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CYPRUS 83-123 ENGLAND
The first game of the U21 season saw England face Cyprus with the new U21 manager expecting nothing but a win to start the new campaign. England jetted off to a double digit margin within the first quarter and then expanded that lead to 20 points, mainly thanks to Kevin Finley and Hayden Bryant who between them shot 5-8 from beyond the arc in the first half. The third quarter belonged to Mark Salley who scored 12 points in 7 minutes and shot an impressive 77.78% overall. Thanks to garbage time, the fourth quarter allowed the new coach to witness a very nice shooting performance from 20 year old, Michael Bradley, who top scored with 24 points in 21 minutes - including 3-3 from three point range.

Overall, I think there are a few positives to take from the game despite playing a weaker opponent. 31 out of the 49 field goals scored were assisted - with every player chipping in with an assist - as well as having a respectable flow throughout the game. We also shot very well from deep (10-22) and the offence ran well.

However, we have to keep working as we have our bitter rivals in Scotland next. Thanks to all managers for good game shape in the first week and long may that continue.

ward is bored on the injury list

Yes, it's a shame he's out but at least he's out for the games we should be winning and can feature for the tougher games.

Good win to start off your campaign js. That Salley looks like a beast and all!

Thank you mate and yes, he's been well trained by his manager.

ENGLAND 118-60 SCOTLAND
After ending up convincing winners last week, the U21 manager was looking to put another game in the win column and build the best PD possible. England played rivals Scotland and were superb throughout, dominating and outscoring their opponents in every quarter. The first half belonged to Christopher Whyman who scored 20 points, gobbled up 11 rebounds as well as dishing out 3 assists to see England head into the break 40 up, with the score at 64-24. The second half saw much of the same with England dominating inside with substitutes Thomas Powell, Chris O'Riordan and Tommy Brennan joining the party and all scoring over 10 points in less than 20 minutes.

There were lots of positives to take from this game, like last week, with 75% of our field goals assisted and seven players ending up with three assists or more. Our bench was very productive once again despite a couple of key players missing.

Just a quick thank you to all of the managers once again, the game shape was fantastic and hopefully it can be next week too as we face a tough task against Georgia.



Last edited by js8 at 8/24/2015 4:10:21 PM

Good win mate. Things look very promising.

Good win mate. Things look very promising.

Yes, we're going well at the minute but the tough games are to come and there the ones which decide our destiny for the season so feet are still firmly on the ground, but as I said pleasing at the moment.

Looking at the schedule, it seems like a tank job against Srbija followed by a critical game against Ukraine will be the main focus of yr season.

Maybe so, I'll judge when it comes to the game depending on the game shape of both sides.

PS: After a successful run withe the NZ U21 squad, I am looking to get involved with another English speaking team, so have been following England for a while

If you can give me an inbox, I'm sure we can discuss some things and find a position.

(Europe looks like a real bitch just to get out of the 1st round by the way)

Yes, there's a lot of tough teams around in Europe but I'm confident we are not too far from gaining qualification from the Euro's.