Myerscough slump to Elite 8 exit.

The Elite 8 of the EABL proved to be the end of the road for Myerscough’s first competitive season as they squared off against the highly successful South Gloucester and Stroud College (SGS) who carried an impressive undefeated record in all competitions claiming two national titles along the way.

Andre Gayle opened the scoring for Myerscough, hitting from deep. Tamas Okros replied with a three of his own after an SGS score inside to give the home side a 2 point lead after 3 minutes. Points were traded throughout the quarter as both teams sized one another up, neither really taking a grip of the game. SGS closed the scoring to take a two point lead after the first 18 – 16.

A mini burst for SGS opened up the second as they took advantage of poor defensive rotations and a lack of concentration from Myerscough. SGS pushed the lead out to 10 with 5 minutes played as Myerscough struggled to find their touch, missing relatively easy looks around the ring, a timeout was called by the travelling side as they found themselves in a scoring rut. Quick scores from Trevor Samuel and Montel Dennis pulled Myerscough back to within 6, only to be responded by an SGS triple. Back to back threes from the home side split up an 8 point Myerscough run to end the half SGS up  41 – 31.

Once again SGS opened the scoring after the break, and as Myerscough’s offensive struggles continued the home side extended their lead out to 22 midway through the third. From this point onward SGS didn’t look back. Myerscough could only convert for 7 point in a quarter that needed to be far more productive offensively and despite doing a relatively effective job defensively could not translate any of that conviction onto the offensive end. The score out at 20 after the 3^rd 58-38.

Into the 4^th and despite Myerscough’s best efforts early on the lid remained on the ring, in what was a low scoring and uninspiring quarter of basketball Myerscough strung together an 8 point burst to drag the score to 63-46 but the poor third proved too much of a hurdle and as time expired the final score finished 66 – 47 to SGS who advanced to the EABL final 4’s.

Montel Dennis finished up with a game high 11 points 5 boards for Myerscough, Trevor Samuel 9 points 3 boards, Emmanuel Kabengele with a respectable 7 points 12 boards. Tamas Okros led the way with 12 points for SGS Deane Williams chipped in with 10 points.

On the loss Coach Neal Hopkins had this to say ‘it was a poor performance from us for sure, I was really only interested in the guys doing themselves justice because they deserved to be playing at this stage of the competition, unfortunately we weren’t able to do that. We made way too many unforced errors and had a terrible day offensively – a 3 week break between fixtures certainly didn’t help. I wish SGS all the luck in the semi-final they are a well-coached, disciplined team who have developed a winning culture’

Hopkins added ‘it has been a remarkable first year for us, we have come from absolutely nowhere and have laid some solid foundations. For the record I would like to thank all of those behind the scenes who make the EABL possible it has been a pleasure to be a part of’

Myerscough will now welcome Coach Tony Garbelotto for 6 weeks of positional specific training – pre-season is well upon us!

 

 

Next step: Senior National League

The 2014/15 season will see National league basketball head to Myerscough College with the launch of our senior programme 'Myerscough College Giants'

In partnership with Manchester Giants, academy players will have the opportunity to play in England Basketball's Senior National League. The partnership importantly will allow our academy players to gain exposure to senior competition and will provide a direct pathway to the British Basketball League (BBL) with the Giants.

Programme leader Neal Hopkins had this to say 'this is a massive step forward, we were very excited to hear the news that our application had been accepted, this gives our academy athletes more opportunities to play at a higher level and the partnership will allow players to move between BBL and EBL squads'.

Giants Head Coach Jeff Jones added ' By entering a team in England Basketball's National League Division Four the opportunities that it offers for the further development of the academy players through the vital experience of competing at senior men's level can only be good for the overall development of the players, and will better prepare them for opportunities with the Giants BBL team'.

To view England basketball's senior league structure see here;

http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk/uploads/National%20League/14-15Season/Snr%20Splits%20for%20Publishing.pdf

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’  

Myerscough ease past Priestley in the EABL

Myerscough and Preistley met for the second time within a week in the EABL - Myerscough coming off the back of a 50 point win in the previous fixture knew that Priestley were out to put on a far better showing this time round.

 

With this in mind Myerscough attacked the first quarter with total conviction, Andre Gayle netting first for the traveling team, after some early exchanges Myerscough stamped their authority with dunks from Trevor Samuel and Gayle followed by two triples – Priestley struggled with the pace and intensity from the aggressive Myerscough team – the score at the end of the 1^st was 29 – 10 in favour of Myerscough. Chris Bwana finished the quarter with 6 of his game high 9 assists, with Gayle going perfect from deep knocking down 3 of 3 from beyond the arc.

