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BOYS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE BRENTWOOD FIRE 53 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 39
Southend Swifts’ under 14 boys made the short journey to Shenfield High School to face Brentwood Fire on Saturday morning. The two teams could not be further apart in the league table with Fire undefeated and Swifts still winless.
However, from the opening stages of the game the spectators would struggle to work out just which team owned each record. The defensive pressure that Swifts demonstrated in the second half of their previous game appeared to carry over to this fixture, as midway through the first quarter they held their opponents to just two points; scoring four in reply for a narrow lead. Connor Summerhill was working well with Declan Gould as they tirelessly pulled down rebounds to limit their hosts to just one attempt at the basket. On the other end, Reece Gunn and Dan Davies found their way to the basket to take their team in just one-point down at the end of the first quarter, trailing 12-11.
The second quarter was a largely similar affair, a close run ten minutes of play where the defensive play of both teams proved greater than any offensive threats they could muster. Again the quartet of Davies, Gunn, Summerhill and Gould got themselves on the scoresheet, but it was on the defensive end where they were aided by Thomas Butt who continually got himself in the right place to make it hard for the home team to penetrate the key. At half-time the score stood at 26-24 in favour of Brentwood, a much closer margin than this Swifts team is used to.
At the start of the second half Swifts struggled to maintain the intensity on both ends of the floor as tiredness began to set in. However, unlike on other occasions, they would not allow their opponents to turn this into a one-sided affair. Continually working to help each other out on defence and still limiting Brentwood to just one shot meant that the score stood respectably at 37-30 going into the fourth quarter; Davies finishing the proceedings with an and-one three-point play.
With the game still on the line, Brentwood’s full-court pressure continued, but now was much more aggressive than had been seen in the first three quarters. The Swifts boys dealt with this fantastically even when it felt as though they were playing against an extra player at times. Butt got himself on the scoresheet along with Davies, Gould and Gunn, but unfortunately their outstanding effort would not result in a win as Fire recorded a 53-39 victory.
The first win cannot be too far away if the Swifts team play like this each week. Davies and Gunn led the way with 11 points each, closely followed by Gould on 8 and Summerhill with 7.
GIRLS UNDER 13 EASTERN COUNTIES LEAGUE IPSWICH BOBCATS 44 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 61
The latest round of the girls under 13 Eastern Counties Development League took place in Suffolk, with Southend Swifts facing two difficult games against the home town Ipswich Bobcats and Hertfordshire Warriors. The games are played over a shorter four seven minute quarters, with the emphasis on getting all of the youngsters into action.
Ipswich boast a very tall team and the signing of Francis Musson from Norfolk has increased their aerial advantage over other teams at this age level and their early 7-2 lead gave an indication of their improvement. Good work from Amber Evans and Emily Gaskin reduced the deficit before a late run of six straight points gave Swifts a narrow 12-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.
But despite picking up some fouls Southend maintained their defensive pressure and scores from Zoe Willis, Summer Osborne and Evans and Gaskin again and the lead was 22-14. Bobcats replied with the next four but baskets from Georgia Logan and Evans made it 26-19 at half time.
Ipswich had the first four points of the third quarter but with the diminutive Osborne controlling the play, Swifts were able to get all 12 players onto court. Eloise Smith scored in her first outing of the season but two late three-pointers from Ipswich made it 38-33 going into the final period.
But tough games will bring out the best in young players. Because of foul trouble for their taller players, Southend had given extended playing time to primary school pupil Georgia Powell. Having battled for rebounds at both ends of the court, the 11 year old found the basket to put her team 42-35 ahead. However, Bobcats had a 7-2 run and suddenly it was a two point game. But up again stepped Miss Powell and she scored again that started the crucial spell. Osborne with six took Swifts clear at 57-42 before they wrapped it up with a 61-44 victory in what had been a game of excellent standard from players so young. Evans 19 and Osborne 17 leading the scoring.
GIRLS UNDER 13 EASTERN COUNTIES LEAGUE HERTFORDSHIRE WARRIORS 39 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 60
So the second game of the triangular event saw Southend Swifts under 13 girls playing straight away; this time against Hertfordshire Warriors. This was the first meeting between the two teams this season.
Southend made a very quick start as they led 10-4 after four minutes; Summer Osborne with six. After conceding the next four, Swifts ran off the next 10 points to lead 20-8 at the end of the first quarter; Zoe Willis and Emily Gaskin with four apiece.
Another 10 unanswered put the game beyond reach, with Charlotte Ellmore contributing four and despite resting the year 8 girls the margin was maintained at 34-16 at half time.
The re-introduction of the starters continued to increase the lead with only Shelby Greig able to score for Hertfordshire. Osborne and Evans dominated proceedings before an 18 footer from the rapidly improving Amelia Wilson made it 48-25 with one quarter to play.
All of the very young ladies had the opportunity of playing minutes with Eloise Smith having the final basket as Southend ran out winners by 60 points to 39 to end their part of the proceedings. Osborne 16, Evans 14 and Willis 12 leading the scoring on a very enjoyable event.
BOYS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – MIDLAND SOUTH CONFERENCE SOUTHEND SWIFTS 63 NORTHANTS LIGHTNING 73
Southend Swifts under 16 boys faced a crucial battle for play-off places when they met Northants Thunder on their home court at Eastwood High School. The teams were in joint 2nd place in the table, with victory needed to try to secure the end of season placing.
Southend made a good start, taking an 8-5 lead with Brad Wood on six. Northants hit back to edge ahead at 16-12 before a Wood three-pointer made it a one point game at the end of the first quarter.
Neither side could establish a meaningful advantage with Wood and Daniel Okoh keeping the hosts in contention. Thunder led 23-20 midway through the second period before points from Sam Read and Nathan Smith keyed a 9-2 run that gave Swifts a 29-25 half time lead; Wood already with 17 points.
Two further three-pointers from Wood were Southend’s only points in the first five minutes as Northants’ change of defence brought them rewards. A 13-0 run, with three successive three-pointers taking the visitors 43-35 ahead. Smith and Okoh got Swifts’ half of the scoreboard moving again but an 8-3 spell gave Northants a 57-46 lead going into the final 10 minutes.
Six straight for the Midlands team looked to have settled it at 63-46 but the hosts had other ideas. A stunning 14-2 run, with nine from Wood, made it 60-65 with two minutes to play but Swifts could get no closer as four foul shots at the end gave Northants the win in an excellent contest. Wood, with a career high 37 led the scoring, with Okoh and Smith both on 10.
GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION UXBRIDGE COLLEGE 22 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 97
Report to follow
GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – MIDLAND DIVISION SOUTHEND SWIFTS 79 HERTFORDSHIRE WARRIORS 48
For their latest fixture, Southend Swifts under 14 girls faced the team one place ahead of them in the league table, Hertfordshire Warriors. Southend had recorded a comfortable win when the two teams met earlier in the season.
Swifts made an unusually scrappy start, with just two Charlotte Bennett baskets in the opening minutes. From 7-3, Southend had eight straight points with Daisy Herd and Bennett contributing four each and at the end of the first quarter, the lead was 18-4.
After conceding the next four points, Southend showed their true potential. An Emma Pallett three-pointer was followed by four points from Bennett and it was 25-8. Warriors managed a solitary reply before four points from Emily Gaskin started a 15-0 run as Pallett single-handedly made 5 steals in a four minute period as her team led 40-10 at half time.
The third quarter would be even more stunning as the speed and dexterity of Swifts ball movement brought them a 16-2 spell that took the game out of sight; Herd with six in the spell and captain Megan Jones dominating at both ends including some stunning passes. Two more Pallett baskets and a Willis fast break made it 62-22 with 10 minutes to play. A lessening of the defensive intensity made little difference as Swifts gave all of their players valuable court time. At 73-31, the older players were taken off, leaving just an under 13 group on court. Warriors, and some lax officiating, took advantage of this but the final result was never in doubt as Southend ended with a 79-48 victory. An excellent points spread saw Bennett with 20 points, despite sitting out the final quarter, Pallett 15, Jones 13 and Herd 10.
WOMENS UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION SOUTHEND SWIFTS 61 EASTSIDE EAGLES 58
Having not played for two weeks, Southend Swifts under 18 girls faced a difficult encounter when they met second in the table Eastside Eagles. The London side have already had four defeats but have a very talented line-up with a number of players with senior National League experience.
And so it proved as Southend made a poor start, scoring just four points in the opening eight minutes whilst conceding 13. They had little answer to Eagles’ defensive intensity and shooting accuracy and found themselves 19-8 down at the end of the opening quarter, with six points from Ellie Warden the only plus point.
Worse was to follow as Eastside made a 7-0 run to lead 26-8 and despite scores from Warden and Sophie Hankin, it was 33-15 after seven minutes and the game seemingly over. A time out, and a few harsh words, stemmed the tide and three-pointers from Hankin and Amy Rodgers were part of nine straight points that made it 33-24 at half time.
Scores from Rodgers and Warden made it a five point game but six straight for Eagles took their lead out to 11. However Robson was finding her range and she top and tailed a 9-2 spell that reduced the deficit to just 41-37 with one minute to play in the 3rd. The visitors had the best of the time and they led 46-39 going into the final stanza.
The teams traded scores to 54-46 before six straight for Swifts made it just 54-52; Sarah Cozens with a stunning lay-up with her weaker hand. Eastside made one foul shot but lay-ups from Robson and Cozens and a Hankin foul shot took Southend 57-55 ahead with three minutes to play; their first lead and with half the spectators screaming encouragement that other half shaking their heads in bemusement. Eagles made one foul shot before Hankin made an outrageous running lay-up to put her team three ahead. Eagles replied again and Swifts had the ball with 50 seconds to play. A foul was called and with 44 seconds remaining Rodgers went to the line for two shots. As she has done many times before for her club, she coolly sunk them both to put her team 61-58 ahead. Eastside turned the ball over and Swifts ran down 23 of the remaining 31 seconds before putting up a shot. Eagles had 6.7 seconds to score a three to tie but misread the situation and missed a close range effort which Swifts gratefully rebounded to record the unlikeliest of victories. Rodgers and Hankin on 16 points and Robson and Warden 11 had led the scoring on a very strange day.
U18 MENS NATIONAL LEAGUE - EAST CONFERENCE SOUTHEND SCORPIONS 78 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 39
Southend Swifts U18 Men took the short trip to SEEVIC College, Benfleet to take on Southend Scorpions. Swifts were missing several key players and when Scorpions started the game firing shots in from everywhere to take a 16-1 lead after 6 minutes it seemed like Swifts were in for tough time. Despite scores from Ross Mann and Jordan Smith, Swifts found themselves 5-20 down at the end of the first period.
It was a different story in the 2nd period however, when Swifts at last found some control both defensively and offensively, restricting their opponents to just 7 points and scoring 10 themselves to end the half 15-27 down.
Swifts revival seemed to spur the Scorpions and their full court press in the 3rd period created several turnovers resulting easy scores for the home team. In fact it was 7 minutes before the visitors scored through Sam Read hitting three consecutive long range shots, the last being a three pointer. This unproductive period for Swifts resulted in a 22-50 deficit at the end of the stanza.
Swifts started the final period well with 2 free throws from Dave Goates and another score from Sam Read but a 14-0 run from Scorpions ended all hopes of a comeback from the visitors. A final flourish from Swifts saw a 10-5 run in the last 3 minutes give the score some respectability. The final score of 39-73 didn’t really do justice to the valiant efforts of the visiting team who never gave up as epitomised by George Cassidy who was tireless in both offence and defence.
Swifts top scorers were Read 11, Smith 8, Goates 5, Mann 5,
GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION NEWHAM YOUNGBLOODS 35 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 76
For their latest league fixture, Southend Swifts under 16 girls team travelled to London to take on 5th placed Newham Youngbloods, with both teams looking to maintain play-off aspirations. In advance of their cup quarter final, Southend were looking to rest their senior players.
Despite the cold conditions, Swifts made the stronger start, taking an 11-2 lead after five minutes. Newham hit back with the next four and the margin remained at five at the end of the first quarter at 14-9.
