INTERVIEW: Bradley Fisher

Bradley signing his letter of intent with Myerscough Head Coach Neal Hopkins

We sit down with Montana State commit Bradley Fisher to discuss his early basketball memories and his hopes for the future..

We asked 7ft Bradley what his earliest memory of basketball was;

My earliest memory of basketball would have to be in year 7 when I was walking to my first P.E class of high school and the teacher at the time asked if I have ever considered basketball, I said no, then he said 'Well you are getting down to practice after school today.' After that day I have always played basketball.
 

How did you come to be in the position you are in today?

The reason behind where I am today is by grabbing the opportunities I had and working hard both pre, during and post season. It has taken a lot of extra sessions on top of what I had but it was worth it and it will continue to help no matter what.

How did it feel to sign with Montana?

Signing with Montana State was a dream come true. Just to see that all the work you have put in over the years has finally paid off just hit you all at once. I felt comfortable with the Coaching staff and the academic side of what I was getting into. It just felt great, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Having already spent a few years out in America what is it like compared to the UK?

The American style of play is very fast, they like to get up and down the floor with speed and athleticism. Compared to the UK it's more athletic and a lot quicker during the games. Also the attention it has from almost every aspect from newspapers, twitter, recruiting sites etc. they really love basketball!

What are your plans for the summer?

My plans this summer are to hopefully go out to Montana State and attend the training camp and summer school that they have. Where I will get to start on my degree and get to know my teammates before actual school starts in autumn.

Where do you hope to be in 5 years time?

5 years time? I have no idea. I hope to be able to have opportunities to play professionally in different countries which will be no easy task.

What would you say to an aspiring basketball player to help them achieve their goals?

In order to achieve your goals you will have to go all in. Give everything you have towards that goal. Take every opportunity to better yourself not just in basketball but as a student and overall person. Finally always be thankful to those around you who are willing to take you to practice or school/college and make you sandwiches, buy you basketball gear and all those kind of things.

How has Myerscough helped ready you for D1 ball?

Myerscough has helped me prepare for D1 through the style of training sessions, being able to get what I need to head over there in the summer, but also providing the support through advice and coaching on different things also by helping me understand what I should expect to do and see while at MSU.


Thanks Brad!

Myerscough embark on their first Euro adventure

 

After the successful open day and taster event run by the basketball academy staff on Monday the 14th of April, it was straight back to it; this time in readiness for our first trip abroad.

 

Luxembourg was the chosen destination, and with the promise of a great international tournament in Bertrange (the Sparteens cup) we hit the road.

After a long trip, we arrived in Folkestone, where we would spend the night ahead of a ferry crossing to Calais in the morning. A trouble free trip across the channel on Thursday took us into France. En route to Luxembourg (a 5 hour trip from Calais) we called in on Dunkirk for history lesson. After spending a few hours stretching our legs it was back on the bus.

 

With this being many of the guys first trip abroad to play basketball, Luxembourg provided a fantastic location, a quick visit to the arena in Bertrange, which is an outstanding venue put everyone in high spirits and lifted the excitement levels ahead of our first game on Friday evening.

Our game schedule meant that we had Friday morning off; this gave us a great opportunity to head into the Luxembourg City. The city steeped in history was a fantastic place to visit – it really gave the guys an idea of the culture of our host country and an eye opener as to the beauty of Luxembourg.

