Heartbreak for U14 and U18 Hatters

The season ended in heartbreak for City of Sheffield Hatters Under 14’s and Under 18’s when both were defeated in the quarter finals of the National League Play-Offs last Saturday.

Saturday 17 April 2010.

U14 National League Play Off Quarter Finals

City of Sheffield Hatters 79 Southend Swifts 81

At All Saints, the Under 14’s entertained Southend Swifts in front of a sizeable crowd. The visitors hit the boards running and stormed into a 20-31 first quarter lead. Hatters fought back in the second quarter, but the visitors still managed to increase their lead by a further 2 points to go into half time38-51 ahead.

Betty Codona’s side re-grouped at half time and mounted a fightback which was halted in bizarre circumstances. The Hatters youngsters dominated the third quarter to reduce the deficit to five points with ten minutes left.

With Hatters in full flow the referee was injured and was unable to continue. The game was held up whilst a replacement referee was found and the break seemingly allowed the visitors to regain their composure. Hatters continued to fight to the final buzzer, but had lost much f their momentum. Despite winning the final quarter it was the visitors who were able to hang on by the narrowest margins to close out the game 79-81.

Despite the defeat, Hatters coach Betty Codona  was immensely proud of her team and their performance at the end of the game.

Hatters top scorers: Isobel Hannity 15, Courtney Shaw 14, Georgia Gayle 12, Rhianna Laing 12 and Sirena Sampson 12.

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Saturday 17 April 2010.

U18 National League Play Off Quarter Finals

Manchester Mystics 82 City of Sheffield Hatters 56

Meanwhile the under 18’s travelled to Manchester to face Northern Champions Manchester Mystics in their quarter final.

Mystics had the better of the opening quarter, leading 12-16 at the first break.

Back came Walter Campbell’s side, playing some of their best basketball of the season, to reduce the deficit to just three points at half time, with the hosts leading 31-34.

Any hopes of a shock were effectively ended in the third quarter, with Mystics increasing their lea to 41-58 at the end of the third.

The home side increased their lead further in the final quarter to end Hatters hopes and close out the game 56-82.

Coach Walter Campbell was left disappointed with the outcome but proud of his team, many of whom were playing their final game at junior level before moving on to university next season.

Team and scorers: Kendal James 17, Ellis Clayton 13, Charlotte Carrick 5, Emma Burkinshaw 5, Jess Furniss 5, Jasmyn Owen 5, Ellyn Carnall 3, Rebecca Pinnock 3, Kasia Zajak, Kathryn Neale, Leona Jorgensen and Annie Critcher.

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Sunday 18 April 2010

YBL
City of Sheffield Hatters 55 Deighton Diamonds 51

In the Yorkshire Women’s Basketball League, Hatters completed their league programme with a home fixture against Deighton Diamonds. Hatters began quickly to race into a 17-5 first quarter lead. Back came the visitors in the second quarter to pull back to trail 28-18 at half time.

Hatters seemed to self destruct in the third as the visitors outscored them 21-12 to leave hatters trailing 39-40 going into the final quarter.

Dezspite having players injured and in foul trouble, Hatters managed to come back once more, taking the quarter and running out 55-51 winners.

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The focus now turns firmly to Hatters senior side as they prepare to try and complete their domestic treble at the final fours in Manchester.

Hatters begin on Saturday when they play Barking Abbey at the Amaechi Centre. Tip off is 12 noon.

Victory on Saturday would put Hatters into a final against either UWIC Archers or Team Northumbria who meet in the other semi final.

The final takes place in the Amaechi Centre on Sunday with a 1.15pm tip.