Kings see good results in weekend “Double Header”
The Thames Valley Kings adult sides returned to action in 2018 over the weekend in a huge “Double Header” of matches in Swansea for both the Division Three and Four Teams.
Saturday – Division Four
On Saturday, The Kings Division four squad started their new 2017/18 season in games against Exeter Otters and Swansea Storm and came away with a mixed bag of results.
In the first game, Kings faced Exeter Otters – the sides who have never met previously in the long history of both clubs. Both teams were quick to score in the first minute of the game, but it was the Otters and their strong counter-attack that continued to score leaving Kings frustrated at times, as the buzzer went at the end of the first half-time – Otters led 17-6.
Kings returned to the floor after halftime with the fighting spirit to bring the scoreline closer with Denise Drammis and Dani Willmore quick to score, however Otters were having none of it as they pulled ahead during the 3rd quarter. Alice Minchin scored her first basket of the season just before the end of the quarter to the cheers of the supporters, In the 4th, Kings continued to show strength and courage in their commitment to the game; Corey Bloomfield score his first basket playing in an adult league for the first time this season at just 14 years old. Further baskets came from Willmore and Rami Alonzo.
The game-ending, Kings 19 Otters 43 – a challenging match with much to learn from.
In the final game of the day, Kings faced the home team, Swansea Storm. Captain Nick Gorst open the scoring up for the team after the long drive to Swansea in a close first quarter between the 2 teams where both teams worked hard on defense forcing the outside shots which did not seem to drop. Kings 4 Storm 2.The second quarter saw kings pull out in front before the halftime break with Drammis, Willmore and Maurice Daller adding to the teams total. Kings 12 Storm 4.
In the third period, A change in tactics at halftime by Storm saw them almost catch up with Kings in an end to end quarter, with Kings players Alonzo, and Drammis finding the net taking the score to 18-14. Kings not wanting to go home without the win decided to put the pressure on Storm who were unable to add to their points in the 4th quarter, further baskets were scored by Alonzo, Drammis, Willmore, and Daller.
Kings ending the day with a win 28 – 14 and rebounding quickly from the earlier defeat – to leave them in a good position for the next round of matches next month.
Sunday – Division Three
On Sunday, It was the turn of the division three team who faced an intense battle against Swansea Storm. Reece Barker won the tip-off for Kings but it was Swansea who was first to score in an end to end quarter of basketball with Reece Barker and Chris Nash scoring for Kings, to finish 10 all at the buzzer.
In the 2nd Quarter, Kings came back out on the floor with determination, with further baskets from Drammis and Barker including a 3 pointer to bring Kings to lead at the halftime break 21 – 14.
The third quarter saw the Kings take control as they frustrated the Storm offence leading to many turnovers and missed opportunities. Kings were able to add a further 15 point to their tally to bring the score to 36-22 at the end of the 3rd quarter.
The final quarter saw the Kings domination of the defense continue with Kings continued pressing of the ball leading to multiple Storm mistakes with further points from Barker and Nash. Joe Humphreys added a nice finger roll basket to take Kings over 50 points with only one minute left to play. Baker added to the score by hitting two quick baskets to grab the final points.
With the final buzzer and the final score of 54-30, Kings move to 4-1 which opens the top of the table to some interesting matches in 2018!