With a return to the arena we prepped and got loose ahead of our opening fixture against OKK Belgrade (Beograd). Our Serbian opponents who were founded in 1945 carried a lot of history, their professional team play in the top league in their home country and the club have had several members inducted into the FIBA hall of fame including the late Radivoj Korac. It was most certainly the best way to start our European adventure and without understand the magnitude of the club we were about to face we tipped off. No fear was shown in the opening exchanges and despite the Serbian side holding a significant height advantage Myerscough adjusted well limiting the inside presence of Belgrade with a physical approach. In European fashion Belgrade broke up our transition and made life hard, tactically prying on any visible weaknesses. As the game wore on it was obvious that Myerscough were not to be beaten easily and with Belgrade limiting their rotation we continued to plug away. An 11 point hole that had developed but with one minute to play we brought the score to within 2 points after a well worked offense from a timeout, and a stop on the defensive end resulted in an opportunity to score – however Myerscough rimmed out from deep. After a late foul Myerscough dropped game 1 by 3 points, missing 13 free throws along the way, final score 48 - 45. In what was certainly an eye opener for the lads we had battled throughout, for many this was the first time playing abroad and the first time experiencing the physical and tactical elements of European basketball – it was a great way to start. Belgrade went on to win the tournament crushing most teams on the way.

 

It was back to the hotel ahead of a loaded Saturday and an early get up.

With the first game at 8:30am we were up and at breakfast at 7:15am – our first game of the day would put us up against Leuven Bears of Belgium, with both teams starting slowly it was clear that concentration would be the order of the fixture, with a rotation of Coaches Myerscough’s Dan Gayle took charge. With both teams exchanging and neither able to pull away the game headed backwards and forwards for its entirety, Leuven shot the ball well from downtown whilst Myerscough struggled for an offensive impact. Leuven did a great job in preventing our dribble drive game and limited us to contested jump shots, which at 9am in the morning was not as effective as it could have been. As time wound down the Belgium’s opened up a small margin and as time expired managed to maintain the lead to send us to a 0 – 2 record walking out 4 point winners 32-28.

 

There was no time to rest as our final group game came at 11:30, this time we would play Binnenland from the Netherlands, a team we had watched the previous evening and been very impressed with. The game was fiercely competitive from the beginning and incredibly close, both teams coming up with big plays on both ends of the floor. Myerscough as they had done all tournament went far deeper into their rotation than the Dutch team using all 12 player through most quarters with great effect, with 3 minutes left we found ourselves down by 4 points. With two great stops we tied the game up, and with 18 seconds to play ran a play out of a timeout to take the lead – the play, run to perfection resulted in an open lay-up, possibly with too much time we failed to execute allowing the Dutch team to run the floor to score for 2. With no timeouts remaining we ran what we could but couldn’t find a score – a foul late in the clock put Binnenland back to the line where they split to take a 3 point advantage and no time left for a last heave. In what was a fantastic game of basketball with highs and lows we dropped to a 0-3 group record after the 49-46 loss. High praise was in order for both teams after the fixture for putting on a real show. It was a great game to be a part of.

Having finished bottom of a very tough group we would now play for 7 – 12^th spot.

Our first classification game would come against Stambruges who had finished 3rd in group A – after a slow start we hit stride, finding our touch around the ring and finishing well through contact. Stambruges struggled to stay in front of our guards and we scored with relative ease. The game put into context the level of the teams in our original group as we eased to a 30 point victory to mark our first international W – final score 62 – 32.

 

In what was our fourth game of the day we would take on the host team Sparta, a relatively young team who were eager to please the home supporters. It was very much self-preservation mode for the first quarter, with neither team asserting themselves on the game after a gruelling schedule.

 

Sparta shot the lights out from downtown to open up a 6 point gap during the 2^nd, to be replied by a rally from Myerscough levelling the game at the half. Some big plays down the stretch by a tired Myerscough team helped us etch out a 6 point victory and set up the possibility of 6^th place. The final score being 42 – 36, in what was a real battle of a game.  

 

The evening saw some down time and allowed us to stay at the arena to watch Sparta’s professional team play league champions Amicale as Sparta hunted the last playoff spot – we were treated to an awesome exhibition of basketball and the guys got to experience the atmosphere at a European basketball game – it was certainly inspiring. Sparta led by a point guard master class from the outgoing Kasey Ulin grabbed a memorable victory over their rivals in what was a heated, high paced affair. After the game it was back to the hotel and to bed!

 

With our final fixture at 2pm on the final day, we had the chance to sit back and watch some of the other teams and take on ideas during the final morning, it also allowed some time for reflection on what had been a great experience.

