Ipswich Basketball Club’s U16 Boys were in action both days this weekend, beating Solent Kestrels on Saturday 85-73 in a game marred slightly by injury to captain Caleb Fuller.
However, Sunday’s game was a more dramatic affair – facing Northants Titans for a place in the National Cup Quarter-finals without Fuller and Adam Darbous, a back-and-forth first half saw the visitors edge to a two-point lead, which was extended to nine points after three quarters.
A change in defensive tactics led to Ipswich taking the game to overtime after tying 83-83.
However, even an extra period wasn’t enough to separate the sides, until a dramatic late three from Blake Read finally sealed the tie with just seconds to play.
Coach Dave Girling said: “This was a remarkable performance from a depleted squad, demonstrating the depth of talent we have here”.
The U18 Men faced winless Harlow without their leading scorer, but determined to send a message to the rest of their division - which they did in a dominant 135-42 victory, holding the visitors to just 12 second-half points.
Karl Saffery led the way with 28 points and 14 rebounds, Bobby Ralston also chipped in 20 points, while James Andrews and Wes Flaherty each contributed 14 points and Rory Winter scored 12 with 11 assists as Ipswich notched the biggest win in their division this season.
The senior women travelled to Reading Rockets in the National Trophy, with Coach Arron MacDonald taking the team for the first time. The ladies started well, with Harriet Welham (25 points), Danni Cazey (14) and Amy Linton (11) building a 57-41 lead after three.
However, Reading mounted a fourth-quarter comeback, making two free-throws to win in the final seconds, 72-70.
Elsewhere, the U16 Girls visited Pioneers South after a break from action, dominating in an 74-18 victory. Leading scorers were Jas Tebbit (25), Maya Price (18) & Francis Musson (16).
The U13 Boys moved to 10-0, winning 108-29 against Brentwood in a great team effort – with seven players in double-digits, led by Veron with 20 points, while Seb, Ethan and Paris chimed in with 15 apiece.
Finally, the U14 Girls claimed a 20-0 forfeit win.
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