The Northumberland Knightflyers reclaimed the top spot of the Aspire 2 Achieve League last week with a dominating win over the young YMCA Thunder.
The Thunder, who showed a lot of improvement since their last game, scored the opening basket, but could not stop the Knightflyers who quickly took control of the game.
The Knightflyers are the first team in the Aspire 2 Achieve League to feature two players scoring over 40 points and pulling down over 20 rebounds in a single game, with Jake Watson scoring 48 and grabbing 26 rebounds, while Callum Wingfield scored 46 points to go along with his 24 rebounds, Callum also achieved his 4th quadruple double of the season as he added 25 assists and 12 steals.
Glenn Armstrong lead the game in steals with 14, every Knightflyer who played got at least 3 steals in a dominating defensive effort.
Adam Raine lead the improved YMCA Thunder in points with 12, and was 1 rebound shy of his second double double of the season, Calvin Craigen had his best game of the season with 10 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.
The Knightflyers will look to keep hold of the top spot as the team welcomes back Paul Hobson and Simon Pound, who are both in the RAF.
For further information about Aspire 2 Achieve, along with the complete league table, please visit http://www.aspire2achieve.org.uk
The new look Blyth Renegades get first win against the YMCA Thunder!
The Blyth Renegades traveled to their old home court, Northumberland College, to take on the YMCA Thunder.
Both teams were looking for their first win, after losing their previous games against the League leading, Northumberland Knightflyers. Both teams also had new faces, hoping to make a difference for their teams.
The Thunder once again scored the opening basket on a 2 pointer by Conor Hakin, who finished with 5 points, but the Renegades quickly took control behind Adam Coxon's 12 first quarter points.
The second quarter saw the first ingame action for Liam Pickering and Calvin Gregen, with both players making an impact for their teams.
As the game progressed the Renegades pulled away with a commanding lead behind Liams 30 points and Adams 26 points to come away with their first win of the season.
Adam finished the game with 26 points, 26 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals and 3 blocks to take home the MVP vote, putting him joint first in league MVP voting with YMCA Thunders Joe Philips, Northumberland Knightflyers Callum Wingfield and LTU's Do
Both the Renegades and Thunder will next play the undefeated LTU.
The Northumberland Knightflyers lose their first game during an injury filled match up with LTU.
A injured and depleted Northumberland Knightflyers took to the court to play LTU in their first match up this season.
The Knightflyers had only 6 active players, 4 of whom were suffering from injuries, struggled from the field as LTU controlled the tempo of the game, forcing a more slower pace than what the Knightflyers would normally play.
Glenn Armstrong lead the Knightflyers in scoring with 14 points while Jake Watson pulled down 8 rebounds and added 8 steals to get the MVP vote.
Tomas Baguckas lead all scorers with 34 points and pulled down 19 rebounds while Donatas Aukstolis added 27 points for LTU. Tomas came away with the MVP vote for this game.
The Knightflyers and LTU will next play the YMCA Thunder.
YMCA Thunder give LTU an early scare as LTU continue to dominate the Aspire 2 Achieve league.
LTU traveled to Northumberland College in Ashington looking to continue their impressive winning streak.
With the Thunder only having 5 players and LTU bringing a full squad it appeared the game would be yet another easy blow out for LTU. The game started with 2 easy baskets by LTU before the Thunder woke up and scored the next 4 baskets to gain the lead.
While LTU pulled away as the game progressed the Thunder battled on, scoring a season best 48 points behind Joe Phillips' MVP game of 16 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals, while Adam Raine added 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Thunder.
As the game came to its conclusion LTU gave the Thunder a standing ovation.
LTU will next play the Blyth Renegades, while the Thunder will face off against the Knightflyers, both these games could be season changing games for all the teams.
Aspire 2 Achieve will be starting a new, independent Bedlington Basketball Club, based at St Benet Biscop, with the first session taking place on March 8th 2012.
Aspire 2 Achieve is a Northumberland based organisation whose prime purpose is to raise the awareness, confidence and productivity of youths in the area via the medium of sport and other various fun and challenging activities.
Aspire 2 Achieve aims to build self confidence, concentration and self-esteem in young people through the medium of Basketball and other activities.
All Aspire 2 Achieve sessions are delivered in a positive, fun, relaxed environment and aim to instil self-confidence, enthusiasm and determination in all participants, regardless of their ability.
