Well done to the U13 Boys who made it 3 AWAY wins in a row this week with a convincing win against Crawley East on Thursday. The match was tight despite Cougars getting a good start with a 10 point lead by the end of the 1st quarter. However,  they managed to maintain this lead with a half time score of 30 21. Crawley Storm were now playing strongly and trying to anticipate Cougars set plays, however Cougars stayed strong and winning the game 49 41.

Earlier this month the U13s were also victorious against Crawley Development and Eastbourne Lions. Please see below for the full match reports kindly provided by Mark Fisher and Paul Harvey.

Brighton Cougars vs Crawley Storm Development– Saturday 2nd Dec

The first game of the season for the newly created U13 squad saw the Cougars face Crawley Storm. After winning the tip off the Cougars looked in good form, however Storm quickly took control and delivered 3 consecutive shots on target taking the score to 0-6 in the first 2 minutes. After a couple of changes in the team the Cougars came back with a successful penalty and a further 3 shots taking the lead 2 minutes later to 7-6.

Creeping in front gave the team extra confidence which was clearly displayed in their team working. After a further three successful penalties and another successful shot by both teams the end of the first quarter closed at 12-8.

Storm were clearly focused and closing the gap as soon as the second quarter started and quickly levelled at 12-12. A fast paced second quarter saw determination on both sides, with Tyler landing a number of great shots as point guard supported by the rest of his team closing the second quarter at 26-18.

The Cougars continued to land shots on target quickly increasing their lead to 36-21 early in the third quarter. However this was followed by a renewed drive by Storm which resulted in 10 consecutive points and a closed gap of 36-31, to end the third quarter. Storm were starting to play faster and smarter, and the Cougars were feeling the pressure going into the last quarter.

The start of the last quarter saw a build-up of excitement and anticipation among the spectators. The pace and drive continued by Storm from where they left the third quarter, however the Cougars were prepared and quickly built their lead to 46-37. With 2 minutes left on the clock, Storm pulled a number of great shots from nowhere and suddenly the potential first win of the season looked seriously at risk for the Cougars. With just over a minute left on the clock the score closed to 48-43 and with both teams being cheered on it closed further to 48-47 and 21 seconds left. As the final countdown was being called out by everyone, the Cougars managed to land their final decider securing the win at 50-47.

A great win, but certainly not an easy one. Storm are clearly a team of talented players and I’m sure when the Cougars meet them again they will play like a hurricane!

Paul Harvey 2/12/17

Brighton Cougars v Eastbourne Lions U13 - Thurday Dec14

Cougars made a good start to the game leading 12 - 6 after the first quarter. The early lead came from plays practiced with Coach Atoun, well set screens and practiced moves. Great driving plays and working hard as a team in defence led to a number of turnovers for Cougars.The game was played in great spirit and support for each other with commitment from the whole squad resulting in a 30 - 16 lead at half time.

Noisy support from Lions lifted Eastbourne’s spirits as they picked up some early baskets in the third quarter. However, effective pressing from Cougars resulted in a number of turnovers and well executed lay ups that enabled Cougars to maintain their lead of 40 - 27 at the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter saw the intensity and noise level of the home support increase. Despite this Cougars extended their lead to 55 - 36 with 2 min left on the clock.

Cougars continued to hustle and scrap for every ball with the whole squad contributing to this emphatic win and a final score of 59 - 38. A good win for Cougars who continue to improve with each game.

Mark Fisher 14/12/17