will take place on Sunday 19th November. Manchester Mystics U16 2 are out of the National Cup at the third-round stage.

Up next for Mystics U16 is a home game against Nottingham Wildcats on Saturday 18th November at 1:00pm.

Up next for Mystics U16 2 is a home game against City of Birmingham Rockets on Saturday 18th November at 3:30pm.

Saturday 11th November

Manchester Magic D2 80–57 Doncaster Eagles

Manchester Magic D2 moved to 6-1 in the NBL Division Two after a home win against Doncaster Eagles on Saturday evening.

Magic were led by, Martel Elly 14 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals and a block, with support from Andre Gayle 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block and Tyme Regent-Bascombe 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists.

Up next for Magic D2 was a home National Cup Fourth Round game against Leicester Warriors on Sunday evening, find out how they got on below. 

Team QE Basketball Academy 41-81 Manchester Magic U18

Manchester Magic U18 moved to 5-1 in the Premier North after an away win/ against Team QE Basketball Academy on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U18 was a home game against Leeds LDM on Sunday, found out how they got on below.

Leicester Riders 62-88 Manchester Magic U16

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

Up next for Magic U16 is a home National Cup Fourth Round game against Sheffield Elite on Sunday 19th November at 10:00am.

Trafford Magic U16 73–83 Newcastle Eagles

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

Up next for Trafford U16 was an away game against Northamptonshire Titans on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

Liverpool 67-60 Manchester Mystics U16 3

Manchester Mystics U16 3 moved to 3-2 in the Conference North after an away loss against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 3 is a home game against Lancashire Spinners on Thursday 16th November at 6:00pm.

Mersey Mavericks Purple 13-76 Manchester Magic U12

Manchester Magic U12 moved to 3-0 in the North West Irwell League after an away win against Mersey Mavericks Purple on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U12 is a home game against Stockport Falcons on Sunday 19th November at 12:30pm.

Manchester Mystics U12 2 27-89 Stockport Lapwings

Manchester Mystics U12 2 moved to 0-2 in the North West League after a home loss against Stockport Lapwings on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U12 2 is a home game against Chorley on Sunday 3rd December at 3:00pm.

Sunday 12th November

Manchester Magic D2 72–49 Leicester Warriors National Cup Round 4

Manchester Magic D2 advanced to the next round of the National Cup after a home win over Leicester Warriors on Sunday afternoon, the Quarter Final of the cup will take place on Sunday 17th December.

Magic were led by Darstin Onye 21 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, with support from Daniel Davies 10 points 11 rebounds, an assist and 2 blocks, Tyme Regent-Bascombe 8 points, 7 rebounds, an assist, 2 steals and a block, Josh Pearce 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks and Andre Gayle 7 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

Up next for Magic D2 is a home game against Bristol Academy Flyers on Saturday 18th November at 7:00pm.

Brent Bulls 77-39 Manchester Mystics D1

Manchester Mystics D1 moved to 3-3 in the WNBL Division One after an away loss against Brent Bulls on Sunday afternoon.

Up next of Mystics D1 is a home game against Barking Abbey on Sunday 19th November at 5:30pm.

Manchester Magic U18 80–44 Leeds LDM

Manchester Magic U18 moved to 6-1 in the Premier North after a home win against Leeds LDM on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U18 is an away game against City of Edinburgh on Saturday 25th November at 3:00pm.

Milton Keynes Breakers 70-34 Manchester Mystics U18 2 National Cup Round Quarter Final

Manchester Mystics U18 2 dropped out of the National Cup at the quarter-final stage after an away loss to Milton Keynes Breakers on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U18 2 is an away game against Nottingham Wildcats on Saturday 18th November at 2:00pm, followed by a home game against Bristol Academy Flyers on Sunday 19th November at 12:30pm.

Northamptonshire Titans 58-77 Trafford Magic U16

Trafford Magic U16 moved to 3-2 in the Premier North after an away win against Northamptonshire Titans on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford U16 is a home game against Manchester Giants on Saturday 25th November at 3:30pm.

Manchester Magic U16 2 63–88 Manchester Giants Green

Manchester Magic U16 2 moved to 1-3 in the Conference North West after a home loss against Manchester Giants Green on Sunday afternoon. 

