    | ECF Girls Development
Girls' CVL Celebration at Final Team Northumbria Women's Match
The Girls' CVL G-League has just begun again. The results from the last season have been collated and are as follows: G-League Division 2
1. Westgate Hoopstars
2. Hebburn and Jarrow
3. Newcastle East FUSION Griffins
G-League Division 1
1. Westgate Hoopstars B
2. Westgate Hoopstars A
3. North Shields Jazz
4. Southside Allstars
5. Westfield Warriors
The winners from both Division 1 and 2 will be presented with winners medals at the final Team Northumbria womens' Division 1 National League match as a celebration of Women's basketball.
Team Vs Barking Abbey Saturday 28th March At Westgate Centre for Sport Tip at 2pm
The winners will be presented their winning medals prior to this game. All are welcome to come and join in this celebration.
Congratulations to all involved in the previous league and good luck to teams in the new G league.
Team Northumbria Women Take top of the table with 3-0 record Team Northumbria made it three from three with a pair of victories over the weekend. Saturday saw Deirdre Hayes’ team make their shortest trip of the season as they faced Division One newcomers Leeds Carnegie and returned home with an 89-78 victory.
Loui Hall marked her return to the side with a 40-point haul, while Sabra Wrice added 25 and Zoe Vickers 16.
Wrice opened the scoring for the visitors before fouls sent Leeds to the line to gain their first points of the game. The two sides traded baskets before a three pointer from Hall put Northumbria in front and set them off on a run which would give them the lead at the end of the first quarter 26-17.
It would not last as Leeds recovered to take the lead, but after a time out by Hayes the visitors found their scoring touch again lead by three treys from Hall
Northumbria went into the half with a 43-37 lead but Hayes’ side could not find away to build a sustainable lead as Leeds fought back again in the third behind the scoring of Helen Naylor to go in front at 51-50. Stepping up their defensive intensity, Northumbria outscored their hosts 20 - 9 over the next six minutes to go back in front by 10 (70 - 60) with one quarter remaining.
Northumbria were determined to record their second victory of the season and Leeds could only get within 8 before the visitors closed out the victory.
Naylor led Leeds with 22 while Vander Zenter added 20.
Northumbria did not have long to celebrate their victory as they took to the court the next day to face Sevenoaks Suns.
The home team opened the scoring with a lay-up from England Under 18 captain Ruth Davison and never looked back. A three pointer from Northumbria captain Vickers put them up 23-14 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter Northumbria widened their lead and were comfortably in front at the half 43–25.
Three treys from Davison at the start of the third continued to keep the home in control as they closed out the game with a second victory of the weekend 82 – 61.
Wrice put in another outstanding performance when she finished with 16 points 10 assists, eight rebounds and seven steals. Wright added 16 with Davison hitting 15. Arek Deng led the visitors with 22
Hayes was understandably pleased with the result:
"It was great to get two victories on the weekend both of which came from great team efforts. Loui’s shooting display was amazing on Saturday and it was an extremely physical game. Then to play less then 24 hours later and put in another well-rounded game was a tribute to the players.
"We just need to keep the momentum going and keep improving as a team. Sabra put up an outstanding all around performance but my 'woman of the match' was Laura Calder - her defense has improved so much and today she worked extremely hard at it. To score 10 points and put out the defensive intensity she did is not easy."
North Shields Jazz regain title in a
nail biting finale to the League Under 12’s Girls
There have been two results over the weeks that need reporting. The under 12’s league is now over and the results are all in. On the 15th June Newcastle East FUSION faced Hebburn and Jarrow. Hebburn and Jarrow proved too strong for Benfield and although they made a push at the end Hebburn came out winners 32 to 6 points. Top Scorers for Hebburn and Jarrow was Demi Nesbitt with 18 points.
The following week saw a match up between Newcastle East FUSION and Westgate Hoopstars (pictured). This was a closer game than previous ones with Newcastle East doing well and nearly toppling the Hoopstars. Final score was 9 – 6 to Westgate. Top scorers for the Hoopstars were Safoora with 4 points and Katie Potts with 3 points. For the Griffins the top scorers was Lauren Short with 4 points and Princess Matende 2 points.
So now the league is over who is top?
Congrats to all involved for a fantastic first league!!
Girls’ Pool A
The top of the league has again come down to the final day…. Who will walk away with the league?