 

Into the second and with Myerscough using the points cushion to rotate the pace eased slightly – Will Shaw making his awaited return for Myerscough knocked down a smart mid-range jumper to push the score out to 37 – 14 5 minutes into the quarter. With Emmanuel Kabengele bossing the boards Priestley struggled to find a break in the quarter, Danny Miller provided Priestley with a glimmer of hope as he began to take advantage of some gaps finding as he found his range. The score at the break 43 – 23 to Myerscough.

 

Into the 3^rd and with Myerscough still rotating – Priestley began to come to life playing some of their best basketball, sitting in a 2,3 zone Priestley made it difficult for Myerscough to get back into rhythm – with the reintroduction of James Harvey Myerscough found their balance and some easy looks inside pushing the lead, which had been cut to 10, back out 13 going into the 4^th.

 

Myerscough turned the screw once again in the 4^th running the break well and nullifying the Priestley offense – Chris Bwana controlled the tempo and with some great hustle plays by Mason Maynard as well as superior rebounding from Trevor Samuel who finished with a game high 18 boards Myerscough pushed the lead back out to 20. The score at the end of the game 69 – 49 in what was game in which Priestley didn’t really recover from the first quarter onslaught.

 

Andre Gayle collected 22 and 8 with Trevor Samuel delivering a huge double double of 14 and 18 rebounds, Montel Dennis chipped in with 12 points and 6 boards.

 

“I thought we played our best basketball of the season in the first quarter” coach Neal Hopkins said after the game, “we moved the ball with pace and purpose, it was a pleasure to watch. Priestley definitely improved on last week’s performance so hats off to them. We have some work to do to prepare for the next few weeks but we are showing some great promise”

 

Myerscough blow out Bradford in EABL

Myerscough College ran out to an easy victory on Wednesday afternoon as they blew away North Sea conference rivals Bradford College, boosting their league position ahead of some tough fixtures.

Myerscough punched out to a first quarter lead of 24 – 3 and there wasn’t any looking back as Bradford struggled to convert throughout the game.





Bradford opted for zone defence and had success in slowing down Myerscough’s half-court offense in spells but the lack of an offensive threat saw them go into the half with just 7 points to Myerscough’s 50.

A 19 point burst at the beginning of the third by Myerscough was enough to kill the game off and also saw the tempo slow.

The game ended 91 – 15 in favour of the home side, Trevor Samuel continued his fine form by splashing in 25 points and adding 8 boards whilst Montel Dennis added 15 points.

Coach Neal Hopkins had this to say after the game; "It was important to put in a decent performance today; Bradford sat in a zone and made it hard for us at times, I have to credit them for not giving up and playing hard for the full 40 minutes. It is going to be a tough few weeks for us now with some big fixtures and for sure we are looking forward to them'

Myerscough host Priestley next week and will look to build on their 7 - 1 record.

Player highlight videos

Highlight videos for three of the academy's senior players were posted today. Check them out below! 
Contact Neal Hopkins for more information (nhopkins@myerscough.ac.uk)

Trevor Samuel - 6'4 Shooting Guard/Swingman 

James Harvey - 6'0 Point Guard/Shooting Guard




Andre Gayle - 6'4 Shooting Guard

Myerscough edge out Tyne Met in EABL, BCS team hand Stockport first loss

 Myerscough College emerged victorious from a highly competitive EABL clash with Tyne Met College today, winning 79-72. The hosts compensated for their poor free throw shooting with excellent rebounding and defence, pulling down 35 boards and snatching 12 steals.

The game was close throughout, Myerscough led by just three heading into the fourth quarter. Both teams had trouble shooting the ball in a low-scoring second half and all was to play for in the final minutes.

Myerscough's starting five scored 29 of the team's 31 second half points and late three pointers from Trevor Samuel and Andre Gayle were key in securing victory for the home side. 

Myerscough were led by Trevor Samuel (21 points, 8 rebounds) and Andre Gayle (21 points, 3 steals). Montel Dennis (15 points, 5 rebounds) and Chris Bwana (11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) were also key.

"Today was a fantastic advert for the EABL, both teams played with great maturity and it was a pleasure to coach. I am a big fan of Tyne Met and the way Coach Steutel has them set up, they play a very intelligent game which is difficult to break down, hats off to our guys for executing our game plan and making the adjustments that were needed"  - Neal Hopkins, Myerscough HC

Today's victory saw Myerscough improve to 4-1 in the EABL as they move to 1st place in the North Sea Conference.

