The Ipswich Under-16 Boys split their double-header, going 1-1 for the weekend, writes Rob Schatten.

Adam Robinson’s side lost a very fast paced and tough away fixture at Kent on Saturday. Ipswich finished off second best losing 65-49 despite 14 points from Joe Winder.

Ipswich followed up this disappointing result with a convincing win at home to Luton Basketball 68-36 on Sunday, in the National Cup. Winder led the scoring again with 17 points while Seb Mobee and Ethan Price added 11 and ten respectively.

Kevin Manning’s first game as coach of the Under-14 Girls ended with a nail-biting 71-72 defeat to Southend Swifts.

Only one basket split the two teams after the first quarter, but during the second Ipswich pushed ahead and led by 13 at the half.

Foul trouble for the home side meant limited minutes for the starters, but contributions from the bench maintained the lead going into the final ten minutes. Southend then staged a remarkable recovery and Ipswich’s missed free throws cost them dearly.

Makenna Williams had an impressive 20 points, followed by Alicia Boddy (19) and Anika Brown (10).

Hayley Rigby’s under-16 girls suffered a 56-67 loss at West Herts.

“The players had to fight different obstacles throughout this game,” said Coach Rigby. “It became a game of learning how to adapt and play outside our comfort zones. One good thing to come out of this game is the players now have a fire in their belly to make this season very successful.”

Esther Little finished with 13 points.

Syd Payne’s Under-14 boys were also on the wrong end of the result, losing a three-point game at home to Essex Rockets.

With eight minutes to go, Ipswich were 17 down but with great hustle from the entire team at both ends of the floor, the hosts pulled the game back. Ipswich had a chance to tie it at the buzzer but couldn’t connect.

Luke Da Silva shone with 30 points, Harrison Gregg added 22.

Noel Lambert and the Under-18s were overcome 83-46 at Milton Keynes Trojans. Matt Spurling (17) and Tom Payne (14) led the scoring.