Game time came and once again we took to the court against Leuven Bears in an attempt for some retribution from our group game defeat. We started well, moving the ball with purpose and finishing well to punch out a 10 point lead, then as rotations came in we began to fatigue, going 9 minutes scoreless to trail by 8 at the half. A third quarter push saw us tie the ball game going into the fourth but with energy levels low we slipped to a 4 point defeat to end our tournament in 7^th place and with lots of positives to think about.

With an evening spent in the hotel it was an early start on Monday morning as we headed back to the UK, somehow we managed to get to Calais within great time and managed to catch an earlier ferry, meaning we arrived back at Myerscough after a 9 hour drive at 6:30pm – marking a little victory at the end of a great trip.

Upon reflection the tournament had provided a great stage for us to gain some valuable experience, which is what we hoped for. A great spread in playing time and everyone seeing extended minutes was the aim of the trip and considering the inexperience we have at that level the guys should be proud of every minute they played. There is a lot to take away from the trip and memories that will last a life time – our huge thanks go out to Sparta for hosting us.

 

 

Elite 8 up next for Myerscough

 

 

Having completed the regular season with a 10 win to 2 loss record and finishing as the second seed in the North, a sweet sixteen match up against Noel Baker School (Derby) faced Myerscough on Wednesday afternoon. Noel Baker finished their regular season 3rd in the All Midland Conference with a 9 win to 5 loss record.

Andre Gayle opened the scoring for the home side, knocking down from 3 after a well worked offense. Noel Baker struggled to convert during the early exchanges finally netting after 5 minutes from the charity stripe, Myerscough however failed to capitalise on Noel Baker’s slow start leading 5 – 3 at the mid-way point. A 7 point burst by Trevor Samuel forced the travelling side into a timeout and with nerves settled Noel Baker knocked down back to back triples to trail by 3 after 9 minutes, time wound down on the quarter and with the buzzer sounding Myerscough held a 4 point lead 18 – 14.

Both teams took back to the court, a Noel Baker three was quickly answered from deep by Gayle. Points were traded either way in the early goings but with Myerscough holding a 2 point lead Noel Baker sparked into life stringing together a 12 – 2 run which ended with back to back three’s. After 9 minutes and with the score at 35 – 27 in Noel Baker’s favour, a time-out was used by the home side who were uncharacteristically lethargic. Myerscough regained their nerve and a Will Shaw three further settled the home side. Noel Baker had sent a statement in the 2^nd taking the quarter by 11 points to lead 39 – 32 heading into the break.

The third quarter marked a turning point for Myerscough and as they settled they began to find a way to attack the effective and well-structured Noel Baker zone, an 8 – 4 run put Myerscough within 2 points after 3 minutes of the quarter. Back to back scores from the away side saw a 7 point lead re-open. Trevor Samuel then sparked a 12 point run for Myerscough as the playoff newcomers locked down on the defensive end limiting Noel Baker to forced shots. Myerscough wrapped up the quarter on the high side taking a slim 56 – 52 point lead into the final period.

Into the 4^th and Noel Baker struck first to trail by 2, Montel Dennis replied for Myerscough knocking down from mid-range. A change in defence from the travelling side inspired a 5 point burst which saw Noel Baker take a 1 point lead with 5 minutes gone in the quarter. A time out was used by the home team and with instructions given Emmanuel Kebangele got himself to the line, knocking down both to give Myerscough a 1 point lead. Chris Bwana who had driven the Myerscough offense then hit from downtown to open up a small cushion for Myerscough. With 8 minutes gone and Myerscough leading 65 – 62 a foul on a three point attempt saw Noel Baker calmly knock down all to level the game at 65. Myerscough however were not to be beaten and ended the game with a 7 point run to secure their place in the EABL’s elite 8.

Trevor Samuel was dominant in the second half finishing the game with 20 points and 7 boards, Emmanuel Kabengele continued his outstanding form finishing with a 16 point 13 rebound double double, Andre Gayle finished with 14 points 7 boards whilst dishing out 5 assists.