The previous week the match ups were between North Shields Jazz and Southside Allstars. With Southside coming out on top and beating the Jazz by 2 points, the final score being 20 – 18. Westgate Hoopstars took on Westfield Warriors and the Hoopstars again proved they deserve to be top of the table with another win. The final score 27 – 18. The last game saw Westfield Warriors take to the floor again but this time was a different story
On the final day of the league it was between Westgate Hoopstars and North Shields Jazz and came down to the final game of the day. If Westgate won their match they would automatically win the league as they had such a massive point’s difference. In order for North Shields to hang in there they needed to secure wins in both of their matches. North Shields kicked off the proceedings facing Westfield Warriors. The game was pretty one sided and Jazz took the much needed 3 points with a 36 – 16 win. The next game was between Southside Allstars and Westgate Hoopstars. It was a close game throughout with Southside in the lead for most of the match. Westgate took the lead right at the end only to have it taken from them by a three pointer in the last second. With it they took Hoopstars hopes of taking the league title. The final match was between North Shields Jazz and Sacred Heartbreakers. If North Shields won they win the league if Sacred Heartbreakers win the Hoopstars will take the league title. The game was never a close match and Jazz looked comfortable throughout. The final score 31 – 11 with the win the Jazz were crowned League champions for the third time running. Congratulations to North Shields Jazz and all teams involved for making the league such an exciting finale.
The Girls’ Have Landed This coming season sees the first School of excellence under 12 and under 14 girls’ teams. Girls’ have been taken through their paces over the past month at trials by Deirdre Hayes and various Eagles Community Foundation female coaches. Hayes, the The first session for the under 12’s was on the 28th May and for the under 14’s the 4th June. The under 12’s group will be working towards their own development and a schedule of friendly matches as there is no national league for this age group. The under 14 girls will be entering the national league and will be competing against other teams from across Sarah Bennett female basketball development officer said “It’s such an exciting time for girls’ basketball in the North East. With new sessions, leagues, camps and events and now there is their very own Newcastle Eagles School of Excellence. The programme of The under 12’s team will be training as a development squad. The individuals selected came from Ashington, North Tyneside, South Shields and The under 14’s will take the step into the
Hoopstars dominating Girls' League This week saw a top of the table clash between Hebburn and Jarrow and Westgate Hoopstars. Which ever team took this game would probably take with it the league. It was a close game throughout. Westgate opened the scoring with Sarah Hardy hitting a shot from a drive. Then Hebburn and Jarrow went on an 8 – 0 run. Led by Demi Nesbitt who scored 6 of the 8 points. Westgate made a defensive change and Kelly Aziakonou played fantastic defence on Demi Nesbitt. This changed the game and Westgate started to dominate, catching up with Hebburn and Jarrow, Jodi Kime scoring twice. The game was close all the way through and all girls’ played fantastic. The final score was 18 – 10 to Westgate Hoopstars. Top scorers for Hebburn and Jarrow were Demi Nesbitt with 8 points and E. Davison with 2 points. For Westgate Hoopstars Sarah Hardy with 8 points and Jodi Kime with 6 points.
First game of the mornings matches was always going to be a good game. Westgate Hoopstars faced North Shields Jazz, Jazz being previous champions on numerous occasions. Westgate started well and had a 6 point lead with no answer from North Shields until Sophie Manningham got the Jazz on the score board. But Westgate started as they meant to go on, the score at the end of the first half was 18 – 5 to the Hoopstars. The second half was evenly matched with Westgate coming out on top by a point. But Westgate had done enough in the first half and came out winners at 31 to 17. Top scorers for Hoopstars were Michele Dimbua with 13 points and Alex Gutteridge with 5 points. The Jazz top scorers were Sophie Manningham with 7 points and Sarah Currie with 4 points. Next match was between Southside Allstars and Westfield Warriors. Girls’ hit the hardwood On the 28th May Eagles Community Foundation coaches Sarah Bennett and Zoe Vickers put girls through their paces at Westgate Centre for Sport in a full day of fun filled basketball just for girls. The camp was held during the schools half term and 26 girls came down some from as far as Thirsk, Girls CVL The second week of girls CVL took place this Sunday after a week break for the Newcastle Eagles playoff finals. The first game to kick off the league was Hebburn and Jarrow under 12’s vs. Newcastle East FUSION Griffins U12’s. Hebburn and Jarrow’s In pool A the first game was a forfeit in the favour of Westgate Hoopstars. Westgate Hoopstars 20, Southside Allstars 0. The next game was a closely matched game between Sacred Heartbreakers and North Shields Jazz until the last 5 mins of the second half. The Heartbreakers opened the scoring with Ayanda Yabantu scoring a fast break lay up. The scoring then went back and forth throughout the first half with an even 11-11 score at the break after Jenny Spires from North Shields hit a buzzer beater long range two. After the final half North Shields Jazz came out on top after going on a 10 – 0 run. The final score North Shields Jazz 31, Sacred Heartbreakers 22. Top scorers for Sacred Heartbreakers were Ayanda Yabantu with 7 points and Waliyyatt Afolabi with 4 points, top scorers for North Shields was Sophie Mannigham and Jenny Spires with 8 points a piece. The final game of the morning was between Westfield Warriors and Southside Allstars. Southside Allstars came out eventual winners with the final score of 15 – 9. Top scorers for Southside were Tasha Dickson with 6 points and Jenna Shaw also with 6 points. The top scorers for Westfield Warriors were Julia Whitehall and Helen Hardy. New Girls’ U12’s league is a stars event The new girls’ only under 12’s league started on Sunday 27th April. The first game of the league was between Westgate Hoopstars and Hebburn and Jarrow. Both teams played fantastically well and all staff were impressed with the standard of basketball in these little stars. The game was a close event with Westgate going out in front from the start and never losing the lead. The final score was 12 – 8 with Westgate Hoopstars coming out on top. Leading scorers for Westgate were Kelly Aziakonou and Sarah Hardy for Hebburn Ellie Davison and Megan Giles. Pictured are the Westgate Hoopstars under 12 team.