However, from 17-12 after two minutes, a three minute sequence effectively settled the game. In that time, Ellie Warden had two baskets and three steals plus three assists to Charlotte Bennett that brought her team 10 points and took the lead to 15. Four points from Kate Livermore and another Bennett lay-up made it 33-14 and Warden and Fay Solkhon returned to the bench, with their work for the day completed. Scores from Deanna Blake and Louise Corfield kept the scoreboard moving and at half time, it was 41-21.
The introduction of Lucy Brown gave another surge of energy and with Lucy Lawless finding her colleagues with some superb passes the lead went above 30 as Corfield and Bennett scored freely; the margin at the end of the third quarter standing at 62-28.
Unsurprisingly the intensity dropped in the last quarter, but with Livermore running in the final six points off of passes from her colleagues, Southend finished with a very comfortable 76-35 victory; 13 year old Bennett with 21 points, Corfield 17 and Livermore 12.
BOYS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE MEDWAY PARK CRUSADERS 66 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 41
The Under 14 boys’ first game of 2012 saw them travel to Medway Park Crusaders in Kent. The hosts had recorded two wins thus far in the season, whilst Swifts were still in search of their first victory.
The match could not have started more poorly for the visitors who found themselves trailing 9-0 after five minutes, thanks largely to being out-rebounded by the much taller Crusaders side. Thomas Butt would finally get his side onto the scoresheet with a three-pointer that was soon followed up by one from Dan Davies to make the score a more respectable 11-6 after six minutes. However, these shots seemed to spur on the home side who closed out the first quarter leading 21-9.
If the Swifts boys felt they were facing an uphill battle to get back into the game, they did not help themselves in the second quarter. The team would score just three points in reply to Crusaders’ 18, meaning they trailed 39-12 at the half.
Swifts regained some semblance of a scoring touch in the third period scoring 11 points; almost doubling their total for the game so far. Davies continually proving to be a thorn in the side of the Crusaders’ defence as he weaved his way into the key for both shots and assists. Despite this, the Swifts’ own defensive end left a lot to be desired and the period ended with the home side leading 56-23.
However, the performance of Swifts in the final quarter was the best they have played all season. They passed for easy scores, boxed their men out for rebounds and hustled hard to show the travelling support that they are improving as a squad. Connor Summerhill and Declan Gould working in the posts both found their way to the basket drawing fouls and making shots. To add to this the increased defensive pressure led to transition baskets for Scott Williams and Harry Harwood and the game would finish with a score of 66-41; Swifts having won the final ten minutes of play 18-10.
Davies and Butt led Swifts with 10 points each, followed by Summerhill with 8.
BOYS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – MIDLAND SOUTH CONFERENCE CAMBRIDGE CATS 53 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 73
Southend Swifts under 16 boys maintained their push for a play-off spot with a 73-53 victory at Cambridge Cats off of the back of a 22-7 final quarter. The win leaves Swifts in 2nd place in the table – full report to follow.
GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL CUP SEMI FINAL MANCHESTER MYSTICS 68 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 67
The route to the National Cup final for Southend Swifts under 16 girls has taken the most difficult path possible. A second round tie at the unbeaten Midland division leaders on a date when Southend were missing a number of players was followed by a quarter final in the North West in a very cold gym and where one of the Swifts’ players suffered a broken wrist. So the semi final visit to Manchester Mystics, part of England’s strongest and most successful club, was going to be yet another tough assignment.
Whether the excitement of the earlier game, a double overtime under 18 semi final, had unnerved Southend, they made a poor start conceding the first six points in the first two minutes. Much more importantly, captain Amy Rodgers found herself adjudged to have committed two fouls in that time. Rodgers got Swifts first points and with an Ellie Warden basket, it was 10-4. A huge Rodgers three-pointer got her team right back into the game but a good spell for Mystics took them 21-12 ahead. Southend, as always, showed their resolve and with a 6-2 run, they reduced the deficit to 23-18 at the end of the first quarter; Louise Corfield with an old-fashioned three-point play in the spell.
The hosts came out stronger in the second quarter as they put a 6-2 run together to lead by nine and a further 8-4 spell took it to 37-24 after seven minutes of the second period. Warden had the next four but Manchester took it out to 13 again before a Lucy Lawless three-pointer at the half time buzzer reduced the deficit to 10 at 41-31.
But whatever was said during the interval had immediate effect. With Manchester concentrating on guarding Rodgers, with tactics more akin to wrestling, Warden made use of the space presented. Facing up rather than with her back to the basket, the young lady had eight points in the first three minutes as her team trailed just 43-39. This was followed by tough lay-ups from the tireless Megan Jones and Fay Solkhon and the scores were level at 53. Manchester managed a reply but four more for Warden and a Solkhon three-pointer took Southend 50-45 ahead and seemingly on their way to an improbable victory.
However, suddenly the complexion of the game changed. Having committed no fouls in the opening seven minutes, Swifts were charged with four inside three minutes, Warden again found the basket but Mystics had the final three as Southend led 52-50 going into the final stanza.
A Corfield basket was replied to before Rodgers finally got to the foul line to make a pair as her team led 56-52. Some more great defence saw Warden score on a fast break only for one of the match officials, from some distance away, to adjudge she had charged although the other official from much closer deemed that it was incidental contact, and the basket cancelled. This crucial decision had a huge effect on the Swifts players as they conceded the next eight points to trail by four. Solkhon made another lay-up but Mystics had the next seven and at 67-58 with three minutes remaining, the game was seemingly all over.
But Southend thought otherwise. Warden again twisted through to get to the basket, Jones made a foul shot and Corfield drove baseline and it was 67-63 going into the final minute. Manchester made a foul shot but with two home players hanging all over Rodgers, Warden made two outrageous baskets to make it 68-67 with 15 seconds to play. With 15 seconds remaining, Manchester had the ball but it was stolen away and players from each team had their hands on it. Swifts were adjudged to have committed the foul and despite protestations that the wrong player was given the foul shots, Manchester went to the line with 10.7 seconds remaining. Both shots missed and Southend had the rebound. Rodgers was again being held as Swifts looked to get a good final shot but it would strike the outside of the ring as Swifts fell to the narrowest of defeats.
On another day, in another place, the result may have been different but this was a magnificent performance in the toughest of circumstances. Warden with 27 points, Rodgers with 14 (and many bruises) and Corfield 10 had led a great team effort that probably deserved a better outcome.
GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION LONDON LADY SPARTANS 14 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 79
The first club game of the second half of the season saw Southend Swifts under 16 girls travel to Romford to take on London Lady Spartans. Southend were without captain Amy Rodgers, Abbie Jones and Lucy Lawless as they looked for victory to remain in the top three in the division. Kate Livermore made her first starting five place of the season.
After conceding the opening score, Swifts had the next 19 points as they took control of proceedings. Fay Solkhon orchestrated proceedings at both ends of the court and had her team mates shown greater concentration close to the basket, the lead would have been much greater than the 19-5 shown at the end of the first quarter; Ellie Warden already with 10 points.
Under 14s Charlotte Bennett and Emma Pallett soon found their range and with Solkhon starting to score as well as feed her colleagues the lead stretched to 35-7 and despite some poor foul shooting, the half time margin showed 40-10.
The third quarter was even more profound as Spartans managed just one score whilst Swifts ran in 30 despite numerous changes of personnel. Warden sat out for good after seven minutes but with Deanna Blake and Chloe Spencer adding to the score, the lead was 70-12 with one quarter remaining.
Three baskets in a row from Livermore took the lead out to 79-14 before a Spartans player suffered a back injury that required medical attention causing the game to cease with four minutes remaining but with the result beyond doubt. Warden with 25 points and Bennett and Livermore both on 10 leading the scoring.
MENS UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE CAMBRIDGE CATS 86 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 53
Whilst the under 16 girls team travelled to London, Southend Swifts under 18 boys ventured north to take on second in the table Cambridge Cats. Southend were missing four regular players but welcomed back Liam Jones into the line-up having missed the first half of the season with a badly broken finger.
Both sides made a fairly tentative start, with the home side leading just 6-4 after seven minutes before they scored nine straight to lead by 11. Brad Wood replied with a three-point play but Cats maintained the momentum to lead 18-9 at the end of the first quarter.
Wood and Benny Setordzi kept Swifts within reach but a 7-0 run took Cambridge 32-17 ahead. Baskets from Jones, Ross Mann and Setordzi reduced the deficit to just none, before the hosts had five points in the final minute to lead 37-23 at the midway interval.
Dan Okoh had eight points in the opening five minutes but no other Swifts could find the target as the margin increased to 49-31. A 7-2 spell took the lead over 20 and despite good work from George Cassidy and Setordzi, the gap still stood at 20, at 60-40.
Southend continued to battle, trailing 64-46 after three minutes before Cambridge hit a purple patch making a 17-2 run including three three-pointers. Cassidy and Mann made replies but there was no way back, as Cambridge recorded a convincing 86-53 victory. For Southend, Setordzi had 17 points and Wood 11.
GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – MIDLAND DIVISION SOUTHEND SWIFTS 87 BRENTWOOD FIRE 32
Having not played for 10 weeks, Southend Swifts under 14 girls finally got back into playing action on their home court at Eastwood High School. Their opponents were Brentwood Fire, sitting just one place below them in the league table, so a tricky encounter was expected.
But from the opening tip, the young Swifts stamped their authority on the game. Six points from Amber Evans took her team eight ahead before Brentwood got onto the scoreboard. Summer Osborne and Emily Gaskin came in and both scored immediately before Emma Pallett hit a huge three-pointer that made it 15-2 after five minutes. Still the barrage continued and with Charlotte Bennett dominating around the basket, the home side had a further 12 straight, making 19 in total, on their way to a 29-4 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In accordance with England Basketball recommendations, the match officials deemed that Swifts could no longer play their usual defensive formation, as they were already 25 points ahead. So although captain Megan Jones, Bennett and Pallett were sitting on the bench, the other players were instructed to play more passively. Brentwood had their best spell, with a 10-2 run before scores from Bethany Wheeler and Gaskin were the start of a 12-2 spell for Southend as they led 43-16 at half time.
The re-introduction of the starters, albeit defending passively, certainly increased the excitement as a superb display of slick ball-movement brought the team 22 points in 5 minutes. Daisy Herd gave an indication of her potential with eight points in the run getting on the end of some exquisite passes from her team-mates. From 67-20, Zoë Willis took over proceedings and she had the final six points as her team led 73-28 going into the final quarter.
Southend started with the three players not yet on the scoresheet and Karis Allibon duly obliged in the first minute but the other two were without success as that was the only basket in five minutes. More changes of personnel saw Wheeler with four points before Willis settled proceedings with the final seven as Swifts ran out comfortable winners by 87 points to 32. Bennett with 23 points and Willis 14 leading the scoring.
WOMENS UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISIONSOUTHEND SWIFTS 90 COLCHESTER JAMMERS 62
So the final club game of the weekend saw Southend Swifts under 18 girls meet Colchester Jammers in a battle between the teams in 4th and 5th place in the league table. Southend were missing a number of players bringing in Lucy Brown and under 14 captain Megan Jones.
Jammers started stronger, taking a 6-2 lead, before a Beth Robson three-pointer was the start of a 13-2 run that took them five points ahead. Ellie Warden was in irrepressible form and she had 14 first quarter points as her team led 26-17 at the first interval.
Warden had the next four points and a Francesca Moody three-pointer made it 33-23. Fay Solkhon was playing outstanding defence, keeping Jammers scorers getting any open looks. The scoring subsided for a couple of minutes before a superlative display of long-range shooting saw both Jones and Robson hit two three-pointers apiece as Swifts led 46-27 at half time.
Warden, Megan Parrott and Jess Dowles all found the basket early on as the lead went over 20 at 58-33. Jammers had their best spell with a 12-4 run, with only Parrott scoring for the hosts. But once again the bomb squad arrived and Moody and Robson both made three-pointers that left the game at 70-51 going into the final stanza.