Myerscough 2nd team hand Stockport College first loss

Myerscough's 2nd team, which consists entirely of U17s, faced Stockport away in the BCS North West division today. League leaders Stockport College were yet to lose a game this season, that was until Myerscough handed them a 81-77 loss on their home court.

The young side put on an impressive display of determination and intensity and came up with defensive stops at crucial moments. Today's win sees the 2nd team improve to 4-2. In the coming weeks they will face Loreto in the league and Oldham in the National BCS cup quarter final.

Myerscough dismantle Childwall in 51 point win

Myerscough's 51 point victory over Childwall saw their EABL record improve to 3-1. A hectic schedule of fixtures over the coming weeks will see them host league leaders Tyne Met in what will be their first league game with home advantage, whilst a clash with rivals Loreto College is also upcoming. 

The visitors came out firing in the opening quarter, however their early defensive play left plenty to be desired as they conceded 17 points. Chris Bwana and Emmanuel Kabengele combined to score 14 of Myerscough's 26 second quarter points, giving them a 22 point lead heading into halftime. 

Myerscough caught fire in the third quarter, converting on 73.7% of their 19 field goal attempts. Their deadly efficient shooting, coupled with vastly improved defensive play, saw the guests outscore Childwall 31-9 in the quarter. 

Despite a lapse in defensive execution in the final period, Myerscough kept firing and came away with a 111-60 win. Emmanuel Kabengele led the way with a 19 point, 10 rebound double-double whilst Andre Gayle put on an impressive display of versatility with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. 

Other notable performers included; Trevor Samuel (19 points, 5 rebounds ), James Harvey (11 points, 7 assists, 5 steals), Ryan Knowles (14 points, 7 rebounds). 

As a unit Myerscough shot 44.4% from the floor and 75% from the line in the game. They will look to improve on their poor outside shooting (22.2%) and their alarming turnover rate as they face league leaders Tyne Met at home next week.  

The academy's second team ran out to a gigantic 109 point victory away at Holy Cross. Myerscough attacked relentlessly for the entire game and will look to carry forward momentum into next weeks clash with undefeated league leaders Stockport College.  

Nick McCarthy Interview

Inside MCBA (Myerscough College Basketball Academy) is a feature which will see the coaching staff at the academy contribute regular educational blog posts to the site. We will conduct introductory interviews with each member of the coaching staff which will be published in the coming weeks.

We spoke to the Academy's Sports Therapist Nick McCarthy about his background in the sport, his experience working in professional basketball and about his role here at Myerscough..

Nick working at the Jordan Brand Classic

When did you first begin playing basketball?

I first began playing during high school, probably around 12 years old. I was looking for an excuse to stop playing rugby and was told I had to play some sort of sport. A good friend of mine was already a good player and invited me to come down and train with him, I enjoyed it so much that I began to play basketball at every single opportunity I could. I continued to play through school and when I moved to the North West I began playing for Bolton U16/U18 national league whilst playing for Bolton men's team. I eventually played in the men's National league.



How and when did you decide to pursue a career in sports therapy?

I've always loved sports so it was always going to be in the sports industry I looked to create a career. Sadly my dream of professional basketball wasn't looking like it would be an option so I needed to find a way to stay involved in the sport I love. Initially I studied a sports science degree and found that the classes on anatomy and physiology and sports injury were ones I truly enjoyed and wanted to pursue. After researching sports therapy and working out exactly what the role included I decided that it was the right choice for me and a career path that I would really enjoy!

Can you tell us about your base of experience - where have you worked?

Initially I started out working voluntarily for the Midnight Madness summer basketball tour where I make great contacts with players and coaches up and down the country. Following that I got the job as head therapist of a non-league semi pro football team in Crosby, Liverpool where I developed a great understanding of another sport. In 2009 I was introduced to Coach Tony Garbelotto who hired me to work for the Mersey Tigers basketball team (BBL) where we enjoyed a fantastic few season and won the Trophy, League and Playoffs. I have enjoyed numerous other roles in basketball as well; including working for the 2010 GB u23's program in the summer, where we travelled to play Germany in a series of games. I have been Head therapist for the European Jordan Brand Classic, I have also worked briefly with the England u18 program and the North-West regional U17's. More recently I have worked with the England men's select team. Currently I'm in my second season as therapist for the Manchester Giants BBL team, and obviously here at the Myerscough Basketball Academy..

During your time working in professional basketball is there an individual who stands out as a model pro/role model?