Aspire 2 Achieve is made up of local sports personalities and local community activists, the young people taking part see how others have used sport to enhance their life opportunities.
Aspire 2 Achieve aims to put the new Bedlington club into the Aspire 2 Achieve Northumberland Basketball League, which aims to help players development around the region.
As stated before this club is totally independent and is not affiliated with St. Benet Biscop, but will use the schools facilities as a base for the new club.
Training will take place at the main sports hall each Thursday at 3:30pm - 5:30pm.
Over the February half term over 60 youngsters from the local area took to the stage to present the Blyth Valley Scouts Gang Show. The Scouts put on 6 performances from the
14th - 18th February at The Phoenix Theatre in Blyth.
The Cubs, Scouts and Explorers performed a wide range of musical numbers, packed full of song and dance, along with the traditional comedy sketches. The show included a sunny and upbeat 'holiday' section, along with a majestic 'Fire' number. There was also a number based on eighties music, the scouts very own take on the Dr Who theme and a Lady Gaga spectacular.
The YMCA Thunder opened their season against the league leading Northumberland Knightflyers. The Knightflyers, who came into the game with a two game winning streak, came into the game looking to extend their winning streak.
The Knightflyers won the top off and quickly scored the games first basket, however the Thunder quickly scored the games second basket behind a turn around jump shot by Conor Hakin.
The Knightflyers have strugged throughout the last two seasons during the first quarter, however it seemed that the curse has been broken as the Knightflyers quickly took control of the tempo of the game as the first quarter ended with a 34 - 6 Knightflyers lead.
The Knightflyers continued to control the tempo of the game, however the Thunder kept on fighting and played a fantastic game of Basketball.
'Considering that this is the first time the Thunder have played and the team haven't trained since early December, the Thunder did fantastic. The team was missing some players which could have been a problem, however everybody played a clean, solid game of Basketball where there was no foul trouble on either team.' Said Knightflyers head coach, Alan Hoyle 'The Knightflyers came out strong and played hard throughout the game, regardless of the score, I am really proud of our team, we have had a rough ride to reach where we are now, but everything is coming together, we have a great team on and off the court, everybody knows their role within the team and played it to near perfection.'
Near perfection it was, collectively the Knightflyers shot an amazing 82% from the field.
'There is little you can do to stop a team when everybody has the hot shooting hand' said Isobelle Gibson, head coach of the Thunder 'But I am so pleased with the effort the Thunder put into the game, everybody played really well and it was a great starting point.'
The Thunder was lead by Joe Philips, who scored 9 points, whilst handing out 4 assists and pulled down 5 rebounds.
'Joe has been coming along to the Knightflyers session and it showed' Added Isobelle.
The Knightflyers were lead by Callum Wingfield. Callum scored a league high 52 points, while adding 13 assists, 13 rebounds, 11 assists and 12 steals. Jonny May and Jake Watson also had season highs for the Knightflyers with 17 and 24 points respectively, whilst Glenn Armstrong had a season high 14 steals.
'The whole team played great, there were very few mistakes from any of our players' Said Alan 'Every Knightflyer played fantastic, we crashed the boards, made our shots, our passing was fantastic, our defence was the best we have played this season. If we play like that every game, nobody will be able to compete with us.'
The Thunder will next face the Blyth Renegades, while the Knightflyers will play LTU.
For more information about Aspire 2 Achieve please visit http://www.aspire2achieve.org.uk
With just 176 days to go until the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Aspire 2 Achieve revealed some of their plans for the Olympics today.
'The festival in Alnwick to celebrate the Olympic Torch coming through the town is such a great idea' said Aspire 2 Achieve Co-Founder, Alan Hoyle 'And for Aspire 2 Achieve to be able to be part of the build up to this historic event is such an honour.'
Aspire 2 Achieve will 'tip off' all Olympic celebrations at 1pm, June 10th at the Willowburn Sportscentre in Alnwick with the Aspire 2 Achieve Olympic Activities Showcase, featuring the unrivalled Aspire 2 Achieve Basketball Programme along with Video Games Design, Fine and Gross Motor Skills Development, Greenwood Work, Brazilian Soccer, Street Dancing and much more. Also featuring at this event are the Hunter Theatre Arts Cheerleaders and the Daleks from the hit BBC show, Doctor Who.