Up next for Magic U16 2 is a home game against Manchester Swarm on Sunday 19th November at 3:00pm.

Manchester Magic U14 3 81–37 Stockport Falcons

Manchester Magic U14 3 moved to 1-1 in the North West Dee League after a home win against Stockport Falcons on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U14 3 is an away game against Cheshire Phoenix on Saturday 25th November at 5:00pm.

Manchester Magic U12 2 98–17 Mersey Mavericks Silver

Manchester Magic U12 2 opened their season with a home win against Mersey Mavericks Silver to go 1-0/0-1 in the North West Mersey League.

Up next for Magic U12 2 is an away game against Liverpool on Saturday 18th November at 11:00am.

Your team performance of the week last week was Trafford Magic U18 with 50% of the vote.

Who was your team of the week this week? (Vote Closed)

Coach Jim's Report

Coach Jim’s Report: Mystics U14 vs Mystics U14 2

Any Mystics I versus Mystics II can be as welcome as a severe dose of cramp at 3 o’clock in the morning. As Mystics I coach, you don’t want to run up a huge margin of victory (50+) but you certainly don’t want the embarrassment of a really close game (10 or less.) This impacts on your team selection. How many of your strongest players do you omit in an attempt to be considered ‘a jolly good sport’ by the Mystics II coach? Which of their players should you have chosen to be in Mystics I? Horror of horrors, what if the unthinkable happens and you actually lose the game? (Headline on Sky Sports News: ‘Youth team basketball coach goes into hiding.’)

After many sleepless nights deciding (not really), the talented quartet of Anya (with a ‘y’), Jane, Fatima and Alycia didn’t feature for us. 3 of them came to watch and 1 was playing football for England U15s. (No, not Fatima!) To begin, I resisted the Temptation(s) (my favourite group – ask an old person!) to go with my preferred starting 5. Mystics II took advantage of my generosity/naivety to draw first blood. They looked very lively and were very much our equals (another good group) at 12-12. An even first quarter ended with us 16-12 to the good despite an unconvincing opening 10 minutes. (We normally play in red but they were in red this time and our confusion caused us to occasionally pass to a player in red!)

I thought about using an alarm clock to get my team to wake up but, instead, invited them to up their defence and start moving the basketball instead of dribbling the seams off it. They listened and performed significantly better from then on. I was pleased with our team defence in the second period which limited our worthy opponent s to just 3 baskets over the 10 minutes. That said, they did very well to restrict us to a below par 16 points.

We had discussed find ways to improve our fast break potential and putting theory into practice, we ran in 45 points in the second half in an impressive display from all 12 players. To their credit, Mystics II posted 27 points of their own to make the final score 77-45, neither a huge margin nor too close for comfort. Our opponents had thrown us a banana skin but we prefer strawberries!

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2023-24 Week 6

Thursday 2nd November

Manchester Giants 71-74 Manchester Magic U18

Manchester Magic U18 moved to 3-1 in the Premier North after an away win against Manchester Giants on Thursday evening. 

Up next for Magic U18 was an away game against Charnwood College Riders on Saturday, find out how they got on below.

Lancashire Spinners 48-66 Manchester Mystics U14

Manchester Mystics U14 moved to 4-0 in the North 1 after an away win against Lancashire Spinners on Thursday evening. 

Up next for Mystics U14 was a home game against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U14 2 on Sunday, find out how they got on below. 

Saturday 4th November

Derbyshire Arrows 53-91 Manchester Magic D2

Manchester Magic D2 moved to 5-1 in the NBL Division Two after an away win against Derbyshire Arrows on Saturday evening.

Up next for Magic D2 is a home game against Doncaster Eagles on Saturday 11th November at 7:00pm.

Ipswich 102-41 Manchester Mystics D1

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

Mystics were led by, Hannah Alty 10 points, 7 rebounds and a block, with support from Elizandra Costa 10 points and an assist, Esi Asante 9 points, 3 rebounds and a steal and Alejandra Escriva-Gay 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 6 steals.

Up next of Mystics D1 was an away National Cup Third Round game against City of Birmingham Rockets on Sunday, find out how they got on below.

Charnwood College Riders 64-71 Manchester Magic U18

Manchester Magic U18 moved to 4-1 in the Premier North after an away win against Charnwood College Riders on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U18 was an away National Cup Third Round game against Derby Trailblazers on Sunday, find out how they got on below.