Warden and Kate Livermore scored to take the lead above 20 again and another Robson trey took the lead to 30. Brown had her team’s final basket as Swifts won an entertaining battle by 90 points to 62. Warden with 36 points, Robson 20 with six three-pointers and Parrott 10 leading the scoring.
BOYS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE SOUTHEND SWIFTS 35 BUCKS HORNETS 69
The final game of 2011 for Southend Swifts under 14 boys team saw them play host to Bucks Hornets at Eastwood Academy. Swifts were in search of their first win of the season and their visitors were looking to add to their two victories thus far.
The match began in timid fashion, but Hornets took control to lead 8-0 after five minutes helped by a number of basic errors from the Swifts players. These errors would continue for the remainder of the period and at the end of the stanza the score stood at 17-4 in favour of the visitors. The second period started with a 6-0 run for Hornets, but Swifts would go on their own run scoring seven unanswered points with Daniel Davies helping himself to four and getting his side back into it at 25-12. However, the much calmer nature of the Hornets squad saw them regroup and close out the first half leading 34-13.
In previous games such a score at half-time would have seen Swifts blown away in the second half, but this week the boys were determined to not let that happen. They responded to an early flourish by their opponents by attacking the basket and reaping the rewards with easy finishes as Scott Williams and Connor Summerhill kept their team in the game. However, it is the lack of consistency of this type of play which is costing the side and, coupled with some fast-break baskets by Hornets, the score stood at 55-27 going into the final quarter. With a large number of changes in personnel in the final quarter, including the inclusion of Swifts’ two year seven players, the game lost its intensity and eventually fizzled out with to a 69-36 result, giving the Bucks side their third victory of the year. Summerhill and Williams led the way for Swifts with 11 and 8 points respectively.
GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION IPSWICH BOBCATS 47 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 84
After the excitement of last weeks quarter final National Cup win, Southend Swifts under 16 girls were back in league action when they travelled to take on Ipswich Bobcats. The Suffolk side have had a very good start to the season, with eight wins from 10 games , and boast England international Karlynn Edgeller in their line-up. Southend were missing Abbie Jones, still recovering from a broken arm.
Ipswich made the better start, leading 5-3 after three minutes, and although Swifts had the next three points, their poor form from the foul line looked like it would hurt them. Indeed Bobcats went on an 11-1 run that took them 16-7 ahead much to the delight of the vociferous home crowd. But four points from Ellie Warden and Megan Jones brought it back to 18-15 before a Louise Corfield basket and an Amy Rodgers three-pointer from NBA range gave Southend their first lead at 20-18 at the end of the first quarter.
But whatever was said during the first interval changed the game completely. Rodgers and Warden started to find room at the offensive end as their team had a 16-2 spell in six minutes to break the game open at 36-20. Good foul shooting from Rodgers kept the scoreboard moving and at half time Swifts led 44-26.
Another Rodgers trey helped the lead to go above 20 as Swifts began changing personnel and a pair of foul shots from Charlotte Bennett and a Lucy Lawless inside move were the start of 14 unanswered points that left Southend 65-33 ahead with one period to play; a 30 point advantage through quarters two and three.
Bobcats had the first four points of the final quarter but Rodgers and Chloe Spencer quickly replied. When Rodgers made a foul shot to end a three-point play, the captain left the court with six minutes remaining. Her backcourt partner, Fay Solkhon, smoothly ran proceedings with Corfield adding seven points in two minutes as Swifts closed out for a surprisingly comfortable 84-47 win that keeps them firmly in the hunt for the play-offs. Rodgers 23, Corfield 18, Warden 16 and Jones 14 leading a nicely balanced offensive scoring line.
GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION MOLE VALLEY PHOENIX 47 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 71
For their second game of the weekend, Southend Swifts under 16 girls travelled to Surrey to meet Mole Valley Phoenix. This was the second game between the teams in four weeks with Southend recording a 113-30 victory on their home court and the visitors took the opportunity of resting captain Amy Rodgers plus regulars Jessica Bailey, Charlotte Bennett and Megan Jones.
Three fast break lay-ups from Kate Livermore helped Southend to an 11-6 lead after six minutes and with Louise Corfield and Ellie Warden working well close to the basket, Swifts were able to maintain the momentum. The margin went out to 19-10 before a Lucy Lawless three-pointer as time expired gave her team a 12 point advantage at the end of the first quarter.
Tow Fay Solkhon three-pointers and a Deanna Blake lay-up past three opponents made it 30-14 but Phoenix continued to battle hard. They kept the deficit at 15 despite some excellent mid range shooting from Warden before a first-ever three-pointer from Corfield helped Swifts to a 37-21 half time lead.
When Corfield made a second three-pointer, the 14 year old getting back to her early season best, the lead went above 20 at 44-23. Mole Valley replied with the next four but the introduction of Emma Pallett gave Southend a new lease of energy. A tough left-handed lay-up, a mid range shot and a fast break score from an exquisite Solkhon pass gave the youngster six points in two minutes. Another Corfield basket and an 18 footer from Daisy Herd took Swifts 56-33 ahead going into the final 10 minutes.
Warden had six of her teams first eight points before she sat down for good at 64-35. A Livermore three-pointer and a Lucy Brown basket made it 70-39 and Solkhon also sitting out. Phoenix had their best spell with eight straight points but there was no real way back as Swifts recorded a less than decisive win against improving opponents by 71 points to 49. Warden with 21 points, Corfield 16 and Livermore 11 leading the scoring.
BOYS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – MIDLAND SOUTH CONFERENCE HEMEL STORM 78 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 63
Southend Swifts two elder boys teams made the trip to Hertfordshire to take on Hemel Storm in their final matches prior to the Christmas break. Both Hemel teams are currently top of their respective conferences so difficult battles were expected. Matters were not helped by arctic conditions in the sports hall, which the hosts were aware of, but meant that the Southend substitutes were forced to wear outdoor clothing whilst not on court.
Hemel made the better start in the under 16 game, opening a 12-6 lead but good work from Brad Wood, Dan Okoh and Nathan Smith got Southend back in the game at just 14-13 down. Storm hit back, with 11 unanswered points, that helped them to lead 27-17 at the end of the opening quarter.
The home side kept the initiative with only Louie Davies and Okoh finding the basket in the first five minutes of the second period. The lead went over 20 and despite further good work from Smith, the margin at half time was 56-32.
But the 3rd quarter would see a complete change in fortunes. Led by Wood and TJ Tarehwa (both recovering from illness) and Smith, Swifts began to make inroads into the deficit. A 15-6 run narrowed the gap to 15 and that’s where it stood going into the final period at 66-51.
Points from Smith and Okoh got it back to 14, but six straight for Storm took it back to 20 but despite seven of the last nine Swifts could get no closer as they fell to a 78-63 defeat that leaves them in 3rd place in the table. Smith with 18 points, Okoh 15 and Tarehwa 10 leading the scoring.
UNDER 18 MENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE HEMEL STORM 88 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 53
So after their first victory the previous week, Southend Swifts under 18 boys had the hardest task when they met top of the table Hemel Storm.
The home side made the better start, leading 14-8 before Southend had the next five to trail by just one and indeed a close encounter seemed on the cards as Hemel led just 23-16 at the end of the first quarter.
But the game was blown open by Storm’s Davis Nicholson who had his team’s next 15 points as they led 38-20. A series of missed foul shots didn’t help Swifts as they trailed 42-29 at half time.
Benny Setordzi began to find the basket for Southend but excellent three-point shooting from Hemel’s Losovskij kept his team to the fore as they led 72-43 going into the final quarter and the shooting barrage continued as the home side maintained their unbeaten record with an 88-53 win in conditions more akin to an igloo. Setordzi with 27 points and Ross Mann with 11 keeping Southend remotely in contention.
BOYS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE BADDOW EAGLES 65 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 35
After last week’s disappointment of a non-fixture at Milton Keynes, Southend Swifts under 14 boys made the much shorter journey to face Great Baddow; both sides in search of their first league win. Swifts’ plans were disrupted by the withdrawal of captain and Eastern region player Reece Gunn who was unable to play due to injury. The match began in a very tentative manner with neither side taking control, both almost afraid to take a lead. For Southend, Declan Gould kept his side in contention with four points in the opening four minutes. However, towards the close of the first period the hosts went on a 6-0 run to lead 12-7. Baddow would extend their lead further at the start of the second quarter with a 7-0 run taking the scoring to 19-7 with Swifts unable to find any fluency on the offensive end. However, Daniel Davies took the scoring impetus for his side, pouring in nine points in the final few minutes of the half to keep the score at least respectable; 31-18 in favour of Baddow. To begin the second half both teams traded baskets with Scott Williams and Harry Harwood finding their way to the basket in the usual way the Swifts’ teams do. Despite this increased offensive cohesion it was on the defensive end that Swifts were unable to keep with their opponents and with one quarter left to play the score stood at 47-30. Any semblance of improved attacking play from Swifts was all but lost in the final stanza as they struggled to score, whilst their opponents continued to put more points on the scoreboard. Baddow finally running out victors by a score of 65-35. Daniel Davies with 11 and Declan Gould with 10 points led the scoring for Swifts, but this was a hugely disappointing performance for the Southend club.
MENS UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE SOUTHEND SWIFTS 66 OXFORD BROOKES EAGLES 65
Just like the under 14 boys game played earlier, the under fixture between Southend Swifts and Oxford Brookes Eagles was a meeting of two teams seeking their first victory of the season.
Oxford made the better start, taking an 11-4 lead after three minutes and they extended this to 17-8. Baskets from Jordan Smith, Brad Wood, Ross Mann and Louie Davies reduced the margin to three but despite a Davies three-pointer. Eagles closed out the stronger to lead 25-19 at the end of the first quarter.
A 10-4 run took the visitors lead into double digits and they extended this to 42-28 as Swifts struggled to make inroads. Three-pointers from Mann and Wood reduced the margin and at half time Oxford led 44-34.
Southend finally seemed to find some rhythm in the third period as they restricted their opponents to just five points in the first six minutes whilst scoring 12 of their own to reduce the deficit to just three points at 49-46. But they conceded the next nine points to find themselves trailing 58-48 going into the final 10 minutes.
But a devastating nine points straight from TJ Tarehwa brought the game right back at 58-55. Oxford calmed matters, leading 64-59 with four minutes to play but a Smith basket was followed by a Wood three-pointer and suddenly it was level. Eagles made one foul shot only for Mann to give his team their first lead of the game with 40 seconds remaining. Both teams had chances to score but were not able to convert as Southend recorded an improbable victory by 66 points to 65. Wood with 17 points, Smith 15 and Tarehwa 13 leading the scoring.
BOYS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – MIDLAND SOUTH CONFERENCE SOUTHEND SWIFTS 75 NOTTS NOVA 69
After the excitement of the under 18 boys game, it was the turn of Southend Swifts under 16 boys when they entertained Notts Nova on their home court at Eastwood High School. Both teams had played five games to date; Southend with three wins and Notts two.
Swifts made the stronger start, taking a 12-4 lead after five minutes. Scores from Daniel Okoh and Nathan Smith took the lead to nine before Nova hit back with the last two baskets to trail just 16-11 at the end of the first quarter.
The visitors came out firing at the start of the second period and they took their first lead at 21-20 as Southend managed just four points in six minutes. Both teams struggled to find the basket over the remainder of the period with good foul shooting from the hosts keeping them in the game as they trailed just 27-26 at half time.
But the third quarter would see a much better performance from the hosts. Led by T J Tarehwa and Smith , they put a 13-4 run together to lead 39-31 with seven minutes played. Brad Wood started to find his range and despite seven straight for Nova, the lead at the end of the third period was 48-40.