‘Every game is new territory for us’ said  head Coach Neal Hopkins ‘Derby played a great game today, Coach Shaw has them well organised, they are tough to break down. I think my guys did an outstanding job in adapting and seeing out the win – I have to give special praise for Trevor Samuel who really stepped up in the second half also Emmanuel Kabengele who is in great form, it feels good to be the first team to qualify for the elite 8’

Myerscough will now take a trip out to Luxembourg for an international tournament before facing the winner of SGS College and Oaklands College in the EABL’s Elite 8.

 

 

Myerscough lose out in overtime thriller.

Over time was the difference between the top two teams in the North as we were treated to an exceptional display of basketball by some of the best junior players in the North West.

In what was the final game of the regular season, Myerscough welcomed Loreto College for Wednesday’s EABL North Sea clash.

Myerscough, a programme only 8 months old had lost the previously league fixture between the two teams by 25 in what was their first ever competitive basketball game. Since then Myerscough had gone undefeated in the league and held the no.1 spot in the North with Loreto sitting in 2^ndplace.  

Tensions were high during the build-up and it was clear that both sides were focussed ahead of a crunch game. Montel Dennis opened the scoring for the home side, finishing from close range. Loreto took 3 minutes to find the bottom of the net after strong defence from Myerscough. A 6 point run from Myerscough sparked a time out from the visitors with the score at 8 – 2 after 5 minutes. Loreto settled into the game but continued to struggle from the field. As time wound down on a low scoring and nervy quarter Loreto forced a steal to finish the period at the free throw line, splitting the pair to give the visitors a 1 point lead after the first 11 – 12.

Into the second and with Andre Gayle and Trevor Samuel picking up early fouls, Myercough rotated early but began to find rhythm. Chris Bwana controlled the floor well for the home side and was able to attack the basket finishing well through contact. A 5 point burst from Loreto led by a Raheem Idriss lay-up saw them open up a 6 point lead after 8 minutes of the quarter, Myercough replied with a 6 point run of their own sparked by a Montel Dennis up and under move. Chris Bwana who had been a danger throughout finished out the half knocking down two from the line to leave the score at 30 – 28 to Myerscough.

Loreto started the third well as Joe Swindells knocked down back to back jumpers, Andre Gayle replied with a triple seeing Loreto hold a 1 point lead after 3minutes – both teams battled throughout the period with neither team able to punch out a lead, it was clear that the game was going to go the distance as the quarter wound down. Emmanuel Kabengele finished off the 3^rdwith an offensive rebound and put back to give Myerscough a 1 point lead heading into the 4^th. 47 – 46

A 7  - 3 run gave Myerscough a slim 3 point lead to start the 4^th, this was cancelled out by a Kingsley Nwagboso inspired 6 point run from Loreto. Time wound down and neither team could gain the edge, Nwagboso and Emmanuel Kabengele battled down low as both players looked to inspire their team to a regulation victory.  With one minute left Myescough converted to hold a 1 point lead only for Pharroh Gordon who had been instrumental all game for the visitors to get to the ring, finish and draw the foul for a three point play, with the free throw converted and 45 seconds left Myerscough found themselves down 2. A well-executed play saw Trevor Samuel draw the scores level with 28 seconds remaining. Loreto pushed for a score but failed to get their shot off in time as the shot clock wound down – with 4 seconds left Myerscough saw their final play well defended and with the buzzer sounding overtime was needed. The score at the end of regulation 66 – 66

Predictably OT started nervously and it took two minutes for the first bucket, Loreto netting off a second effort put back. With both teams visibly tired it was obvious the game would be determined by a momentary lapse in concentration and as Kingsley Nwagboso kept plays alive for Loreto on his way to a 20 point 20 rebound game Myerscough failed to make their efforts on defence count, Emmanuel Kabengele gave hope to Myerscough with a strong finish under the ring, Kabengele also finished the game with a 20 and 20 double double. The score 70 – 68 to Loreto after 3 and half minutes.  A Joe Swindells triple extended Loreto out to 73 – 68 lead with 1 minute to play, not to be counted out Andre Gayle replied with a three of his own, as time wound down and with Myerscough chasing Loreto sealed what had been a thrilling battle between two outstanding teams with back to back layups. The game finishing 77 – 71 to Loreto.