Manchester Magic U16 114–57 Milton Keynes Breakers – National Cup Round 3

Manchester Magic U16 advanced to the next round of the National Cup after a home win over Milton Keynes Breakers on Saturday afternoon, played at home, the fourth round of the cup will take place on Sunday 19th November.

Up next for Magic U16 is an away game against Leicester Riders on Saturday 11th November at 1:00pm.

Lancashire Spinners 83-53 Manchester Magic U16 2

Manchester Magic U16 2 moved to 1-2 in the Conference North West after an away loss against Lancashire Spinners on Saturday morning. 

Up next for Magic U16 2 is a home game against Manchester Giants Green on Saturday 11th November at 3:00pm.

Manchester Mystics U16 73–58 Sheffield Hatters

Manchester Mystics U16 moved to 3-0 in the Premier North after a home win against Sheffield Hatters on Saturday afternoon. 

Up next for Mystics U16 is a home National Cup Third Round game against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U16 2 on Wednesday 8th November. 

Leicester Riders 87-24 Manchester Mystics U16 2

Manchester Mystics U16 2 moved to 1-3 in the Premier North after an away loss against Leicester Riders on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 2 is an away National Cup Third Round game against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U16 on Wednesday 8th November.

Sunday 5th November

City of Birmingham Rockets 68-57 Manchester Mystics D1 – National Cup Round 3

Manchester Mystics D1 dropped out of the National Cup at the third round stage after an away loss against City of Birmingham Rockets on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics D1 is an away game against Brent Bulls on Sunday 12th November at 4:00pm.

Derby Trailblazers 73-70 Manchester Magic U18 National Cup Round 3

Manchester Magic U18 dropped out of the National Cup at the third round stage after an away loss against Derby Trailblazers on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U18 is an away game against Team QE Basketball Academy on Saturday 11th November at 11:00am.

Trafford Magic U18 82–73 Charnwood College Riders National Cup Round 3

Trafford Magic U18 advanced to the next round of the National Cup after a home win over Charnwood College Riders on Sunday afternoon, the fourth round of the cup will take place on Sunday 19th November.

Up next for Trafford U18 is the National Cup fourth round game against TBC on Sunday 19th November at TBC.

Manchester Mystics U18 74–50 Nottingham Wildcats National Cup Quarter Final

Manchester Mystics U18 advanced to the next round of the National Cup after a home win over Nottingham Wildcats on Sunday afternoon, the Semi Finals of the cup will take place on Sunday 3rd December.

Up next for Mystics U18 is an away game against City of Birmingham Rockets on Saturday 11th November at 2:20pm.

Newcastle Eagles 36-88 Manchester Magic U14

Manchester Magic U14 moved to 4-0 in the Premier North after an away win against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U14 is an away game against Manchester Giants on Saturday 18th November at 2:00pm.

Manchester Mystics U14 77–45 Manchester Mystics U14 2

Manchester Mystics U14 moved to 5-0 in the North 1 after a home win against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics on Sunday afternoon. Manchester Mystics U14 2 moved to 2-2.

Up next for Mystics U14 is an away game against Leicester Riders on Saturday 11th November at 5:00pm.

Up next for Mystics U14 2 is a home game against Sheffield Hatters on Saturday 18th November at 1:00pm.

Manchester Magic U12 98–8 Macc Town

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

Up next for Magic U12 is an away game against Mersey on Saturday 11th November at 12:00noon.

Your team performance of the week last week was Trafford Magic U18 with 50% of the vote.

Who was your team of the week this week? (Vote closed)

Coach Jim's Report

Coach Jim’s Report: Mystics U14 at Lancashire Spinners

In theory, an away trip to Bury to play Lancashire Spinners U14s doesn’t take as long as it does to cook a Sunday roast. It took us even longer than that yesterday due to the fact that we had to contend with the fact that every car owner in Greater Manchester and Lancashire decided to take their cars out for an evening spin!

The resultant late arrival for our players and kit left us with a severely curtailed warm-up session. Instead of our usual 30 minutes, we were afforded a less-than-generous 2 minutes to prepare. This was about as useful as asking the girls to warm-up by sucking a peppermint in an igloo!