The final quarter saw Swifts make an outstanding start, making an 11-2 spell over three minutes that should have finished matters at 59-42. But the team seemed to go to sleep and conceded 14 points in three minutes to make it just 59-56. But a three-pointer from Louie Davies, followed by scores from Okoh and Tarehwa took the margin back to 11. A Wood three-pointer took it to 72-60 but Nova were not finished. They made 9 of the next 10 points as the lead reduced to just 73-69 going into the final minute. But Tarehwa iced the win with a pair of foul shots that gave his team a very hard-earned 75-69 win. Tarehwa with 20 points, Wood 17 and Davies and Smith 12 apiece leading the scoring.
GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL CUP – QUARTER FINAL STOCKPORT LAPWINGS 52 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 65
So for the final game of the weekend, Southend Swifts under 16 girls made the long trip to the North West to take on Stockport Lapwings for a National Cup quarter final. Stockport are a club with a long heritage in girls basketball and currently sit in 4th place in the North Division.
Whether it was the strange surroundings or the coldness of the gym, Southend made a poor start trailing 7-3 after seven minutes. Indeed had Stockport’s foul shooting been better, the game may have got away. Further misfortune arrived with the loss of Abbie Jones to a broken arm after a heavy fall, putting under 14 captain Megan Jones into action. Almost immediately the youngster made her mark, scoring six points in three minutes that got her team back into the game at 15-12 behind at the end of the first quarter.
Baskets from Ellie Warden and Jones gave Swifts their first lead but Lapwings hit back with seven of the next nine to lead 22-18. Amy Rodgers connected from distance but with six minutes played the hosts led 24-21 and Louise Corfield on the bench with three fouls bringing 13 year old Charlotte Bennett into the fray. A time out seemed finally to settle Southend’s nerves and they looked slightly closer to their normal selves as the reeled off the next 12 points to lead 33-24 at half time; Jones already with 18 points.
But the Northern side were in no mood to capitulate. A 9-2 run got them right back into the game at 33-35 before the re-introduction of Corfield and Warden gave Swifts the initiative as an 8-4 run left the scoreboard at 43-37 with one stanza remaining.
A tough lay-up from Fay Solkhon and another Jones basket took the lead to double figures but fast breaks from Stockport made it 49-41. Southend made the decisive move with six straight points, with Corfield being particularly effective from medium range, before disaster struck Swifts. In successive plays, Rodgers and Warden were adjudged to have committed their fifth fouls, which meant that coupled with the loss of Abbie Jones, they would play the last four minutes without three of their starters and the lead just 55-44.
But Solkhon took over the running of the game. She controlled the tempo and despite some outstanding shooting by Stockport’s Shannon Foster, three three-pointers in the final quarter, Swifts maintained their composure. A very long two point shot from Solkhon (from outside the three-point line) and an assist to Corfield made it 61- 47. Stockport had the next five points but baskets from Kate Livermore and Corfield settled matters as Swifts closed out a very hard-fought game with a 65-52 victory. Megan Jones led the way with an outstanding 26 points with Warden and Corfield both on 12.
GIRLS UNDER 13 EASTERN COUNTIES LEAGUE SOUTHEND SWIFTS 43 NORTHANTS LIGHTNING 35
The latest round of the girls under 13 Eastern Counties Development League took place at Southend Swifts’ home court at Eastwood High School with the hosts facing two difficult games against Northants Lightning and Norfolk Iceni. This competition is designed with the emphasis on development with games shortened to four eight-minute quarters.
The opening game saw Southend take on Northants. This was the second encounter between the two sides in a fortnight; the teams had met in a very good encounter at Northants court, with Swifts recording a very tight 45-38 win.
Southend made a good start, with Zoe Willis and Amber Evans sharing the points as their team led 7-1. Summer Osborne was playing outstanding defence on Northants’ England Development player Sarah Round although some good work close to the basket by Lightning got them back into the game at 11-8 at the end of the first quarter.
In keeping with the nature of the fixture, both teams took the opportunity of giving their youngest players the opportunity to play. For Swifts this meant year 7 pupils Amelia Wilson and Charlotte Ellmore, alongside primary school students Eleanor Butt, Georgia Powell and the diminutive Keira Blake. Northants, with a slightly older line-up, scored the first four points to take the lead but baskets from Wilson, Powell, Butt and Ellmore kept their team in front at 19-14 at half time.
Both teams reverted to their more normal formations in the third period. Baskets were traded to 23-19 before Swifts had six straight through Osborne, Emily Gaskin and Willis to lead by 10. Northants hit back with a 6-2 run of their own and with one quarter remaining, Southend led just 31-25.
Lightning narrowed the gap by two to trail just 33-29 and despite missing some foul shots, they were still in the game at 35-31 with four minutes to play. But Swifts upped the tempo and scores from Osborne, Evans and Willis took the lead into double digits with just two minutes to play. Northants tried to apply defensive pressure but Southend held on to record a very good win by 43 points to 35 against one of the better teams in the competition. Willis with 14 points, Osborne 10 and Evans 9 led the scoring in a sporting contest.
NORFOLK ICENI 40 NORTHANTS LIGHTNING 51
Next was the turn of Norfolk Iceni to meet Northants Lightning. The Midland side elected to sit Sarah Round out of the game, which obviously made it a closer encounter. Indeed Norfolk remained in contention until midway through the third quarter when Lightning made the decisive move to get the 11 point victory.
NORFOLK ICENI 33 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 89
So the final game in a very enjoyable afternoon’s basketball saw Southend Swifts meet Norfolk Iceni. Both teams had already met Northants Lightning, with Southend gaining a narrow victory and Norfolk a close defeat.
After conceding the opening basket, Swifts quickly stamped their authority on the game as captain Emily Gaskin and Zoe Willis found the basket to take their team 9-3 ahead. Seven straight, with a further five from Willis, took the lead into double figures and players starting to be changed. Grace Livermore hit a purple patch and she had eight of her team’s next 12 points as Southend moved out to a 28-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The start of the second period was even more devastating. A Summer Osborne score was followed by a first-ever club basket for Shannon Brook. Osborne made two foul shots, Willis two baskets and a Georgia Powell score and suddenly it was 40-10. The year 8 girls sat down and the younger ones got to play, with Charlotte Ellmore scoring four and Brook once again and at half time it was 46-16.
Gaskin dominated at both ends scoring eight points in a 14-2 run with the younger players again on court. Norfolk had their best spell against the very young ones and they reduced the deficit to 62-28 with one stanza remaining. The scoring was spread around all of the players, with the Primary school pupils relishing the playing time. With the ball shared by all of the players, Swifts ran in the last 18 points to record the win by 89 points to 33. Gaskin 24 points, Willis 20 and Livermore 12 leading the scoring.
BOYS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE MILTON KEYNES LIONS V SOUTHEND SWIFTS
Having not played for three weeks, Southend Swifts under 14 boys were certainly looking forward to their latest fixture. A visit to Milton Keynes, to play on the court of a BBL team, was certainly worth the early start to the journey.
On the way, the team received a telephone call telling them that the tip-off time would be put back two hours as the court had been double-booked. Not entirely great but these things can happen. There was then another call, saying there would be a four hour wait as there was another game scheduled; now it was not acceptable.
So the hosts offered to play on their training court but at the properly designated time; disappointing but a better situation. The team got changed and went out on court to warm-up. The match officials arrived and deemed the court, and in particular the baskets, were not of playable standard and refused to allow the game to take place.
Five hours wasted and not the best advert for the sport.
BOYS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – MIDLAND SOUTH CONFERENCE READING ROCKETS 33 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 81
Southend Swifts under 16 boys made the trip west to take on Reading Rockets, one of the highest regarded clubs for boys basketball. Southend welcomed back T J Tarehwa, out for eight weeks with a knee injury.
From the tip, it was all Swifts as they scored the first 24 points of the contest. Led by Dan Okoh, the team dominated at both ends to put the result beyond doubt. Reading finally broke their duck in the final minute as Southend led 26-2 after the opening 10 minutes.
Tarehwa found his rhythm at the start of the second period, scoring seven of the first nine points before Brad Wood took over the helm. The 14 year old had 14 points in six minutes, including three three-pointers to help his team to a 54-17 half time lead.
The young men kept their concentration in the third quarter, restricting Rockets to just four points and whilst their own accuracy waned slightly the margin extended to 68-21. The final 10 minutes was a little scrappier but this did not detract from an excellent 81-33 win with Wood on 16 points, Tarehwa on 21 and Okoh 13.
GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION SEVENOAKS SUNS 61 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 40
Southend Swifts under 16 girls travelled to Sevenoaks to take on the home team currently unbeaten this season. The match was delayed for 40 minutes as the teams awaited the arrival of one of the match officials.
This seemed to unsettle Southend, who soon found themselves 6-1 behind. A time out had the desired effect as Swifts tied the game up at eight and there was still parity at the end of the first quarter with the score standing at 12 all.
Suns again came out stronger, leading 21-15 after five minutes, but good work from Louise Corfield, Ellie Warden and Amy Rodgers got their team back in contention at 23-22 before the home side had the better of the closing encounters to lead 29-24 at half time.
To say defences were on top in the 3rd period would certainly be an understatement, with just 14 combined points being scored in the 10 minutes. Unfortunately for Southend they managed just four of them, to trail 39-28 going into the final quarter.
An even more disappointing four minutes saw Sevenoaks score the first nine points and although Warden, Rodgers and Corfield continued to battle as Swifts fell to a disappointing 61-40 defeat with Warden on 15 points and Rodgers 10.
UNDER 18 WOMENS NATIONAL CUP – QUARTER FINAL SEVENOAKS SUNS 94 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 59
Straight after the under 16 game, Sevenoaks and Southend met again, but this time at under 18 level in a National Cup quarter final tie. This was the first meeting between the two teams this season.
Swifts made a good start as Sophie Hankin converted two steals into baskets as they led 4-3. The home side hit back with an 8-0 run but with Hankin in irrepressible form, her team trailed just 16-14 after six minutes. At 18-14 it was still a very close encounter before a series of unexplainable officiating decisions allowed Sevenoaks to make a 17-2 run to lead 31-15 at the end of the first quarter.
Unsurprisingly this deflated Southend and although their defence held firm for the first six minutes, restricting the home side to just 10 points, they managed just five points themselves. The final four minutes would see Suns score nine straight to lead 50-20 at half time.
It was little better for Swifts in the 3rd quarter as they simply could find no offensive rhythm. The margin went above 40 with the loss of Hankin to a foot strain only worsening the position. A 75-29 scoreline at the end of the period certainly told its’ tale.
But from nowhere Swifts found some resolve. Amy Rodgers finally found her shooting touch, with 17 points in the final quarter, as her team at least gave the final result a semblance of respectability as Sevenoaks ended with a comfortable win by 94 points to 59, with Rodgers on 24 points and Hankin 15.
UNDER 18 MEN'S NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE BEDFORD BULLS 102 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 72
A plethora of illness, injury and unavailabilities meant a very depleted Southend Swifts under 18 boys team travelled to Bedford Bulls, still looking for their first win of the season. The home side were sitting in 5th place in the Conference, with two wins from five games.
Bedford made a strong start but excellent work from Benny Setordzi kept Swifts in the game at just 8-6 down and were still in contention at 14-11. The home side had other ideas and they upped their intensity, with a 14-4 run to lead by 13. Southend kept their resolve and helped by a Brad Wood three-pointer, the deficit was just 32-21 at the end of the first quarter.
With Setordzi and Daniel Okoh battling at both ends, the deficit began to reduce and suddenly it was just 38-31. But again Bedford re-took the initiative, scoring 13 of the last 18 points to lead 51-36 at halftime.
Once again Swifts came out strongly at the start of the third period, getting back to 46-57 including six straight. But a 10-2 spell took the hosts 21 ahead and effectively settled the game. Sam Read, Okoh and Setordzi kept the scoring going and with one quarter to play, Bulls led 73-54.
Okoh and Read continued to find the basket but Swifts lack of depth was certainly a major factor. Bedford shot very well from distance, eight three-pointers in the game, and with a final flourish reached the three figure mark to record a sell-deserved 102-72 win. For Swifts, in a very valiant effort, Setordzi ended with a career high 34 points, Okoh 19 and Wood 10.