At 2pm on the same day the Aspire 2 Achieve Northumberland All Star Game will tip off, featuring the best players in Northumberland, the game promises high flying, quality Basketball action! The All Star game is the first every All Star Basketball game which will be hosted in Northumberland.
Entry to this event will cost £2 per visitor and promises to start off Alnwick's Olympic celebrations in style.
'The whole day will be fun for the whole family, with all the different events we have going on, there will be something new for everybody to try, along with the cheer leading group and of course the Daleks and the All Star game, we are hoping to put on an entertaining show for people of all ages.'
On June 13th, at 7pm, once more at the Willowburn, Aspire 2 Achieve Basketball Clubs, the Northumberland Knightflyers, Blyth Renegades, L.T.U, YMCA Thunder, Sassco Lightning and Alnwick Warriors will take to the court to attempt to break two Guinness world records.
Taking place on June 14th, Aspire 2 Achieve will be at Alnwick Market Place to put on a special Basketball display, once again, a first for Northumberland. Players from the Aspire 2 Achieve Basketball League will be switching the hardwood for trampolines as the Aspire 2 Achieve Aerial Squad take to the air to excite the crowds with a dazzling display of high flying slam dunks.
Finally on June 15th the Olympic Torch will travel through Alnwick, does Aspire 2 Achieve have surprises left for this historic day? Stay turned.
The curtain is ready to rise for the Scouts performing in the Blyth Valley Gang Show, which is taking place between Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th February at The Phoenix Theatre in Blyth.
The family variety show features sixty four talented Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders performing a wide range of musical numbers, packed full of song and dance, along with the traditional comedy sketches. This year the show includes a sunny and upbeat 'holiday' section, along with a majestic 'Fire' number. There is also a number based on eighties music and the scouts very own take on the Dr Who theme. The young people have been rehearsing and perfecting the show since October last year and can't wait to hit the stage at the Phoenix.
Heading into Game Two of the Aspire 2 Achieve Northumberland Basketball League, feedback continues to flow in after the impressive season opener which took place at Blyth Sportscentre on Sunday 27th November.
Game Two is a rematch between the Northumberland Knightflyers and the Blyth Renegades, the teams who took to the court in Game One and saw the Knightflyers coming away with the 63 - 44 win.
While the action on court impressed all who attended the game, the reception the game received left a mark on all the players who took part, along with everybody in attendance.
'I was surprised with the level of talent playing in the game' said John Stelton, a parent who had came along to the game to support his daughter who was part of the cheer leading group 'I had very little interest in the sport, but found myself really getting into the game, by the end, I was asking around when the next game will take place!'
'It was the perfect opener to our season' said Aspire 2 Achieve Co-Founder, Alan Hoyle 'Everybody who took part in the game did fantastic, both teams and the cheer leaders put on a great show for everybody, a parent compared the game as something he witnessed whilst in America, which is a huge compliment to us all.'
'After finishing the game, the team and I just couldn't wait for the next match! It was an amazing turn-out; something I really wasn't expecting as basketball in this country isn't nearly as big as it's home nation, or in some parts of the southern hemisphere.' Added Ben Deakin, forward for the Northumberland Knightflyers 'Both teams played really well and did a great service for raising the profile for basketball England - which we at the Northumberland Knightflyers are very proud to be part of. Basketball is a very fun and energetic game, not to mention a great way to get out and socialize with people of similar interests. I would implore people of all ages to give it a go, whatever your fitness level.'
'The first game of the season was a great game with a great crowd who got behind both teams and seemed to enjoy the game.' Chris Lewis, Blyth Renegades center added 'Hopefully games like this will become a seasonal event.'
Game Two looks to bit quite different from Game One, with both teams looking at different tatics to start the game, during Game One the Renegades came out strong in the first but appeared to struggle with the fast tempo in the second half, whilst the Knightflyers started slow and had to play catch up before dominating in the forth quarter.
'This has been our main issue over the last couple of seasons' said Northumberland Knightflyers coach, Alan Hoyle 'We always seem to start the game slowly then have a strong second half, we cannot keep doing this, we need to come out strong and play at a high level from tip off to the final buzzer. We played near perfect Basketball in the second half of our last game, but we really need to get something going early on this time.'