Unsurprisingly, we under-performed in the first quarter, initially falling behind when scoring appeared to be as difficult as eating soup with a fork. We managed to draw level at 12-12 before hitting our stride in the second quarter which we won 16-9 with our 8 baskets shared amongst 6 players.

I asked for a fast start after half-time and that’s precisely what I was given!  At times, we had been guilty of too much unnecessary dribbling but now no bibs were required as we replaced this with incisive ball and player movement. This yielded 23 points in 10 minutes to make the outcome as safe as a safe!

I was now able to change players as often as Italy changes its Prime Minister throughout the fourth period without compromising the outcome. We still managed to shade the quarter 15-14 to emerge with a hard-fought, fully deserved 66-48 victory over worthy opponents.

I was pleased with with number of scoring opportunities we created when we kept things simple to share the basketball rather than dribbling it into areas more congested than Tokyo (the world’s most densely populated capital city.) Our rebounding became more and more impressive as the game progressed and all 12 Mystics made positive contributions on and off the bench.

That said, the most gratifying aspect for me, as with the away game at Sheffield, was that 2 of those not playing on this occasion again turned up to support their team-mates and friends. The team spirit amongst this group is sky high. This will pay dividends in close games. Despite being happy with the win the girls seemed more delighted with the claim that they had surpassed the target I set of 5 box outs by 1 to receive the reward of donuts for all which I made in a moment of weakness. I shall refrain from demanding a recount and search some out for Sunday or Monday. 

As always, many thanks to Louise and James for all they do and to all parent taxi drivers. Your support was much-appreciated and most apparent. See you on Sunday.

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2023-24 Week 5

Saturday 28th October

Manchester Magic D2 74–61 St. Helens Saints

Manchester Magic D2 moved to 4-1 in the NBL Division Two after a home win against St. Helens Saints on Saturday evening.

Magic were led by, Andre Gayle 21 points, 9 rebounds, an assist and a steal, with support from Noah Togo 13 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals, Josh Pearce 10 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal, Martel Elly 9 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals, Daniel Davies 8 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a block and Tyme Regent-Bascombe 8 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and a block.

Up next for Magic D2 is an away game against Derbyshire Arrows on Saturday 4th November at 5:00pm.

Manchester Magic U18 63–75 Trafford Magic U18

Manchester Magic U18 moved to 1-1 in the Premier North after a home loss against in-house rivals Trafford Magic on Saturday afternoon, Trafford Magic U18 moved to 3-3 in the Premier North.

Up next for Magic U18 was a home game against St. Helens Saints on Sunday afternoon, find out how they got on below.

Up next for Trafford U18 is a home National Cup Third Round game against Charnwood College Riders on Sunday 5th November at TBC. 

Manchester Mystics U16 2 44–113 Milton Keynes Breakers

Manchester Mystics U16 2 moved to 1-2 in the Premier North after a home loss against Milton Keynes Breakers on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 2 is an away game against Leicester Riders on Saturday 4th November at 1:00pm, followed by an away National Cup Third Round game against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U16 on Sunday 5th November at TBC.

Teeside Lions 44-62 Manchester Mystics U16 3

Manchester Mystics U16 3 moved to 3-1 in the Conference North after an away win against Teeside Lions on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 3 is a home game against Lancashire Spinners on Sunday 5th November at 3:00pm.

Manchester Magic U14 88–55 Leicester Riders

Manchester Magic U14 moved to 3-0 in the Premier North after a home win against Leicester Riders on Saturday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U14 is an away game against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday 5th October at 3:30pm.

Manchester Magic U14 2 57–35 Lancashire Spinners

Manchester Magic U14 2 moved to 3-0 in the North West 1 after a home win against Lancashire Spinners on Saturday afternoon.  

Up next for Magic U14 2 is an away game against Manchester Swarm on Sunday 5th November at 11:00am.

Manchester Mystics U14 2 70–40 Newcastle Eagles

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

Up next for Mystics U14 2 is an away game against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U14 on Sunday 5th November at 12:30pm.

Sunday 29th October

Manchester Mystics D1 37–55 Anglia Ruskin University

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

Mystics were led by, Irene Oboavwoduo 7 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists, with support from Success Odemwingie 6 points, 6 rebounds, an assist and a steal and Favour Elabor 4 points, 8 rebounds and a steal.

