Ipswich’s Under-14 Boys travelled to Essex on Saturday to play the Rockets. Having lost by three in the home fixture the team knew it would be a close game, writes Rob Schatten.

Essex scored a series of fast break points early in the second quarter and pulled out a ten point lead, but an Ipswich time-out proved to be the turning point of the first half with the Blues coming out with a high paced aggressive full court press and a 15-0 run. Ipswich therefore entered the half up two.

After the break Rockets rallied and pulled out a seven point lead but again Ipswich applied their press, and made a 16-0 run. This set the foundation for the final act as the full court defence enabled Ipswich to pull out and maintain a lead to secure an impressive 85-71 victory.

Coach Syd Payne said: “This is, by far, the best performance the boys have had this season. They really functioned well as a team and executed what we have been practicing. This is a great platform to build on from the second half of the season.”

Idris Lebbie led the way with 34 points. Luke Da Silva added 22 with 11 assists, and Harrison Gregg racked up 16 points.

There was also an important win for the Under-16 Girls, who knocked off West Herts Warriors 66-51 at Copleston.

With everyone knowing this was a must-win game for the team, Ipswich played with a chip on their shoulder and a point to prove. The teams exchanged baskets for the first quarter, but Ipswich were able to pull out an eight-point lead.

Going into the third quarter with a ten-point lead, a change in defence saw the home team run out a 15 point lead going into the fourth, which they successfully maintained to the final buzzer.

With all Coach Hayley Rigby’s players contributing well, Esther Little led the scoring with 36, whilst Cameron Taylor-Willis and Susannah Rafiu supported with 6 points each.

Elsewhere, the Under-16 Boys suffered a scoreless third quarter as they slumped to a heavy defeat at Haringey, losing 102-35.