Newry Basketball Club

Newry Fliers Junior Basketball Club have opened their 08/09 season with enthusiasm entering into new territory with both an U13 and U17 boys teams. This seasons Ulster league will be the first taste of competitive basketball for the majority of the Fliers and already these eager youngsters a showing real promise. With the first 50% of their fixtures on the road the teams are putting in early starts and long days to ensure they can compete at this level. Only two weeks into the season and already the Fliers have played away to both Omagh and Derry.

The First games in Omagh produced a nervous start for the young players. The U17 tipped off first and had a tough game as the Omagh squad consisted on number of physically larger players. Under the boards Niall McArdle and Mark Hanratty had to work hard but couldn't get themselves started. From outside Captain Niall Byrne tried to rally the team but it ended up in a loss 30-18.

The U13 also struggled in Omagh. Most of the team are still in primary school and again there was a big physical size difference. Also all bar 2 in the team have never played in the Ulster league. Michael Clarke opened the scoring for the team with 2 quick baskets, but it quickly came to Captain Aaron Miller to lead the team by example finishing with 14 points for the game. It was a tough game however and the boys struggled. In the end first game nerves got the better of the young fliers and it finished 32-22. Coach Peter Clarke said "It was a good first game there is a lot we can take back to training, with each game these boys will be better and better" 

Next was an away trip to Derry which tested the commitment of all involved. An early start of 7am on a cold Saturday morning didn't make the long journey very pleasant.

This time it was the U13 team who went first and the team looked more confident and settled. Aaron Miller again took control of the squad and used his experience from last years U15 league to keep control. Underneath the basket Eoin McStay came to form scoring 6 points in only his second game while Matthew Feagan also managed to get 2 successful baskets after some great fakes to distract the opposition. The whole team played strong on defence, working hard to get back on every transition and it was this solid teamwork that allowed them to chalk up their  first victory against a tough Derry team. Final score was 18-12 

The U17 squad didn't fare as well. It was a very nervous looking team that took to the floor and that showed for the entire match. Derry played a very strong defence and made it hard for any of the big men to get a clean shot inside. The Newry team got many foul shot chances, but the rings didn't want to let any of the shots go in. The scores for Newry were well spread out, but unfortunatley there wasn't enough of them. Newry rallied in the Third quarter showing what they can do on both defense and offense, but it was short lived. Coach Paul Crawley will need to fire these boys up if they are to challenge for the league this year. 
For the next few weeks the games are seperated so no more double headers, but there are plenty of challenges with U17 meeting Magherafelt and U15 up against old club rivals Queens Belfast.