Up next of Mystics D1 is an away game against Ipswich on Saturday 4th November at 1:00pm, followed by an away National Cup Third Round game against City of Birmingham Rockets on Sunday 5th November at 4:30pm.

Manchester Magic U18 85–78 St. Helens Saints

Manchester Magic U18 moved to 2-1 in the Premier North after a home win against St. Helens Saints on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U18 is an away game against Charnwood College Riders on Saturday 4th November at 12:00noon, followed by an away National Cup Third Round game against Derby Trailblazers on Sunday 5th November at TBC.

York Eagles 45-66 Manchester Magic U16

Manchester Magic U16 moved to 5-0 in the Premier North after an away win against York Eagles on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Magic U16 is a home game against in-house rivals Trafford Magic U16 on Saturday 4th November at 1:00pm, followed by a home National Cup Third Round game against Milton Keynes Breakers on Sunday 5th November at TBC.

Leicester Riders 74-67 Trafford Magic U16

Trafford Magic U16 moved to 2-1 in the Premier North after an away loss against Leicester Riders on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Trafford U16 is an away game against in-house rivals Manchester Magic U16 on Saturday 4th November at 1:00pm.

Manchester Magic U16 2 95–46 Northwich

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

Up next for Magic U16 2 is an away game against Lancashire Spinners on Saturday 4th November at 10:00am.

Leicester Riders 54-56 Manchester Mystics U16

Manchester Mystics U16 moved to 2-0 in the Premier North after an away win against Leicester Riders on Sunday afternoon.  

Up next for Mystics U16 is a home game against Sheffield Hatters on Saturday 4th November at 1:00pm, followed by a home National Cup Third Round game against in-house rivals Manchester Mystics U16 2 on Sunday 5th November at TBC.

Congleton Grizzlies Red 65–29 Manchester Magic U14 3

Manchester Magic U14 3 opened their season with an away loss against Congleton Grizzles Red on Sunday afternoon to move to 0-1 in the North West Dee League.

Up next for Magic U14 3 is home game against Stockport Falcons on Sunday 12th November at 3:00pm.

Your team performance of the week last week was Manchester Mystics D1 with 60% of the vote.

Who was your team of the week this week? (vote closed)

Coach Jim's Report

Coach Jim’s Report Mystics U14 at Sheffield

Despite being understrength, Mystics U14 came through their toughest test so far this season when entering the Land of the Giants to play the previously unbeaten Sheffield Hatters on the wrong side of the Pennines last Saturday. This particular Battle of the Roses again saw red triumph over white in a contest of contrasting styles.

We rely heavily on our speed and could raise a couple of very good 4 x 100 metre squads from our team. Their strength lies in their strength! Consequently, we sought to out-run them. They wanted to pound the basketball into the paint (the key, not a tin of Duluxe brilliant white emulsion.)

This worked very much to our advantage throughout the first half. Our excellent starting 5 of Jane, Mojan, Tiana, Mya and Eniola ran up and down quicker than a high-speed lift to dominate the first quarter by 21-8 and the second by 25-11. My calculator informs me that this meant we led 46-19 at half-time, with Akeala, Adele and Elsa filling in admirably when called upon to give those team-mates gasping for breath a deserved break. Up to now, I had only been able to give Sophie and Fatima very brief appearances but neither let us down in any way.

Sky Sports News would have deemed this to be ‘game over,’ while Bet Fred would have locked their doors. However, whatever Sheffield had to drink during the interval caused a re-think. They were now proving more awkward than trying to write a letter with your wrong hand with gloves on in the dark! They were helped by the fact that, for some unknown reason, we had stopped doing what had worked so well in the first 20 minutes. They won the third quarter 13-20.

Adjustments were required and suggested. Their parents may disagree, but these young ladies are an obedient bunch. They responded well to the advice given and pushed our lead back up to a very safe 25 points before those who hadn’t had the chance to get out of breath were afforded at few minutes to show their worth.

Our 69-51 victory over worthy opponents was fully merited in a performance which bodes very well for the future. Many thanks to James, Laura and Louise for all their invaluable assistance and to all parents/taxi drivers for your wonderful support.