UNDER 18 WOMEN'S NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION CHILTERN PUMAS 58 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 62
Whilst the under 18 boys were in Bedford, Southend Swifts under 18 girls ventured to Buckinghamshire to take on Chiltern Pumas. The teams had met in the cup two weeks previously, when Southend had a 20 point win, but they knew this would be a tough encounter against a very tall and athletic side.
After a scrappy start by both teams, an Amy Rodgers three-pointer got the scoreboard moving but despite four points from Ellie Warden, Chiltern led 9-7. Swifts hit back with baskets from Louise Corfield and Warden to lead 11-9 and with Abbie Jones and Charlotte Bennett having the final four points of the first quarter, Southend led 15-11.
Scores from Bennett and Shannon Matthews took Swifts 19-13 ahead but Pumas rebounding at both ends kept them firmly in contention. From 24-17 down, the home side hit six straight to trail by just one. The visitors again moved ahead to lead by five and with the help of three Kate Livermore foul shots, the half time lead stood at 31-27.
Another Rodgers three-pointer made it 36-29 but Chiltern would not be shaken off. From 40-34 behind, they scored 12 straight on their way to a 47-41 lead with one stanza remaining; a 10 point turnaround in the quarter.
Worse was to come for Southend as they found themselves 53-44 behind after two minutes of the period. But suddenly they found some energy. A Corfield lay-up was followed by five points from Beth Robson. Matthews, who had been very subdued thus far, had four straight and her team led 56-53 with three minutes to play. Pumas had three of the next five points, but a remarkable sequence of plays from Jones; a steal, an incredibly athletic rebound and a driving lay-up got Swifts four ahead and a pair of Robson foul shots sealed the game despite a late Chiltern score.
Warden with 13 points and Robson and Matthews with 11 each, helped Swifts to a very fortunate victory with improvement needed for the upcoming fixtures.
GIRLS UNDER 13 EASTERN COUNTIES LEAGUE NORTHANTS LIGHTNING 38 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 45
The latest round of the girls under 13 Eastern Counties Development League took place at the excellent facilities at the Northants Basketball Centre, with Southend Swifts facing two difficult games against the home town Lightning as well as Ipswich Bobcats. With all four Northants female teams in action, they had designated this a “Girls Day” with Southend looking resplendent in their pink uniforms.
This competition is designed with the emphasis on development with games shortened to four seven minute quarters. Southend took the opportunity of playing four primary school pupils amongst their 11 players, as well as Shannon Brook playing her first-ever competitive game. Northants fielded a much more experienced line-up with a number of players having been selected for county and regional squads and one in the England Development squad.
Both teams made a fairly nervous start with just eight points in the first five minutes before baskets from Summer Osbourne and Grace Livermore giving Swifts a narrow 7-5 lead at the end of the first quarter. The second period was much more flowing, with Amber Evans and Emily Gaskin battling to rebound against much taller opponents. From 9-7, Southend started to turn excellent defence into rapid attack to put a 10-4 run together to lead 19-11 with two minutes to play. The Essex side were giving all of the players the opportunity to play and despite a score from 10 year old Eleanor Butt, Lightning took the initiative and they tied the game up at 21 at the half time interval.
With their starters back on court, Swifts had the first six points and despite conceding the next three points, Zoe Willis took the initiative with six of the next eight points to help her team to a 35-27 advantage going into the final quarter. Scores from Gaskin and Willis took the lead into double digits and although Northants battled to the end, they could get no closer than five points before Swifts closed out an excellent performance with a 45-38 win. Willis with 17 points, Gaskin 9 and Osbourne 8 led the scoring with Evans a tower of strength rebounding at both ends of the court.
GIRLS UNDER 13 EASTERN COUNTIES LEAGUE IPSWICH BOBCATS 46 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 57
Because of the nature of this competition, the visiting teams play consecutive matches, which meant Southend were immediately again in action against a very tall and athletic Ipswich Bobcats team.
Unsurprisingly Ipswich made the stronger start, taking a 6-2 lead, but with Zoe Willis finding the basket at will, suddenly it was 9-6. The high scoring rate continued from both teams, and with Willis contributing 13 points in the opening 7 minutes, Swifts lead was 18-14.
Willis and Amber Evans shared the first six points and with Amelia Wilson capping her best club performance with a fine move and score the margin increased to 30-18. Southend took the opportunity to get their two mighty atoms, 9 year old Keira Blake and 8 year old Poppy Hurd onto court but this had little effect on the scoring as their team led 33-24 at half time.
Bobcats looked like they would be making a comeback as they had a 6-2 run that reduced the deficit to five. But Swifts upped the defensive intensity and a 12-2 spell over the remainder of the third quarter took them 15 points ahead at 47-32. With Willis sitting out, Gaskin and Grace Livermore took over the scoring as Southend went 53-34 ahead. Shannon Brook and 11 year old Georgia Powell played the majority of the final period and although Ipswich ended with a flourish, scoring 10 of the last 12 points, there was unlikely to be an upset as Swifts recorded a 57-46 win. Willis with 25 points and Livermore and Evans on 9 led the scoring on an excellent day played in a fine spirit by all participants.
BOYS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – MIDLAND SOUTH CONFERENCE SOUTHEND SWIFTS 67 LEICESTER WARRIORS 71
After a two week break, Southend Swifts under 16 boys team were back in action when they entertained league leaders Leicester Warriors. Southend had two wins from three games whilst Leicester were unbeaten from the same number of fixtures.
Swifts made the first move, scoring eight in a row to lead 12-6 after five minutes. Warriors hit back, putting a 14-4 spell together to lead 20-16 at the end of the first quarter: Daniel Okoh already with eight points.
The visitors maintained the initiative, outscoring the hosts 16-5 in the first five minutes of the second period to lead 36-21. But led by Nathan Smith and Brad Wood, Swifts began to reduce the deficit. Eight points in a sixty second burst made it 37-40 before Warriors hit a three-pointer to lead 43-37 at half time.
The margin increased to 10 before Southend had their best sequence. Okoh and Wood combined for 11 points and with Sam Read hitting a three-pointer and Smith and Louie Davies having the last four points, Swifts had a very unlikely 55-54 lead with one stanza to play.
Baskets from Read and Davies took the lead to five but Leicester hit back with an 8-2 run to go one ahead. Smith and Okoh got Swifts three ahead but the scoring dried up and Warriors had seven straight to lead 69-65. Okoh got it back to two but a pair of foul shots for the visitors ended a very exciting game with Swifts falling to a very narrow 71-67 defeat. Okoh 20, Wood 18 and Smith 16 leading the scoring.
GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION SOUTHEND SWIFTS 113 MOLE VALLEY PHOENIX 30
After the excitement of the cup game the previous week, Southend Swifts under 16 girls were back in league action when they welcomed Mole Valley Phoenix to their home court at Eastwood High School. Mole Valley are a new team to girls National League but have acquitted themselves well, with three wins from six games whilst Southend have six wins from seven games.
In a scrappy start, neither side could find the basket for two minutes before Phoenix opened the scoring. But Swifts remembered the script and began to reel off points. In four minutes they scored 14 straight, with all five players on the scoresheet. Ellie Warden was the recipient of some beautiful passes and she had 15 points in the quarter that saw Swifts with a 33-2 lead.
Changes of personnel had little effect as the points tally increased. Lucy Brown had five quick points and from 40-9, Swifts had 19 straight to lead 59-9 at half time; Jess Bailey with her first points of the season.
Although the defensive intensity was certainly no longer in place, Southend had the first 13 points of the third period (making 32 in total) capped by an Amy Rodgers three-pointer. Fay Solkhon added one of her own and with four points from Kate Livermore, it was 87-16 with one quarter to play.
Southend relaxed completely, allowing Mole Valley to have their best spell with nine straight points, much to the delight of their very vociferous supporters. But this was quickly remedied with Rodgers and Warden scoring at will. Another Solkhon three-pointer was part of a final 13 point flourish that left Swifts with another one-sided victory by 113 points to 30. Warden led the way with 30 points, Rodgers contributing 23 and Corfield 16.
UNDER 18 MENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE IPSWICH TOMCATS 58 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 55
After a difficult start to the season, Southend Swifts under 18 boys looked to get their first win of the season when they travelled to Ipswich Tomcats, also looking for their first success.
After a slow start from both teams, Southend finally got going with seven straight points to lead 7-2; Nathan Smith with five. Ipswich hit back with eight unanswered but Swifts had a purple patch, scoring 13 in a row with Ross Mann contributing five and Benny Setordzi four. The hosts managed a pair of foul shots and at the end of the first quarter, Swifts lead was 20-12.
A three-point shot from Sam Read was part of a 6-0 run that took the Essex side 26-12 ahead but Tomcats hit back with an 11-2 spell that reduced the deficit to 28-23. Some poor foul shooting didn’t help Swifts which Ipswich capitalised on and at half time Southend’s lead was just 30-29.
Presumably the coaches stressed defence in their half time talk as both teams struggled to find the basket at all during the third period. They managed just 11 points between them, with Ipswich just having the upper hand to lead 36-34 going into the final quarter.
But the last 10 minutes would see much greater fluency. Tomcats led by six at 41-35 but seven points from Setordzi helped Swifts get back to two at 45-43 with four minutes to play. Neither team could get clear, with the home side’s foul shooting keeping them in front. Going into the final minute, they led 56-52 before a Louie Davies three-pointer got it back to a one point game but another pair of foul shots at the end gave Ipswich the win by 58 points to 55. For Southend, Setordzi on 17 points, Mann 15 and Smith 11 had been the high scorers.
UNDER 18 WOMENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION SOUTHEND SWIFTS 113 READING ROCKETS 35
The final club game of the weekend saw Southend Swifts under 18 girls take on Reading Rockets in their latest league encounter. Southend had two wins from their three games whilst Reading were still looking for their first win after four defeats.
Three-pointers from Beth Robson and Amy Rodgers gave Swifts a narrow 6-4 lead after three minutes before the home side clicked into gear. With the effervescent Sophie Hankin in playing action for the first time this season, the defensive intensity was turned up a number of notches. Shots were scored from every angle and distance as the home side scored 24 points in a row on their way to a 34-6 first quarter lead; Ellie Warden getting on the end of some outstanding assists from her team mates.
Even with regular changes in personnel, Southend maintained their momentum. Megan Parrott had her best outing for the club, showing great energy at both ends leading to her converting on a number of fast breaks. The speed and dexterity of the passing brought applause from both sets of spectators as Swifts had 22 straight points on their way to a 64-12 half time lead.
With the defensive intensity dropped back, Southend were still able to score with regularity during the third period. From 79-22, Southend had 10 points in the final three minutes to lead 89-22 going into the final stanza.
Warden was again proving unstoppable around the basket and with Robson and Rodgers deadly from three-point range, the 100 mark was duly reached. The final margin of 113-35 was just reward for a fine all round performance with Warden on 31 points, Hankin 22 and Robson 15.
GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION WOKING BLACK HAWKS 23 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 122
An abbreviated league programme started with Southend Swifts under 16 girls travel to Surrey to take on Woking Blackhawks. Southend went into the game with five wins from six games, whilst Woking had two victories from their five outings so far.
Scores from Fay Solkhon and Amy Rodgers gave Swifts a 6-2 lead after a scrappy opening three minutes before the visitors started to show their usual fluency with 12 straight points. Woking were restricted to just three foul shots in the remainder of the quarter saw Southend manage a further 14 points to lead 32-5 after the first period and personnel changes already being made.
The opening four minutes of the second quarter saw a barrage of scoring with Rodgers contributing seven points and Ellie Warden six as the lead increased to 40 points. The defence became much more subdued but this did not stop Kate Livermore, Lucy Lawless and Charlotte Bennett adding to the scoring as the margin extended to 64-9 at half time.
With the defensive formation now completely passive, Swifts still found ways of scoring. The movement of the ball was again a joy to watch as the basketball was shared amongst all of the players. Despite the loss of Abbie Jones to a twisted ankle, Bennett and the irrepressible Rodgers kept the scoreboard as the lead went to 98-15, with Rodgers leaving the proceedings with three minutes of the third quarter to play.
