Henley College bow out at the last 16 stage
The Henley College’s great run in the Basketball England Dynamik Schools Under 19 Men's competition came to an end this week as they were soundly beaten by a very talented Richard Huish team by 111 points to 54 in Taunton.
Having been hampered by multiple injuries, illnesses, and absences, the team travelled to the South West with only six fit players and Kai Hope who had been out of action for four weeks with an ankle injury but gave a good account of themselves as they departed the competition at the last 16 stage.
The game started on a fairly even keel until Huish hit the visitors to Taunton with a 15-2 run to really break open the game in the first quarter of play. Some great shooting from Adam Marzec, Kai Hope and Ben Sher kept Henley in touch but a strong finish to the opening stanza ensured a 31-13 lead for the hosts.
The second quarter followed suit with Henley really struggling to contend with Huish’s excellent transition and rebounding threat as the home team poured in another 30 points to Henley’s 15 with the hosts opening up a commanding 61-28 half time lead.
Despite such a big deficit after 20 minutes, the visitors came out fighting and tried to work on the areas they had identified that needed to be better at the break but the home team were relentless and too strong for their opponents as they scored another 30 points to Henley’s 11 in their best quarter of the game.
The great thing about the Henley outfit is they never lie down and finished the final ten minutes in much better fashion with Adam Marzec and Ben Sher leading the scoring charge supported by Leighton Richardson. Thomas Job was great on the defensive end for his team after a four month lay-off as the visiting team narrowly lost the last quarter by 20 points to 15 but held their heads high as they exited the competition to a very well rounded Huish side.
Ben Sher led his team with 17 points, Leighton Richardson finished with 15 and Adam Marzec had 11.
Henley Head Coach Ben Fisher was proud of his team’s effort this season and was very complementary of today’s opponents. He said,
“We have had a great run in this competition and the development of the players has been very positive to see over the last six months. Today’s loss does not define us but it gives a fantastic opportunity to reflect and learn as to what is ahead at the next level. A lot of hard work has been done but even more lies ahead and knowing the nature of this team, they will be ready for this challenge.”
“A lot of credit must go to Gary Carter and his team for the excellent job they did today but more so for the programme they have been building in Taunton for a while now. They are great friends of the Rockets programme and whilst it is always hard to lose in that fashion, we must say a huge well done to them on their victory today."
“My guys however have been a pleasure to coach this season and now it is time to improve the programme, work hard in the off-season, and get an eager, competitive group ready for next season.”
The College will now play a number of friendly games before the conclusion of the programme at Easter and any new potential students are most welcome to join the academy for a trial in the next few weeks - those interested please feel free to email Coach Ben Fisher at ben.fisher@readingrockets.co.uk.
