Following on from earlier in the week, our newly formed year 7 basketball team kept their 100% record intact with their fifth win of the season in their latest game against Cowes Enterprise College.  The boys have shown fantastic team spirit over the last few weeks to come together as a group of boys who had never played a competitive game of basketball in order to put together ever-improving performances. 

Today everything seemed to click as the boys made the most of some excellent team passing and solid defensive structure.  Jenson scored 2 points but most impressively, and the reason for his best performance of the season to date, came as a result of some excellent assist play throughout which, at times, looked like a young Magic Johnson from the 80s. Albie continued his good form at both ends of the court, playing some tough defence and making multiple interceptions whilst also contributing 6 points thanks to his mid-range shooting becoming more consistent. Sullivan was playing with speed and a desire to get involved all over the court, which led to him scoring 6 points and also causing numerous turnovers for the team to capitalise on. Joshua, despite carrying an injury, put in a solid performance, scoring 12 points and most impressively scoring four straight free throws which, when combined with his efforts to rebound and help his team out, showed great courage throughout. Jack, as always, got himself into good shooting positions and, whilst he scored 2 points in the game, he was very unlucky not to have more like double figures as so many shots almost looked like they went in only to come back out.  However, his ability to get out and run the sides of the court is what helps his team the most in keeping space and creating opportunities for others.

Seb, after missing the last game, slotted back in well, scoring 4 points and bringing a calmness to the team when bringing the ball up the court under pressure.  Reuben contributed with 4 points, but his constant decision-making on when to press and when to hold back is what makes him standout as a key defender on the team. Jake continued to be a key figure, playing as the key player close to the basket at both ends of the court, and as he reached above everyone to put home his first score of the season, the team went crazy and the smile on his face was exactly what youth sport is all about.  Well done Jake for your perseverance and determination to get better and better.  With Oscar only playing his second game of the season after being chief table official prior to this, he has brought another strong defensive presence to the team and when he also scored his first points of the season it left just one determined individual to cap off a full team performance.  Thomas has been instrumental throughout the games so far this season, popping up in the right place at the right time and when he scored his first points of the season with what would be our last score of the game, the whole team celebrated in style.  

After what has been a fantastic start to basketball at Carisbrooke, the year 7s will now look forward to playing a few more games next half-term, followed by their annual basketball tournament.  We're all looking forward to seeing what you can achieve over the next five years. Special thank you to Araya, Seren and Ruby for doing the scorers table tonight, much appreciated.