ENGLAND BASKETBALL PLAYERS AND COACHES OF THE YEAR

Congratulation to the Wessex Members who have been selected for Player and Coach of the Year awards.

Players
VCARS.co.uk D2 Women (Midlands - South East) Becky Lear, Reading Rockets (and Aztec Storm)
VCARS.co.uk D4 Men (South West)- Ben Clarke, Bracknell Cobras
Coach
VCARS.co.uk D4 Men (South West)- Bob Banks, Bracknell Cobras

WARRIOR WEEKEND INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT

This years tournament took place at the AGSC and Fox Gymnasium in Aldershot. For a report on each of the teams see below

Wessex Ladies
Wessex 52, Army 33

A tough Army side came out strong in the first quarter putting Wessex under a great deal of pressure on the ball in a man to man defence. The sides went into the second quarter level on 15 points each. Wessex took a slender 4 point lead into half time (25-21). Wessex began to pull away in the second half, scoring a number of good baskets. The final score was 52 - 33 to Wessex. Top scorer in this game was Caroline Turner with 16 points.

Wessex 49, Winchester 50

A fresh Winchester team started the game brightly with their pressure defence causing Wessex to turn the ball over on a few occasions early on. Winchester pulled away to an 8 point advantage at half time, but this was cut in half to 4 points going into the final quarter. Wessex continued to chip away at the score but ended up 5 points down with 2 minutes remaining. A basket and two free throws in the final minutes made for a tense finish, but it wasn't quite enough as Wessex were unlucky to finish up one point down, despite stopping Winchester from scoring at all in the last 3 minutes. Top scorer in this game was again Caroline Turner with 14 points.

Players:
Jody Matthews(COACH) (Camberley Golden Eagles)
Laura Wallman (Camberley Golden Eagles)
Kelly Shorey (Camberley Golden Eagles)
Stacey Thompson (Camberley Golden Eagles)
Emma Seria Walker (Camberley Golden Eagles)
Jo Baker (CAPTAIN) (Camberley Golden Eagles)
Alice Rose (Camberley Golden Eagles)
Katie Wright (Woking Blackhawks)
Caroline Turner (Aldworth Arrows)
Nicky Harris (Aztec Storm)

Wessex U23s/Men
With the withdrawal of the third team the tournament was reduced to straight two-way competition between Wessex and the Army.  However the two deciding games between the senior men and under 23’s proved to be highly competitive and entertaining played in a true sportsmanlike manner.

Under 23’s  Wessex 64:56 Army

The under 23’s played first. The Army took the upper hand initially with their lead extending to 14 points during the 2nd quarter. The Wessex U23’s took their time to get into their flow, however their perseverance against the physical attack of the Army produced some outstanding plays that turned the tide of the game. Both sides gave their all however Wessex maintained their advantage to run out with a 8 point win.  Simon Pleass was named as MVP

Senior Mens Wessex 95:100 Army (ET)

With the Wessex U23s having won their game the Senior men knew what was required. Coach Knode had assembled a squad primarily from Woking Blackhawks but supplemented by a couple of key players from Bracknell Cobras. The squad had a good combination of height power, speed and experience. This was however matched by the Army squad in particular their MVP No 11 (Des George) whose shooting was pivotal to the final result.
Throughout the entire game the Army led however a massive push in the last two minutes enabled Wessex to tie the game and force extra time. Wessex were on a massive high at the start of the extra period  however the Army appeared to have just that ‘extra bit of juice’ that enabled them to take the final victory. Coach Knode stated ‘it was a fantastic game to be involved with, it was a good team performance which in the end came down to the shooting of the Army’s No 11.
Reverse Games
The second games of the tournament were played between the Under 23s and the  Senior men of each team.  The results were predictable however the games were competitive and provided great experience all around.
Wessex Under 23 49:81 Army Senior Men
Army Under 23 50:86 Wessex Senior Men

STEVE LALLAMENT AWARD FOR OFFICIATING

Every year we present the Lallament trophy to respect the memory of ex Wessex Referee Steve Lallament who tragically died at the height of his Refereeing career. The award is for the Wessex Referee that you (the members) feel has contributed most to officiating for Wessex Basketball this season, showing a good feel for the game, whilst setting a good example for his/her peers and is deserving of recognition.

IMPORTANT - A pattern in recent years has been noticed that some clubs usually vote for an official that has done the majority of their home games. Whilst this is understandable please try and think outside the box, think also of the officials that have officiated your away games and also those that epitomise the spirit of fairness and good communication as well as always trying to do their best. It maybe a new referee that you feel has worked really hard to improve. Remember, this award means a great deal to Wessex Officials, especially the recipient of the award, so please use your vote.

Please take a few minutes to consult your team members and email your nomination to the Wessex Secretary.

Nominations will be accepted from all members including Wessex officials and the committee so please respect Steve's memory and give your nomination by the end of May

Wessex Basketball AGM

The Wessex Basketball Association AGM will take place on Tue 16 July 2013 at the Aldworth Science College, Basingstoke at 20:00 hrs

Wessex Basketball League Play Offs Rules

The Wessex Basketball Playoff rules are now contained in the league regs item 8

END OF SEASON - Playoff Dates and Remaining Cup weeks

The Cut-off date for results from league fixtures to be counted towards play-off qualification is Sunday 7th April 2013.

Play-offs will include the top 4 in each division and the semi-final fixtures will be -
1st v 4th
2nd v 3rd
The semi-finals will be played over 2 legs, the lower seeded team at home in first leg.

The two legs of the semi-finals will be played

1st leg of play-off semi-finals – w/c 13th April 2013
2nd leg of play-off semi-finals – w/c 20th April 2013

The winner of the semi-finals will be decided by aggregate score (i.e. ties are possible in either leg)

The Play-off finals will be on Sunday 12th May 2013.

Other dates to note the Semi Finals of all Cup and Plate competitions will be played in the week commencing 13 April with Cup Finals Day being played at the AGSC on Sun 26 May 2013

ENGLAND BASKETBALL CLUB FUNDING
In response to ever increasing demand from young people to play basketball for fun, EB are pleased to announce support for affiliated clubs, associations, leagues, colleges and universities keen to encourage year round participation amongst those aged 14-25 in education through IM Basketball.

For more information click the link below:

IM Basketball Funding Opportunity