The final stanza saw Lucy Brown register 12 points of her own as her team ran out very comfortable winners by 122 points to 23, with Rogers on 36 points in 24 minutes of play, Warden with 21 and Bennett 16.
BOYS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE HERTFORDSHIRE WARRIORS 101 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 58
After a fairly uneven playing schedule so far, Southend Swifts under 14 boys travelled up the M1 to take on Hertfordshire Warriors. Hertfordshire have won their opening two fixtures, whilst Southend have suffered defeats in their two outings.
The home side took the early initiative taking a 9-4 lead but good work from Reece Gunn and Daniel Davies kept Swifts in contention. Warriors moved out to a 10 point lead but further good work from Davies and Dan Sach made it just 26-21 to the hosts at the end of the first quarter.
However an 11-0 run for Hertfordshire took them comfortably ahead and despite a three-pointer from Gunn, this would be the dominant and decisive period of the game. A 31-7 spread took the margin 29 ahead and effectively settled matters.
Southend gave a much better performance over the remainder of the game. Gunn showed great leadership qualities and with Sach having his best club performance the final losing margin of 101-58 was by no means a disgrace against a team likely to be close to the top of this division. Gunn with 21 points and Davies 12 leading their team.
WOMENS UNDER 18 NATIONAL CUP – FIRST ROUND SOUTHEND SWIFTS 67 CHILTERN PUMAS 46
This first round National Cup fixture saw Southend Swifts under 18 women's team take on Chiltern Pumas. Southend’s line-up had a disjointed look with all of their under 16 players missing due to exam revision and they themselves having a re-arranged cup game the same afternoon.
Swifts made a poor start, conceding eight of the first ten points, as Pumas’ athleticism enabled them to make numerous interceptions. But Southend hit back with eight straight to take their first lead; Shannon Matthews with six. Five points from Beth Robson helped increase the margin and at the end of the first quarter the home side led 19-14.
Once again there was a disastrous start to a quarter as Chiltern had the first eight points to lead by three and they extended this to 26-22 after four minutes. But four points from Louise Corfield and scores from Megan Parrott and Francesca Moody got the hosts ahead by a very narrow 32-30 at the half time interval.
But whatever was said during the break ensured that it would be a much sharper Swifts that took to the court. A Robson three-pointer was followed by four points from Matthews and two from Corfield and the lead was 11. Pumas replied with four of their own before a superb five minutes saw four three-pointers scored that took Southend 55-36 ahead at the end of the third quarter; Moody with two of the long-range efforts.
Moody and Robson again scored from distance to take the margin above 20 and that was where it ended as Southend won by the slightly flattering margin of 67 points to 46, with Matthews on 16 points, Moody 15 and Robson 14, with the team hitting nine three-point shots in total.
GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL CUP – SECOND ROUND HERTFORDSHIRE WARRIORS 69 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 70
The final match of a busy weekend was a hastily-rearranged under 16 girls 2nd round cup game, that went ahead despite Southend Swifts protestations that a number of their players had important school examinations the following day. A number of players were either unavailable or had to withdraw from the earlier under 18 game for the match at unbeaten Midlands division leaders Hertfordshire Warriors.
The home side made the better start, taking a 4-0 lead as both teams failed to show any offensive fluency. But Southend found their rhythm and led by Ellie Warden and Amy Rodgers, they scored 12 unanswered points to hold an eight point advantage after five minutes. Warriors hit back with a 7-2 run and Swifts outstanding foul shooting (9 from 10 in the period) kept them ahead despite conceding the last seven points as well as finding captain Rodgers had already been shown to have committed three personal fouls.
The Essex side made a much stronger start to the second quarter, making an 8-2 run that took them 31-22 ahead before Hertfordshire made what looked like the decisive move, scoring 16 straight points during which time Rodgers collected her 4th foul. Swifts again showed their resolve as they scored the last six points to trail just 38-37 at the mid-point break: Louise Corfield with four in the spell.
Once again Southend made the better start with Warden, Corfield and the effervescent Abbie Jones finding the basket as they moved 49-45 ahead. Warriors hit back with six straight but with Rodgers to the fore, scoring the last four baskets off of some outstanding defence, Swifts lead was 59-53 going into the final stanza.
With the nerves of both players and spectators on edge, both teams missed opportunities before Warriors had the first four points to reduce the deficit to two. Three foul shots restored the five point margin, but what looked like a devastating 11-2 run took Warriors 68-64 with four minutes to play. Southend recovered their composure as Warden and Rodgers both scored to tie the game up at 68 all with two minutes to play; Swifts losing Warden and Jones to five fouls to further increase the tension.
Both teams missed foul shots as the noise in the hall became deafening as all of the players struggled to convert seemingly easy chances. Another Swifts shot missed but 13 year old Charlotte Bennett, getting playing time in place of her unavailable team-mates, scored from the rebound to take her team two ahead, with more than a minute to play. Warriors made one from two foul shots but a turnover gave Warriors the ball again. Southend regained possession and a deflected pass was not seen by the officials and with seconds remaining the home side had the ball. But Swifts defence remained strong and they prevented another shot being taken as they recorded an outstanding victory by 70 points to 69. Rodgers with 31 points, Warden 17 and Corfield 10 were the leading scorers but this was a magnificent team effort, that takes the team into the quarter finals.
UNDER 18 MEN'S NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE BUCKS HORNETS 101 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 44
The start of a fairly quiet club weekend saw Southend Swifts under 18 men's team make the journey north to take on Bucks Hornets. Southend were looking for their first win of the season, whilst Bucks had two wins from three games.
Hornets made the better start, opening a 13-2 lead after four minutes as the depleted Swifts side failed to settle. A three-pointer from Louie Davies triggered a 6-2 run but the home side came back with a devastating 23 point run that effectively settled the game as they led 38-8 at the end of the opening quarter.
After conceding the first three points, the Essex team had their best spell as they made six straight; George Cassidy contributing four. But from 45-19, Swifts again switched off, conceding the last nine points, to trail 54-19 at the half time interval.
Despite good work from Ross Mann and David Goates, Southend could make little inroads into the deficit that soon got over the 40 point mark. Hornets scoring rate dropped as Swifts finally found some defensive intensity and at the end of the third quarter, it was 77-32. Jason Smith found his range in the final 10 minutes, but it was never going to be enough as Bucks recorded a very well-deserved win by 101 points to 44, with Cassidy and Smith both contributing 12 points for Swifts.
GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION LEWISHAM THUNDER 27 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 113
After the disappointment of defeat the previous week, Southend Swifts under 16 girls looked to get back to winning ways when they ventured south-west to take on Lewisham Thunder. The London club have made a very big impression on the basketball world in a short space of time, with a number of well-known players now coaching their teams. Whilst their girls programme is still in its’ infancy, there is little doubt they will become very strong very quickly.
With this in mind, Swifts came out with real purpose and this was soon translated into points. Ellie Warden, Megan Jones and Amy Rodgers all found the basket early on as Lewisham struggled against the defensive pressure. The passing showed Southend’s normal dexterity as they scored the first 19 points in four minutes and personnel changes already being made. Thunder finally opened their account but this drove Swifts on and a further 12-2 run made it 31-4. Even with most of the starters now sitting out, Southend had the last 14 points to lead 45-4 at the first break: 14 year old Jones with 17 points of her own.
With the defensive pressure removed, the scoring rate dropped, much to the delight of the very vociferous home supporters. There were just nine points scored collectively in the first four minutes, although Swifts finally got back into their stride as the two Lucys, Lawless and Brown, found the basket as the lead moved on to 72-15 at half time.
The passive defence became almost static in the third quarter but this seemed to have the same effect on the offence. Fay Solkhon found her range from both close in and outside the three-point arc, but the intensity was largely gone as the lead barely crawled forward to 99-19 with one period to play.
Moreover, the next five minutes was even worse as Swifts failed to find the basket at all. It is very difficult for the young ladies to adjust to very inexperienced, if enthusiastic, opponents when there is no wish to run up a cricket score. The final margin of 113-27 may not greatly help either team but for Southend it is the way through to tougher encounters later in the season. Warden and Jones both had 31 points whilst Thunder can be very proud of their effort and spirit throughout the game.
UNDER 18 WOMEN'S NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION BRIXTON TOPCATS 27 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 89
After a three week lay-off, Southend Swifts under 18 girls team got back into action when they made the trip to South London to take on Brixton Topcats. The two teams have had some huge tussles with Brixton coming out with a two point win in the corresponding match last season but this season they are looking for their first win after four defeats.
A poor start saw Southend change their entire starting five within two minutes and despite an Amy Rodgers three-point shot, the lead was just 6-4. But the starters returned and they scored seven straight for Swifts to take the margin to 15-4 after seven minutes. Brixton seemed to take heart from Southend’s lack of offensive fluency with the lead just 19-10 at the end of the first quarter.
However, the short interval seemed to have the desired effect for Swifts. They scored 13 unanswered points as their defence denied Topcats any scoring opportunities. The hosts finally managed a score after eight minutes, but Southend reeled off the final eight points to lead 40-12 at half time; 13 year old Charlotte Bennett with 10 points in the 2nd quarter.
The third period saw an even more subdued defence but Swifts were able to restrict their opponents to just four points whilst racking up 25 of their own as the minutes and scoring was spread amongst all of the players. The final stanza was again one-way traffic as Southend ended with a very comfortable win with 13 year old Bennett on 19 points and 14 year old Louise Corfield on 16 leading the scoring.
GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – MIDLAND DIVISION BRENTWOOD FIRE 31 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 123
After three convincing victories in their opening league matches, Southend Swifts under 14 girls made the short trip to Brentwood Fire fully expecting a much tougher encounter. In the previous week Brentwood had recorded a huge 85 point win, scoring 144 points in the process, so Southend had to expect a very close match-up.
A Megan Jones lay-up was followed by scores from Charlotte Bennett and Daisy Herd as Swifts had the first six points. Brentwood opened their account but Southend then sprang into gear. Amber Evans, Emma Pallett, Jones and Bennett all found the basket with regularity as tenacious defence was rapidly turned into attack. From 14-2 in the fourth minute, it became 25-4 after seven and personnel changes already being made. Ellen Taylor and Bethany Wheeler had four points apiece and at the end of the first quarter, it was 35-8.
The start of the second period was even more stunning as Swifts reeled off 22 straight points, with Bennett and Jones again dominating. When both sat out and the defence much more passive, the rapidly improving Zoë Willis took her chance, adding eight points of her own as her team led 65-15 at half time.
The defence was even more subdued in the third quarter but this did not prevent Bennett scoring 14 points personal in the opening four minutes before the young lady sat down for good, with her team 83-17 ahead. At times the movement of the basketball was quite stunning as the Southend youngsters showed great dexterity moving from defence to attack. Five late points from Jones took her team 96-25 ahead with the final 10 minutes to play.
With Pallett controlling the play, Evans, Wheeler and Herd took the scoring as Swifts made a 23-2 run despite the defence becoming even more withdrawn and four late points left Southend surprisingly comfortable winners by 123 points to 31. Despite playing only limited minutes, Bennett finished with 31 points and Jones 23; Evans and Willis both had National league highs of 16 and Pallett was also in double figures with 12.
BOYS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – MIDLAND SOUTH CONFERENCE SOUTHEND SWIFTS 67 BEDFORDSHIRE KNIGHTS 46
After a difficult previous weekend, Southend Swifts under 16 boys looked to bounce back with a home fixture against Bedfordshire Knights. Southend went into the game with one win from two games, whilst Bedfordshire had a loss in their only outing.
Swifts made a good start, taking an 8-4 lead after four minutes, but Knights hit back with six straight to take the lead. However, the hosts recovered quickly and they scored eight unanswered points to lead 18-10 at the end of the first quarter; Brad Wood already with eight points.