The first name that springs to mind is Nate Reinking (former-GB International). He was a pleasure to work with. He was fully committed to excellence. He took no days off when it came to looking after his body and was very in tune with what his body was able to do at certain points so maximised his efficiency. He was a calm presence on the team and a real role model in the locker room to younger guys. Drew Sullivan stands out also as a good role model/professional. He's an excellent player but leads by example. He demanded excellence from everyone on the team and made the guys around him better.


What advice would you give to young players who aspire to work within pro basketball?

My best advise would be to network with as many people as possible. The basketball community reaches all round the world and knowing people can give you avenues to 100's of places. Secondly be known for your hard work, for going the extra mile and not skipping steps along the way! Hard work plus a talent is an unstoppable combination.


How did you end up at Myerscough?

I have worked with Coach Neal Hopkins for years in the BBL and we both have an appreciation for developing basketball in this country. When the the academy was formulated by Coach Hopkins it was a no-brainer that I would apply for the job at the college.


What does your role as sports therapist at the Academy encompass?

My role is to keep the guys healthy and on the court. I also have a role in the strength and conditioning; to ensure that as much as possible is done to screen the players and see if we can identify any warning signs that could lead to injury and reduce the chances of them occurring. When a player gets injured it's my responsibility to rehabilitate them and return them to full functional fitness again with minimal risk of reinjury and then ensure that their strength and conditioning allows them to develop further. I work closely with Coach Hopkins and the other coaches to ensure they are aware of issues and guard against anything that could be a detrimental factor to the athlete.

How do you feel the first term went?

The first term has been fantastic, and the guys on the program have been a credit to the college. It's been great to see the guys develop into smart basketball players and become great athletes at the same time. The sky is the limit for a lot of these guys.

Click on the image to read Nick's injury
prevention blog contribution

Inside MCBA: Alex Hodgson Interview

Inside MCBA (Myerscough College Basketball Academy) is a new feature which will see the coaching staff at the academy contribute regular educational blog posts to the site. We will conduct introductory interviews with each member of the coaching staff which will be published in the coming weeks.

Alex Hodgson is the lead Strength and Conditioning coach at the academy. He played professionally in his native Australia and in Europe and brings a wealth of basketball expertise to the programme. We spoke to Alex about his playing career and his role here at Myerscough..

When did you first begin playing basketball? 

I started playing when I was 9 years old in my home town in Australia. I was quite tall as a kid so it seemed a logical way to go with sport! I really enjoyed the sport so I continued to play there onward.

How did you end up playing professionally? 

I just kept playing! I played locally for my town when I was growing up and played representatively. I continued to make better teams and kept progressing until some opportunities arose which allowed me to get paid to do what I enjoyed!

Tell us about the different places you have played (and which was your favourite?)

I have played in lots of different places. My favourite place to play is at home with my friends and people I grew up with in Australia. If  c had the chance to play in Barcelona which was definitely my favourite place I have played away from home. I have also played here in the UK which was a great experience

What advice you would give to young players who aspire to play professionally?

Be obsessed with the game! If you want to be a professional you have to be dedicated and do your best. Not many people end up playing professionally just through cruising along and waiting for it to happen.

How did you end up working at MCBA?

I had played for Neal (academy head coach) for a couple of years. He knew my background and recognised that my basketball knowledge matched well with what he was trying to do here. I had finished my strength and conditioning degree locally at UCLan (University of Central Lancashire) and the opportunity came up and I thought it was a really good match.

What does your role as lead Strength and Conditioning coach encompass?

My main role is to develop the athletic side of the academy players. They're all at a developmental age so we are really looking to strengthen guys up and improve various performance aspects such as speed, agility and fitness.

How do you feel the first term at the academy has been?

It's been a learning curve but I think we've improved every week. I'm really impressed with the way the athletes have progressed so far. We're only a few months in and I think everyone has seen a marked increase in performance and strength. They are all seeing the benefits of all the training we do which is great! We're really looking forward to the future

Watch out for Alex's first blog post, due to be published in the coming weeks.

Myerscough topple Tyne Met in EABL clash

Myerscough College improved to 2-1 in the highly competitive North Sea conference (EABL) on Wednesday, handing league leaders Tyne Met their first home loss of the season in the process. It was Myerscough's second trip to Newcastle in as many weeks; they suffered a painful 15 point loss to Tyne Met in the second round of the BCS Cup last week.