Emmanuel Kabengele with 20 points and 20 boards for the home side, Montel Dennis added 18 and 6, Andre Gayle went 4/6 from deep to collect 12 points and Chris Bwana hit 10.

Kingsley Kwagboso had 20 and 20 for Loreto, Joe Swindells with 21 as Pharroh Gordon dropped 17 points.

On the game Coach Neal Hopkins said ‘it was a great advert for the EABL and the talent we have here in the Northwest, hats off to Loreto for getting that win but more than anything I am totally proud of the work everyone here at Myerscough is putting in. The developments we have made from game one are truly fantastic, this time 8 months ago we hadn’t even bounced a ball’

Both teams will now await their first round playoff fixtures.

 

 

Myerscough topple Preston College in grind out victory.

 

In what has become a great rivalry Myerscough completed the league and cup sweep over local neighbours Preston’s College to strengthen their position in the North Sea Conference.

Preston sent an early message to the home side as they connected on their first five field goals to lead 12 – 5 in the early goings, Benjamin Nkossi found his range from 3 for the visitors as Myerscough looked shell shocked by the efficient Preston offense. A 6 point run by Myerscough saw them settle, Connor Tuxford converting with an up and under move to bring the score to within 4 after 8 minutes. Myerscough chipped away at this deficit and as time wound down the quarter finished tied at 20 apiece.  

Preston started the 2^nd quarter well as they strung together a 7 point burst, capitalising on loose play by Myerscough. Myerscough struggled to get going, converting only 4/17 from the field but manage to peg back Preston’s scorers in what a tight and nervy quarter for both sides. As time ticked down Ryan Knowles put back a missed shot to bring the score to 35 a piece going into the break.

Montel Dennis converted the first points of the third, connecting from mid-range, a mini run from Preston saw them take a 3 point lead after 3 minutes of the quarter, Kyle Carey proving a threat for the visitors as he found gaps and got to the line, knocking down both.  Preston continued to pile on the pressure and extended their lead out to 6 after 6 minutes – up step Andre Gayle who hammered home back to back threes to tie the score at 50, both teams traded for the remainder of the quarter, Preston took a 3 point lead into the 4^th, 56 – 53.

Preston again started well, building on their slim lead and with Myerscough uncharacteristically failing to convert they led the home side by 9 after 5 minutes, at this stage it looked although Preston would march on to a strong victory – but with a change in defense Myerscough began their fight back. An Emmanuel Kabengele offensive board and put back sparked Myerscough into life and with back to back triples from Gayle and Trevor Samuel Myerscough tied the game at 65. With 4 minutes to go Myerscough punched out a 4 point lead as Preston struggled for offensive rhythm, Benjamin Nkossi did what he could to halt the Myerscough run converting the last 8 points for Preston but this wasn’t enough and as time wound down Andre Gayle converted from the charity stripe to seal a dramatic win. Myerscough walking out 75 – 72 winners.

Andre Gayle finished up with 22 points (on 4/5 from 3)  9 boards and 4 assists for the home side, Emmanuel Kabengele with an efficient 13 point 12 rebound double double with Montel Dennis adding 15 personal. Benjamin Nkossi collected 19 for Preston College.

‘we didn’t play well for the majority of the game but it was about getting a result today, and somehow we have done that’ Coach Neal Hopkins said after the game ‘Preston put up a great fight and made it difficult for us, I think they will be disappointed not to have walked away with a victory. Full credit to my guys form grinding that one out sometimes you have to win ugly and that is just what we have done today’

Preston travel to Tyne Met this coming Wednesday, whilst Myerscough host Loreto in what could be a championship deciding game’