'Both teams have been training hard for the game' added Alan 'Both teams understand what they did right in Game One, what they did wrong in Game One, and have worked on correcting the wrongs each session since, it shall be an interesting game, with an important outcome.'
With a win on Friday, the Blyth Renegades could even up with the Northumberland Knightflyers at the top of the league, however if the Knightflyers come away with the win it will give them a dominating two win lead above the rest of the teams in the league.
The Aspire 2 Achieve Northumberland Basketball League is the first local Basketball league to record all statistics electronically, which has became a great hit, with over 8,000 unique visitors heading over to the league section of the Aspire 2 Achieve web site within a week of the statistics going live.
'Unfortunately I missed the first game of the season' said Aspire 2 Achieve Co-Founder Isobelle Gibson 'But I could catch up on all the statistics online'
Game Two of the Aspire 2 Achieve Northumberland Basketball League takes place Friday 16th December, 7pm at James Calvert Spence College, in Amble. Spectator entry costs £1.
The Blyth Renegades will be back in action on January 8th, as they host LTU at Blyth Sportscentre. The game tips off at 4pm. The Knightflyers will then take on LTU on January 14th, with a 7pm tip off time.
For more information about any of the teams, the league in general or Aspire 2 Achieve, please visit http://www.aspire2achieve.org.uk.
With the unfortunate situation of a number of local Extended Services now closing, Aspire 2 Achieve are now offering an ever growing range of After School activities, which aim to provide students in Northumberland with a number of different opportunities to learn whilst having fun.
Aspire 2 Achieve is a Northumberland based organisation whose prime purpose is to raise the awareness, confidence and productivity of youths in the area via the medium of sport and other various fun and challenging activities.
All Aspire 2 Achieve activities are tailored specifically to meet the needs and abilities of the participants. The overriding theme of each activity is to provide a healthy, positive activity that encourages each individual to learn whilst having fun.
After School activates offer a wide range of benefits to the participants, including increased level of confidence, self esteem and discipline, socialising with pupils from different classes and year groups, trying out different activities, to name just a few.
'We are really excited to offer this range of activities to schools and community groups in Northumberland.' Said Aspire 2 Achieve Co-Founder Alan Hoyle 'Every activity is exciting, fun and will really get the people involved thinking and working together as a team.'
Currently Aspire 2 Achieve are offering ten after school activities, details of which can be found below :
Basketball Coaching - With Alan Hoyle and Isobelle Gibson.
Take to the Basketball court with our unrivalled Basketball Coaching programme! Both Alan and Isobelle have experience with coaching basketball in Northumberland and other areas in the UK. Their unique experience of training with the six time world champions, the Chicago Bulls and the Minnesota Timberwolves allows them to offer an unmatched and unique training programme to people of all ages and abilities.
Recommended Age : All Ages.
Basketball Statistics Course - With Alan Hoyle.
Take in the sights and sounds of some of the greatest games in Basketball history! Learn how to recognise, record and store Basketball statistics in this interesting course. Watch and analyse some of the greatest players in the world, whilst learning valuable skills to be used on and off the court, including Mathematics and English.
Recommended Age : 12+
An introduction to Video Game Design - With Alan Hoyle. (Free Software included.)
Use Mathematics, English, ICT and Graphic design to create your very own Video Game! This introduction course will teach young people the basics of creating video games using a simple click and create interface. This course will take participants from a blank canvas to an actual, fully playable gaming creation, the possibilities are endless!
Recommended Age : 6+
Fine and Gross Motor Skills Development - With Isobelle Gibson.
Gross Motor Activities are an essential part of every child's life. Through play, children should be developing their gross motor skills to prepare them for the demands of school such as handwriting, concentrating, following instructions, sport skills and team work. Staying active through gross motor exercise can also help children avoid the pitfall of obesity that can come through inactivity.
Recommended Ages : 3+
An introduction to Indian Cuisine - With Jasvinder Dehil.
Experience the exciting sights, tastes and smells of authentic Indian Cuisine! Learn how to create your very own authentic Indian cuisine.
Recommended Age : 6 +
Greenwood Work - With Simon Rippon.
Greenwood Work is the exciting craft of making useful and beautiful objects from green or newly cut wood.