Southend continued to dominate as 13 year old Daniel Davies contributed four points alongside a further six from Wood as the margin increased to 32-16. Knights looked to be reducing the deficit but two crucial scores from Daniel Okoh kept his team to the fore as Swifts led 40-22 at the half time interval.
However, Bedfordshire showed much greater resolve in the third period. They shut down Southend’s scoring as the gap narrowed to 44-33. A Nathan Smith basket ended a six minute drought but the lead stayed the same at 46-35 going into the final quarter.
Okoh and Wood combined for the opening 10 points as Swifts re-established control with the lead extending to 56-37. The lead went over 20 at 64-40 and a three-point shot from Thomas Butt was the final score as Southend recorded a very good 67-46 win with Wood on 26 points and Okoh with 17.
UNDER 18 MEN'S NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE SOUTHEND SWIFTS 59 BADDOW EAGLES 64
Southend Swifts under 18 boys looked to get their first win of the season when they entertained Baddow Eagles, who have two wins from four games played.
Baddow made the stronger start, taking a 14-4 lead as Southend struggled to counter their zone defence. The introduction of 15 year old Louie Davies calmed matters and he hit a three-pointer to reduce the deficit to 14-9 before Eagles made the final seven points to lead 21-9 at the first interval.
Another poor five minutes saw the visitors extend their lead to 29-11 and the game seemingly out of sight. However, Swifts began to utilise the long-range scoring of 14 year old Brad Wood and he had two three-pointers along with four points from Jordan Smith and at half time, the deficit stood at 33-21.
But the third quarter would see a quite remarkable turnaround. Tenacious work from George Cassidy inspired his team as Southend began to reduce the margin. Four points from Nathan Smith were followed by two more Wood three-pointers and it was 32-39. Cassidy, Smith and Davies all scored and the margin was down to five at 38-43 and despite another Wood three, it was 47-41 to Eagles going into the final stanza.
The lead went back to eight at 53-45 but two long range effort from Ross Mann and a Davies three-pointer made it 53-52 with five minutes to play. Baddow, are a much more experienced group, had the next five but another Davies trey and baskets from Wood and Mann made it 60-59 going into the final minute. Baddow scored with eight seconds remaining but Swifts called time out to set their play. Wood got the ball in the prescribed place but his three-point shot was off target and Baddow were fouled to stop the clock. They duly made their foul shots to run out 64-59 winners in a fantastically exciting game. Wood with 19 points, Davies 12 and Smith 10 had led the scoring in what was a very fine team effort.
GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION SOUTHEND SWIFTS 53 HARINGEY ANGELS 59
So in the 5th week of the season, the first real match up in the under 16 girls league. Southend Swifts, four wins from four games with an average winning margin of 97, against Haringey Angels, four wins from four games with an average winning margin of 123. The two coaches, great friends on and off the court, agreed on one thing; neither of them had any real idea where their teams were given the lack of any meaningful competition so far.
The opening salvos were understandably tense with defence to the fore. Southend had the better of the exchanges as they led 6-0 as Haringey were kept scoreless in the first five minutes; Ellie Warden with four points. Angels halved the deficit but a further Warden score and an Amy Rodgers three-pointer took the lead to eight. Points from Louise Corfield and Abbie Jones took the lead to double digit and when Fay Solkhon hit a pair of free throws, her team had shot 9 for 10 from the line to lead 18-7 at the end of the first quarter.
A Warden “and one” took the margin to 14, but Haringey are not perennial champions without just reason. They made a 9-2 run to reduce the deficit to 23-16 but Southend stemmed the tide with the next three points. However, the initiative was with the visitors and they made nine straight to trail just 26-25 at the end of a pulsating first half.
Another pair of Solkhon foul shots were the only points in the first two minutes as defences were again on top. Rodgers was being very closely guarded and although she hit a pair of foul shots, the score was tied at 32 with four minutes to play of the third quarter. Suddenly Swifts defensive formation began to reap rewards. Corfield and Jones both scored with Angels replying with two before, in the space of two minutes, Rodgers shook off her shackles to score 10 points of her own with two pairs of foul shots and two huge three-pointers. A Warden basket in the final minute gave Southend an unlikely 48-34 lead going into the final period.
But Swifts knew only too well what they would face in the last 10 minutes. Haringey’s very aggressive defence was deemed legal by the officials causing numerous turnovers. From 48-40, six points in a minute completely changed proceedings with the lead down to two, as Angels dominated the rebounds. Southend’s shots would just not drop as they went seven minutes without scoring to trail 52-48 and the noise level at a crescendo. Swifts finally resumed scoring as Solkhon twice and Rodgers managed one from two foul shots to make it a one point game with two minutes to play. A Rodgers lay-up maintained the margin but the home side would not score again as Haringey had the last five to record a 59-53 win in a fantastically exciting game played in a great spirit by both teams’ participants. Rodgers with 20 points, Warden 14 and Solkhon 8 led the scoring but just not enough to get the win.
GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – MIDLAND DIVISION
UNDER 18 WOMENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION EASTSIDE EAGLES 73 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 56
The start of a busy club weekend, saw Southend Swifts under 18 girls team make the journey to Walthamstow to take on Eastside Eagles. Eastside have added a number of new players to their line-up this season, whilst Southend went into the game without Sarah Cozens and Sophie Hankin.
Neither side could make an early break with Ellie Warden keeping Swifts in contention with six early points. But from 8-6, Eagles made an 11-2 run to take their lead out to 10 and despite an Amy Rodgers three-pointer, the home side led 22-12 at the end of the 1st quarter.
Still Southend’s offence continued to stutter and despite a further Rodgers long-range effort, a 13-3 spell took Eastside out to 37-16 , which they consolidated to lead 44-22 at half time and seemingly on the way to a very comfortable victory.
But whatever was said during the interval seemed to have the desired effect. Indeed had Swifts foul shooting been nearer to their usual accuracy, the deficit may have been closer to single digits within the first five minutes. Louise Corfield and Megan Parrott were finding space close to the basket, with Corfield contributing seven points in four minutes and with Rodgers and Fay Solkhon hitting consecutive threes, the deficit was down to 17 at 56-39 going into the last quarter.
Although they scored the first basket, Southend could make no further inroads and despite some excellent shooting from Beth Robson, 9 points in the quarter, they fell to a 73-56 loss made all the more disappointing by missing 17 of 26 foul shots attempted. Rogers and Robson, both with 12 points, and Corfield 11 leading the scoring.
UNDER 14 BOYS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH I DIVISION SOUTHEND SWIFTS 44 BRENTWOOD FIRE 102
Whilst the under 18 girls were on their travels, Southend Swifts three boys teams all had matches at their home court at Eastwood High School. First into action were the under 14s who had a difficult task against an experienced Brentwood Fire team.
From the start Brentwood took the initiative, opening a 14-2 lead after seven minutes and they maintained their momentum to lead 20-6 at the first interval. Despite good work from Declan Gould, Swifts could make no inroads as they trailed 36-14 after seven minutes of the second period before they finally gained some confidence. Gould and captain Reece Gunn shared 11 points to reduce the deficit to 42-25 at half time.
The second half, however, was a much more one-sided affair for Southend as they failed to capitalise on their partial recovery. The ball was turned over too many times, giving Brentwood the opportunity to make fast break lay-ups. Daniel Davies and Connor Adams gave fighting performances but from 70-33 at the end of the third quarter, Brentwood continued to press even when Swifts brought their very youngest players into the game. A final defeat of 102- 44 was a disappointing start to the season, but the team will surely have better days. Gould 14, Gunn 11 and Davies 7 leading the scoring.
UNDER 16 BOYS NATIONAL LEAGUE – MIDLAND SOUTH CONFERENCE SOUTHEND SWIFTS 64 BRENTWOOD FIRE 62
So after the disappointment of their under 14 team, Southend Swifts under 16 boys team had the opportunity to get the club’s first win of the weekend when they too met Brentwood Fire. Some early-season injuries has left Southend without Tjay Tarehwa and Liam Jones, which has put greater onus on the other squad members.
But after going 8-4 behind after six minutes, Swifts’ had a purple patch scoring the next 11 points with Brad Wood and Dan Okoh sharing the spoils. Brentwood managed just a pair of foul shots but baskets from Nathan Smith and Wood gave the hosts an unlikely 19-10 first quarter lead.
Brentwood hit back, making a 13-6 run that got them back to two down at 25-23, before the 14 year old Wood gave some idea of his potential. Three successive lay-ups gave his team some breathing space and after a Louie Davies score the young man hit a huge three-point shot that helped Southend to a 37-31 half time; Wood with a very impressive 23 points in the half.
Brentwood again fought back with only Okoh looking threatening for Swifts. A Davies three-point play got the home side 48-43 ahead but a 7-2 spell for Brentwood tied the game at 50 and despite another Wood score, the visitors led 54-52 going into the final quarter.
With nerves on edge, both teams struggled to score with any consistency. Okoh and Smith battled at both ends and they got their team level at 60 all with five minutes to play. Opportunities were spurned with Wood’s basket the only score in three minutes. Brentwood tied the game up again before Davies made what was eventually the winning basket to give Swifts an outstanding victory. Wood with a club career high of 29 points and Okoh 16 were the leading scorers in a great team effort.
UNDER 18 MENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE SOUTHEND SWIFTS 51 SOUTHEND SCORPIONS 104
So the final game of a long club day saw Southend Swifts under 18 boys team meet Southend Scorpions. The visitors are the nucleus of the basketball academy based at Seevic College and may have been expected to play in the higher level competition of the Premier Division but have elected to take part in the East Conference.
Swifts made a good start, with George Cassidy and Ross Mann getting to the basket, but the team failed to score over the final eight minutes of the first quarter to trail 20-6 at the first break. A more spirited start to the second period saw the deficit reduced to 26-16 before the visitors upped the tempo to lead 46-22 at the half time interval.
A poor start to the third quarter by Swifts saw the deficit get closer to 40 but with Cassidy showing great leadership qualities, his young team-mates were not overawed. Louie Davies and Brad Wood, who had played in the previous under 16 game, came to the fore and both found the basket as their team trailed 77-41 with one period to play.
Scorpions elected to maintain their defensive pressure causing Swifts to turn the ball over, with the obvious intent of reaching the 100 point mark. This they achieved with two minutes to play as they recorded a 104-51 win. For Swifts, Cassidy had led the team with 16 points.
UNDER 16 GIRLS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION SOUTHEND SWIFTS 121 UXBRIDGE EMPERORS 19
For the third week running Southend Swifts under 16 girls have turned up for their weekly league fixture looking to have their abilities tested and for the third week running it hasn't happened. The opponents this week were Oxbridge Emperors, who have not made the most auspicious start to the season but certainly display a great deal of effort and enthusiasm.
From the start it was one-way traffic. Fay Solkhon, Ellie Warden and Amy Rodgers shared the first 17 points, with Rodgers coming off court after 5 minutes and her two colleagues two minutes later. It made little difference as Abbie Jones, Louise Corfield and Lucy Lawless scored at will and at the end of the first quarter, Swifts lead was 46-2.
With the result obviously beyond doubt, there was no longer any defensive pressure with the younger players getting valuable court time. Emma Pallett and Bethany Wheeler, both still 13 years old, were making their under 16 debuts playing alongside their under 14 captain Megan Jones and they kept the scoreboard ticking over, although obviously with less regularity than the first quarter. Lucy Brown, Chloe Spencer and Deanna Blake all showed great energy at both ends of the court and at half time the hosts led 68-8.
The defence was even more passive in the third quarter as the lead went over 70. The tallest player, Ellie Warden, played at point guard whilst the diminutive Fay Solkhon played at centre as Swifts looked to get something meaningful out of the game; a run of 26 points taking them 98-11 ahead with one stanza remaining.
Pallett and Wheeler shared the first seven points and with Lawless and Corfield continuing to find the basket, the lead approached triple figures. There was no fanfare when the margin was achieved as Southend ended victors by 121 points to 19. Warden with 24 points, Lawless 20 and Corfield 15 had the highest point tallies with all 12 players on the scoresheet but oh for a tough game.
GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION SOUTHEND SWIFTS 108 NEWHAM YOUNGBLOODS 27
With a number of teams withdrawing from National League competition, Southend Swifts had just two weekend fixtures, both on their home court at Eastwood High School. First up were the under 16 girls, who looked to consolidate their huge opening win when they met another team from East London, this time Newham Youngbloods.
However, from the opening tip, it was again largely one-way traffic. Tenacious defence was turned into very quick offence and it was 13-0 after four minutes. Still the pressure was maintained and at 23-0, it was time to change personnel. This had little effect and at the end of the first quarter, Southend led 34-6.
Seven straight points from Lucy Lawless was the start of a 10-0 run and six from the rapidly improving Louise Corfield took the lead above 40. Fay Solkhon was providing some beautiful assists to her colleagues with Ellie Warden and Deanna Blake helping themselves to six apiece and at half time, the margin was 66-14.
With the defence becoming much more passive, the scoring rate dropped dramatically. Just 10 points in the first five minutes of the third quarter, although the re-introduction of captain Amy Rodgers upped the tempo and at the end of the period, it was 88-22.
The opening four minutes saw neither team able to find the basket before another Lawless three-pointer broke the drought. Rodgers and Corfield shared the next 10 with Rodgers having the final seven as her team again won very comfortably by 108 points to 27. Rodgers with 26 points, Corfield a career high 25, Lawless 14 and Warden 12 leading a very balanced score line.
GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – MIDLAND DIVISION SOUTHEND SWIFTS 110 NORFOLK ICENI 23
After the success of the under 16 team, Southend Swifts under 14 girls also looked to record their second win following their hard-earned victory at Northants the previous week. They entertained Norfolk Iceni, with captain Megan Jones back in the line-up.
Once again, the match was all but settled in the opening minutes. Jones scored from the opening tip and four apiece from Amber Evans and Emma Pallett made it 10-0 after three minutes. Daisy Herd and Charlotte Bennett shared the next four and all five players had scored. Still the barrage continued with Norfolk not scoring until the 9th minute with Swifts already on 26 and it was 28-2 at the end of the opening quarter.
With the starters sitting out, the younger players took their chance. Summer Osborne again provided instant energy and she had six quick points. The speed and dexterity of ball movement from the young ladies brought prolonged applause from both sets of spectators and 18 unanswered points took the hosts 50-7 ahead. Emily Gaskin and Evans, both a year young, dominated around the basket and with Georgia Logan getting her first club points, it was 66-13 at half time.
Despite a much more subdued defensive formation, Swifts reeled off the first 14 points of the 3rd quarter, Pallett with six, but from 80-15, there was a remarkable sequence. Bethany Wheeler, just 13 years of age and playing for a matter of months, scored five fast break lay-ups, four with her weaker left-hand, in just two minutes to the amazement of the watching crowd. Sophie Kay had the final basket, meaning all 12 Swifts players had scored, and with one stanza remaining it was 94-17.
With the elder players sitting out, five under 13s took to the court to get some valuable playing time and scores from Zoë Willis and Evans duly brought up the 100 mark. With the result beyond doubt, the intensity naturally dropped as Swifts ran out winners by 110 points to 23. There were six players in double figures, showing the all round strength of the squad with Pallett on 20 points, Evans 18 and Wheeler on 14.
. UNDER 18 WOMENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION NORTHANTS LIGHTNING 46 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 72
Southend Swifts under 18 girls team had the honour of being the first club team in action for the new season, when they made the trip up the M1 to take on Northants Lightning at their excellently appointed basketball centre. Southend were missing Sarah Cozens and Sophie Hankin but welcomed Beth Robson and Amy Rodgers back in their line-up after long term injury.
Unsurprisingly there was a scrappy start for both teams, with Jess Dowles' basket Swifts only score in the first three minutes, although the hosts themselves could manage just one point in that time. However, three-pointers from Robson and captain Francesca Moody settled the nerves and it was 12-1 after seven minutes. Northants replied with a 6-2 stretch but scores from Ellie Warden and Shannon Matthews restored the initiative and at the end of an untidy first quarter, Southend led 18-7.
Another Robson three-pointer got the second period underway but Lightning had another good spell as Swifts offence faltered with the deficit reducing to single figures at 24-15. Another Moody long-range effort got her team moving and some excellent offence from Warden, with six straight, helped the visitors to a 35-19 half time lead.
A Rodgers three-pointer took the lead out to 20 at 41-21 and despite the hosts having the next four points, a 9-1 spell took the margin out to 50-26 with four minutes of the third quarter to play. Warden and Rodgers continued to keep the scoreboard moving and with one period to play, Swifts lead was 54-32.
Good work at both ends of the court by Louise Corfield and Abbie Jones increased Southend’s advantage. Fay Solkhon ended proceedings with another three-point shot, her team’s ninth of the day, as Southend finished with a 72-46 win without ever really showing their usual fluency. Warden with 19 points and Moody 12 leading the scoring.
GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – MIDLAND DIVISION NORTHANTS LIGHTNING 54 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 75
A re-alignment of the under 14 leagues sees Southend Swifts now playing in the Midland division and like their under 18 club mates, the young ladies opened their season at Northants Lightning. With captain Megan Jones unavailable on a school trip, Southend had a very young line-up with six players making their national league debuts.
From the opening tip it was evident that Swifts’ Charlotte Bennett would be the dominant factor. The 5’ 10” 13 year old used her skill and athleticism at both ends of the court to lead her team. From 4-3 down after three minutes, Swifts scored the next seven to take the first meaningful lead. Lighting hit back to reduce the deficit back to three at 16-13 before a 4-2 run at the end of the first quarter gave Southend a 20-15 lead, with the remarkable statistic of Bennett having scored all her team’s points.
The home side came out much stronger at the start of the second period, scoring the first eight points, as Swifts rotated their line-up. The re-introduction of Bennett and Daisy Herd calmed matters and it was Southend’s turn to score eight straight to retake the initiative. There was excellent defensive work from Herd, Amber Evans and Emily Gaskin and with Emma Pallett controlling the tempo, the margin extended to 32-25. The introduction of the diminutive Summer Osborne increased Swifts defensive intensity and a Pallett three-pointer gave her team a 37-27 half time lead.
Lightning again showed their fighting qualities, making a 7-2 run over the first three minutes. They continued to have the upper hand and after six minutes the deficit was just 43-40. But with Bennett being closely marked, it was the opportunity for other Southend players to step up. Herd converted her fast break lay-ups, Bethany Wheeler and Zoe Willis both scored two tough baskets on their debuts and Grace Livermore found her way to the basket. The youngsters showed their very rapid progression to take their team 57-44 ahead with one period to play; a 13-4 run over the final four minutes.
Another Wheeler score kept the margin in double digits and with Bennett freeing herself from very close attention, the margin gradually increased. With the defensive intensity being maintained, Herd and Pallett kept the scoreboard moving as their team finished with an excellent 75-54 win in a very good standard contest for so early in the season. Bennett led the scoring with a career high 37 points, with Herd on 10 and Pallett and Wheeler with seven each.
UNDER 18 MENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE SOUTHEND SWIFTS 36 CAMBRIDGE CATS 58
The only home game for Southend Swifts on the opening day of the season saw their under 18 boys welcome Cambridge Cats to their home court at Eastwood High School. Southend’s line-up had a disjointed look, with a number of players missing.
And so the difficulties proved as Cambridge scored the first 17 points of the contest as Swifts failed to score in the opening seven minutes. They finally recovered their composure to score the final eight points of the opening quarter to trail by nine.
The second period was a much closer affair and had they converted their foul shots may have been able to exert some pressure on their opponents. As it was, neither side were able to score with any regularity and at half time, Cats led 25-17.
The third quarter again saw Southend fail to score in the opening minutes, as Cambridge scored eight straight. George Cassidy and Brad Wood stemmed the tide but the hosts could never get close enough and with the final 10 minutes to play, the deficit was 41-27. The final period again started poorly as Cambridge had the first 11 points and despite some excellent shooting from Wood, Swifts fell to a disappointing 58-36 defeat with Woods’ 15 points the only bright spot.
UNDER 13 GIRLS EASTERN REGION LEAGUE SOUTHEND SWIFTS 88 BRENTWOOD FIRE 42
Southend Swifts youngest team, the under 13 girls, had their first outing of the season in the Eastern Region Development League. This competition is designed with the emphasis on development and Southend took the opportunity of playing four primary school pupils amongst their 10 players. Brentwood fielded a more experienced line-up with a number of players having been selected for county and regional squads.
But from the start, the youngsters wanted to show what they were capable of. A fast break lay-up from Emily Gaskin got them under way and with tenacious defence being turned into quick-fire attack, Swifts were scoring at will. Grace Livermore, Amber Evans, Summer Osborne and Zoe Willis all found the basket and after six minutes the hosts led 17-0. Brentwood finally broke their duck with six points, but that only seemed to spur Swifts on and they had the next 15 points to hold a remarkable 32-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Personnel was already being changed as the very young ones took their chance. Katie Bennett, playing her first-ever game, acquitted herself well and Eleanor Butt, Georgia Powell and Amelia Wilson showed their vast improvement. Evans and Gaskin dominated the rebounds at both ends and at half time the lead stood at 48-20.
The tempo was again increased at the start of the third quarter. Excellent vision from Livermore and Osborne provided their team-mates with scoring opportunities which they gratefully accepted and suddenly it was 60-22. Willis seemed to cover every inch of the court as Brentwood were denied easy attempts at the basket. Thee dexterity of the young Swifts brought prolonged applause from both sets of spectators as they increased their lead to 70-26 with one quarter remaining.
Unsurprisingly the defensive intensity dropped, although Gaskin got onto the end of some excellent passing movements to maintain the scoring rate. With five minutes remaining, eight year old Poppy Herd got her chance to play as Swifts ran out very comfortable winners by 88 points to 42 with Evans on 37 points and Gaskin 23 but this was an excellent team effort from all of the players.
UNDER 16 GIRLS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION SOUTHEND SWIFTS 116 LONDON SPARTANS 14
So with the three other girls teams having achieved comfortable wins on the first weekend of the season, it was left to Southend Swifts under 16s to try to complete the quartet, when they welcomed London Spartans to Eastwood High School. Spartans had produced some excellent results last season, so Southend had to expect a tough battle.
A slightly scrappy start saw Swifts lead just 6-3 after three minutes, before the hosts sprang into action. Intense defence was turned into very rapid attack as Abbie Jones and Ellie Warden shared the next 11 points. Amy Rodgers and Fay Solkhon put the Spartans guards under constant pressure leading to numerous turnovers and scores. Louise Corfield was dominant at both ends on her first start at this age level and with the visitors scoreless for the final five minutes, Southend led 38-6 at the end of the opening 10 minutes.
With Rodgers forced to the bench with three harshly called fouls, Lucy Lawless stepped in and she joined with Solkhon to maintain the defensive pressure. Warden and Megan Jones were combining beautifully close to the basket and they shared 12 points as the lead went above 40. Players were changed with regularity and Deanna Blake and Charlotte Bennett came in to make their mark on proceedings. The visitors were restricted to just four points in the second quarter as Swifts led 58-10 at half time.
All 11 players were getting valuable playing time as Southend showed great fluency so early in the season. At times the ball moved from one end of the court to the other without touching the floor as Swifts gave glimpses of where they may be this season. The London side went scoreless for nine minutes, whilst the home side racked up a further 29 to lead 87-12 with one stanza remaining; Lucy Brown scoring five points in a 90 second spell.
The final quarter was again very one-sided as Spartans visibly tired. Chloe Spencer scored four as she was part of a very young group allowed to play together. The 100 point mark was reached without much fanfare and with Corfield and Warden both scoring six points each in the last three minutes, Swifts recorded a very comfortable 116-14 win. Warden 31 points, Corfield 16 and Abbie Jones 15 led the scoring but the team will realise that tougher encounters lie ahead.
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