A closely contested first half saw the two teams tied 43-43 at half time and just two points separated them heading into the final period. The visitors came out on top after a low scoring fourth quarter, winning 72-67. Myerscough's victory was thanks in large part to a dominant rebounding display, they pulled down 43 rebounds in the game, 13 of which were offensive. They shot with impressive efficiency, connecting on 51% of their field goal attempts. Myerscough displayed their strength in depth with four players scoring in double figures and five players pulling down 5 or more rebounds.

Stand out performers for Myerscough were Andre Gayle (18 points, 8 rebounds), Emmanuel Kabengele (10 points, 8 rebounds) Chris Bwana (11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals), Montel Dennis (8 points, 9 rebounds) and Trevor Samuel (12 points and 4 rebounds).  Big man Connor Tuxford pulled down 5 offensive rebounds whilst Will Shaw provided a valuable spark off the bench, knocking down two three pointers.

Myerscough College Basketball Academy

Tyne Met's Eddie Matthew displayed his outside shooting touch, hitting five three pointers and totalling 25 points. Myerscough prevented two of Tyne Met's primary scorers from having any real impact on the game. Danny Horta and Alan Sasor, who rank amongst the EABL's leading three point shooters, struggled to cope with defensive pressure from Myerscough. Horta (who averaged 24ppg prior to Wednesday) scored 11 and Sasor was rendered scoreless.


Myerscough Head Coach Neal Hopkins was delighted with his team's victory, he commented; "I'm really happy with the guys, I can't see many team winning at Tyne Met - we had a game plan and it was stuck to. I have to praise the players for their maturity in this win, there will always be ways in which we
can improve but today was a big step forward for us, it was great to see such a team effort"

Myerscough will not play another EABL game until the new year following the cancellation of next weeks game against Priestley. Academy players will be training hard up until the Christmas break next week in preparation for January's game against Loreto College.

Report by Ed McNally 

Myerscough beat Preston College 84-78 behind 32 points from Andre Gayle

Coach Neal Hopkins talks it over with the team
 during a late game timeout

Myerscough College emerged victorious from a hard fought game away at Preston College in their first EABL victory. The visitors took a 12-2 lead in the first quarter behind two quick-fire three pointers from Andre Gayle.

Preston struggled to stop Myerscough converting on the break as a layup in transition and another Gayle three saw the visitors take a commanding 17-4 lead.

Following a timeout Preston stepped up their defensive intensity, piling pressure on

Myerscough's ball handlers and successfully preventing further fast-break scores.

Myerscough slowed down towards the end of the 1st. However a failure by Preston to convert defensive stops into points at the other end meant Myerscough held a comfortable 21-13 lead at the end of the quarter.

Pre-game huddle

Preston came out strong in the 2nd quarter, scoring 4 quick points and hammering down a fast-break dunk. Half way through the quarter Preston had narrowed the gap to just 2 points (27-29).

Coming out of a timeout Myerscough stepped up their rebounding and intensity on both ends of the floor, regaining control of the game following 6 straight points by forward Emmanuel Kabengele. Myerscough held a 44-36 lead at the end of the first half. 

A scrappy third quarter, which saw both teams in the penalty early on ended up as a back and forth scoring affair. Going into the fourth quarter Myerscough held onto a 66-56 lead.

Foul trouble hurt Myerscough in the fourth with key players Trevor Samuel and Chris Bwana fouling out in the quarter. Preston narrowed the lead to 6 with 5 minutes remaining in the game, following 11 points early in the quarter.

Andre Gayle at the line late in the 4th quarter

A free throw and a fast break score for Preston saw the Myerscough lead narrowed to 3 (75-72). Both teams went to the line several times in the final minutes, with Myerscough converting 4/5. An easy layup after an offensive rebound and an impressive mid-air jumpshot by Montel Dennis, followed by two made free throws for Andre Gayle was enough to clinch victory for Myerscough. The final score was 84-78.

Myerscough were led by Andre Gayle who scored 32 points, connecting on all 7 of his three point attempts and converting 9/11 free throws. Emmanuel Kabengele added 12 and pulled down 8 rebounds, shooting 80% from the free throw line. James Harvey's distribution (4 assists) also helped Myerscough on their way to victory, and crucial shots by Montel Dennis down the stretch secured the win for Myerscough. Trevor Samuel notched 10 points on 5/9 shooting. The team put on an outside shooting clinic, posting an impressive 81% mark from three point range.

Benjamin Nkossi top scored for Preston with 30 points whilst Kyle Carey added 18.

The two teams meet again on the 6th of November in the first round of the BCS cup.

Report by Ed McNally