In the open girls’ age Sacred Heartbreakers faced Southside Allstars. The game was close throughout until Southside pulled away as winners at end 27 – 16. Leading scorers for Southside were Tasha Dickson with 18 points and Anna Murdy with 6 points for Sacred Heartbreakers Fiona Gabbitus scored 9 points and Walilklat Afolabi scored a 3 pointer late on into the game.
The other game was between Westgate Hoopstars and Westfield Warriors. Westgate came out strong with Jessica Donnelly scoring the first basket but Westfield were the overall winners 18 – 14. Leading scorers for Westfield were Julia Whitehall with 10 points and Helen Hardy with 4 points. For Hoopstars the leading scorers were Kendal Barclay in her first CVL match with 4 points for and Tatiana Lundeya with also 4 points.
NEW FEMALE ECF STAFF INTERVIEW!
In this section of the website each month one of the female Newcastle Eagles’ Community Coaches will be interviewed and their profile placed on here. The second to be interviewed is Sarah Bennett the new female basketball development officer at the Eagles Community Foundation.
Girls' Get On The Court....... Boys take a Time out!!! On Friday the 21st of March it was an all girls' affair at the Metro Radio Arena. The Eagles Community Foundation held a girls' only clinic before the Newcastle Eagles home game vs Plymouth Raiders. The clinic was supported by the Northern Rock Foundation. It was a huge success with 60 girls ages ranging from 8 - 18 taking part in the afternoon of fun (picture on left). The girls took part in various drills and prizes were given out. Coaches from the Eagles' Community Foundation took the girls through their paces on the Newcastle Eagles court and then the girls' all got to stay and watch the Eagles beat Plymouth Raiders in a top of the table clash. "It was fantastic to see so many girls' coming down and taking part. It really shows that what we are doing here at the Eagles community foundation is worthwhile and that female basketball in the North East is growing." commented Female basketball development officer Sarah Bennett. "All the girls really enjoyed themselves and I had so many coming up to me and asking when the next one will be. I think that the staff had just as much fun. I know I did."
New Girls' Club launched in East of Newcastle
A new girls' only club has been launched in the East of Newcastle. The club runs on a Tuesday at Benfield sports college from 7 to 8.30pm. The session has been put on in partnership between FUSION and the Eagles Community Foundation. All girls' are welcome. The session is taken by Eagles Community Foundation Coach and Womens' Team Northumbria Division one captain Sarah Bennett.  Girls' Under 18's Make Playoffs Just after christmas the Gateshead Team Northumbria girls' Under 18 team was going to be pulled form the league due to the coach having too many commitments to other teams. The Eagles did not want this to happen as it was not beneficial to the girls development in the North East and therefore took on the team. Howard Leighton was assigned as the Head Coach with Sarah Bennett continuing with her role as Assistant Coach. Various girls' from the North East playing in ECF clubs and other local clubs were approached and signed to the team. It became obvious that the team had a mountain to climb with 13 games to fulfill before the 23rd March when the playoffs start. But with various factors against them they managed to fulfill the fixtures and found themselves in a position that they could make play offs. The girls had a mixture of results.
The girls have done us all proud here at the Eagles Comunity Foundation and the coaches have thoroughly enjoyed working with them. But it is not over yet... the girls' finished 4th in the Northern League which means they have made playoffs and for the quarter finals they will travel away to Haringay (picture below of Kerry Melville Under 18 girls' player).
All the Eagles Community Foundation staff would like to wish the girls' luck.
 Eagles’ Female Community Staff
Research carried out by the Women’s Sport Foundation has shown that by the time girls have reached the age of 18 40% of them have dropped out of all sports activity and in adulthood almost half of the women do not participate in sport. One reason is the lack of positive female role models in sport. The first of our interveiws with the female ECF staff is Susan Hunter, everyones favourite lady in basketball.
The Newcastle Eagles have tried to overcome this by employing 45% qualified female coaches. This means that over the last two years girls only programmes have been carried out by female coaches. The impact of this is evident as there are more girls’ only sessions and teams emerging within Special thanks to the following partners for their ongoing support with Girls' Basketball programmes. For further information on camps and girls basketball contact Sarah Bennett on either tel 0191 245 3881 or email S.Bennett@eaglescommunityfoundation.com    |
Next Home Match
Friday, 24th September, 2010
VTip-Off 7:30pm Sheffield Sharks
League Standings
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