The Ipswich Basketball Club Under-18s secured an important win on the road at Essex Blades, 71-63, writes Rob Schatten.

Essex had the height advantage but Ipswich’s 15-point first half lead came from beyond the arc or further.

Fabio Moreira had an exceptional game in the post at both ends of the court with Blake Read mopping up the boards when given the chance and Ben Winter taking advantage on the perimeter.

Essex launched a comeback attempt after half-time, reducing the lead to two, but a 9-0 fourth-quarter run enabled Ipswich to close out the win. Winter top-scored with 27 points; Moreira added 14 and Read 12.

There was also a road win for the Under-14 Boys, who defeated a spirited Brentwood Leopards team 78-39 with a well-rounded team performance.

The team pulled out a commanding 20-point lead early on, allowing coach Syd Payne to rotate frequently and provide new players with some valuable court experience. The icing on the cake was holding the home team scoreless for the final six minutes.

Owen Underwood’s 15 points led a balanced team scoring effort; Idriss Lebbie added 13 and Harrison Gregg another 12.

Adam Robinson and the Under-16 Boys lost on the road to Baltic Stars away in London on Saturday, 67-64. Ethan Price led with 18 points, aided by 15 from Seb Mobee and 14 by Troy Higgins.

However, Ipswich came back from a 20 point-deficit to beat Sussex Storm in overtime at Copleston on Sunday, winning 76-69. Price led all scorers with a huge 41-point performance, backed up by an impressive defensive effort from the whole squad.

The Under-14 Girls suffered a heavy 87-38 defeat at Newham Youngbloods.

The side made their first trip to the capital this season, without some more established players, and came away with a better idea of the level of competition that awaits them in this season’s new look conference.

Abbie Yorke tallied 12 points for Ipswich; Makenna Williams added seven.

Hayley Rigby’s Under-16 girls also suffered defeat on the road as a depleted team lost 38-75 at Manchester Mystics.

Tash Jarvis had 18 points, Susannah Rafiu 12 and Ella Pearson five.