Coach Hayley Rigby and the Ipswich Under-16 Girls secured a 86-65 win at rivals Southend Swifts to progress to the semi-finals of the Under-16 Cup, writes Ron Schatten.

Ipswich started the game very well with an 8-0 run, finishing the first quarter up by 10. Southend came out strong in the third quarter, but Ipswich maintained their 14-point lead.

Ipswich controlled the game by playing to their strengths and with confidence.

“Today was a huge team effort with all players contributing at both ends of the court,” said Rigby. “We never let our intensity drop throughout.”

Scoring was led by Esther Little with 29, supported by Cameron Taylor-Willis and Nicole Aston scoring 27 and 10 respectively.

The Under-16 Boys notched up another win Saturday to continue their vast improvement from the beginning of the season, holding off Lewisham Thunder for a 75-64 win at Copleston.

A third quarter run from Coach Adam Robinson’s boys proved the biggest difference between the two sides in what again was a great advert for the U16 South Premier Division.

Ethan Price led scoring with 16 points while Troy Huggins and Jacob Morgan added 14 each.

The Under-14 Girls steam-rolled Baddow Eagles for a 91-31 away win on Saturday afternoon.

Ipswich were coming off the back two consecutive home court wins.

Straight from the tip-off Ipswich found a way to disrupt the home side’s efforts and create open transition opportunities, Ipswich were 14 points to the good before Baddow entered the game.

It was 24-11 at the end of the first quarter, which proved to be the most effective period of the game for Baddow as they were held to single figure scoring for the remaining quarters.

Coach Kevin Manning’s side secured the win at a canter on the back of fast break successes and dribble-drive conversions.

Huge scoring displays from Alicia Boddy (37 points) and Makenna Williams (29 points), supported by contributions from throughout the bench, made for a great result.

Coach Syd Payne acknowledged that “a disappointing team defensive performance” cost his Under-14 Boys, who lost 62-103 to powerhouse Brentwood Fire on Saturday morning.