Greenwood Work links the children to a pre-electricity, pre-plastic and largely self sufficient world where life's necessities were supplied locally using the materials to be found near at hand.
Recommended Age : 6+
Brazilian Soccer - With Tony Threlfall.
Fast paced and fun football sessions! Brazilian Soccer illustrates that the dreams of any football fan, combined with practice and a unique devotion to the ball, can produce players with previously unseen levels of technical and physical ability.
Recommended Age : 4+
Northumberland Countryside Experience - With Kevin Dawson.
Experience the wonderful Northumberland Countryside like never before!
The Northumbrian Countryside Experience is the ultimate countryside experience because it not only provides you a picturesque environment in which to enjoy the activities but this is backed up with excellent tuition which can cater for any level of experience from novice to experienced.
This breathtaking experience will show you the wonders of Northumberland like never before!
Recommended Age : 4+
Freestyle Dance - With Carol Gray
This exciting course offers various styles of dancing combined with gymnastics to create an unique freestyle dance which captures the imagination of everybody taking part.
Recommended Age : 4+
Bowls : It's not just for Grannies and Grand dads! - With Michael Grant
Bowls is a sport for everyone, but is highly challenging and combines not only physical skill but mental strategy. It can be said that the sport can be learnt in minutes and takes a lifetime to master.
Recommended Age : 5+
Whatever activity you may choose, wherever your location is, Aspire 2 Achieve will provide your school or other organisation with exactly what you require.
For more information on Aspire 2 Achieve, or to book an activity, please visit http://www.aspire2achieve.org.uk.
The Aspire 2 Achieve Basketball League tipped off on Sunday 27th November at Blyth Sportscentre. The first game of the new league featured the Blyth Renegades and the Northumberland Knightflyers with cheer leader support from the HTA Cheerleading group.
With over one hundred spectators at the game, the sports hall was buzzing with excitement for the start of the game, the Blyth Renegades won the tip but neither team seemed to be able to score as the game went scoreless for the first 2 minutes.
The Renegades scored the first basket of the game and lead by as many as 12 points in the first quarter, with Adam Coxon leading the way for the Renegades with 8 straight points, including back to back three pointers.
Finally after 14 straight misses the Northumberland Knightflyers finally put some points on the board and turned up the defensive pressure, however the Renegades kept on playing their game and maintained the lead behind a complete team effort on offence.
The 3rd quarter saw the Knightflyers start to take control of the game, behind a fantastic defensive effort, including 9 steals from the 2010/11 Most Valuable Player, Callum Wingfield.
The 4th quarter was the reverse of the 1st, as the Knightflyers took an commanding lead, the Renegades fought back, but the Knightflyers took control of the tempo of the game, with Glenn Armstrong scoring 8 of his 12 points in the 4th quarter alone.
'It was an amazing start to our new League' said Aspire 2 Achieve Co-Founder Alan Hoyle 'The turn out was fantastic, it was the biggest crowd I've seen for a local league Basketball game in a long time, I think we put on a good show for everybody. Both teams were a little nervous at the start, but after the first couple of possessions the game moved up to another level, the players on both teams played fantastic, the cheerleaders did a great job, the referee and official were great, we couldnt have asked for a better start to our league.'
One spectator, Mr Gill, agrees 'The set up of the whole event was something you would expect State side, I have never witnessed such an entertaining Basketball game in England, I cannot wait till the next game!'
Another spectator added 'This is exactly what Basketball needs! I came to the game with my son with little interest in the sport, I have left a fan.'
'It is great to get such positive feedback, we wanted to show people how fun the game of Basketball can be, it is a sport which anybody can play or just come along to watch and enjoy, it was a fantastic experience to see the people of my home town come out and thoroughly enjoy the game. Said Alan '...But just wait till the All Star game!'
The Blyth Renegades train each Sunday, 4pm at Blyth Sportscentre, the Northumberland Knightflyers train each Friday, 7pm at Coquet High in Amble. Players of any ages and abilities are welcome to either session.
Blyth Links
Wildlife - With Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara
Ronnie Campbell - MP for Blyth Valley
Blyth Valley Scouts - Stu Bennett
Alan Hoyle - Basketball and local news
Blyth All-Weather Lifeboat - Barry Elliott
Jo Edwards - Local issues and news
John Dawson - History tales
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