COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED FOR NEXT YEAR Any members interested in joining the Committee should contact us to register their interest. We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic colleagues and have at least two colleagues who have already signed up.

Author: BW/MM

Thursday 22nd April 2010 / Number 26 FESTIVAL TAKES BASKETBALL TO NEW HEIGHTS Over two hundred basketball fans are thought to have attended the Warwickshire Basketball Festival at Warwick University which climaxed with a superb exhibition game between stars of Coventry and Warwickshire. “We were thrilled to have received such tremendous support at our first festival” said Warwickshire Basketball Chairman Mike Maddox, “for we were able to promote our involvement in basketball for all ages, both sexes and the wheelchair game. This gave the spectators the opportunity to see basketball as it develops all in one place at one time, and with the All Star game featuring two of the Crusaders, and being so close, it really put the icing on the cake.” The day began with a selection of players at Under 12 and Under 14, followed by ladies basketball with players from Tile Hill Trojans – Warwickshire’s only ladies club. Then, after playing in their National League game at Westwood, the city’s Wheelchair basketball Club journeyed over to the main Hall at Warwick University to provide some competitive play prior to the big event. Sandwiched in between were competitions for young and old, mums and dads to try their luck from the free throw line, and the three point shoot out with some of the league’s top scorers on display was won by Nigel Fischer from Tamworth Tigers, who defeated Trojans’ Daniella Gal-on in the final. When the All Star game began, the traditional East versus West match was dropped to feature a selection of stars from Coventry taking on those based in the County or on its borders, and they did not disappoint. Regular team spirit between players was put on hold for the game which was frantic from the start with the two sides going hammer and tong. Coventry took the first quarter 23-16, as coaches Roger Payne and Marcus Garvey played their benches to the full and despite being hustled throughout, they managed to keep their noses in front to the half when they led 45-39. However, Warwickshire came out strongly in the second half with Aylesford’s Alex Birch hitting the target to steer his men into a 58-50 lead to stun Payne’s men into action. Back came his big guns with Dami Fakunle starting to warm up the crowd and three minutes into the final period, the City side were back in front at 70-68. Fakunle brought a gasp as he dunked one with Warwickshire arms flailing behind him and Coventry eased into a seven point advantage. Not to be outdone, Warwickshire replied yet again with Birch coming good once more to make it 85-83 with two minutes remaining, but the sheer jumping ability of Fakunle and the smooth hands of Hawks’ Erik Zimmerman proved to be too much for Warwickshire, as Coventry took over the game from that point on to close it out at 97-83. The Festival closed with the presentation of the Most Valuable Player, and Fakulne unanimously took it after a classy display which brought him the Molten Golden Ball for his 38 point haul.

Author: Mike Maddox

FESTIVAL SUCCESS � THANKS TO YOU ALL! The first ever Warwickshire Festival of Basketball, which took place last Sunday at Warwick University, has been hailed a success by all who took part, and the venue was given the thumbs up by players and spectators alike. The Festival began at 11am with exhibition games at Under 12 and Under 14. Everyone gave 100% which is all that can be asked, and these games were followed by Tile Hill Trojans Ladies, then the Crusaders Wheelchair Basketball team who had just played a National League game at Westwood, before the All Star Game brought down the curtain. Coventry took on Warwickshire, and although several changes had to be made at the last minute, with players stuck at various airports around the world, a full-on game ensued with coaches Roger Payne and Marcus Garvey urging their sides on throughout. Coventry won 97-83 but it was tight until the final three minutes when the Warwickshire scoring dried up, and it was left to MVP Dami Fakunle to bring down the house with a few dunks before the presentation. Point scorers were: Coventry- Dami Fakunle 38, Chris Dakin 12, Simon Payne 10, Matt Smith 9, Tony Bates 8, Scott Owen 6, Ross Emery 5, Luis Romero 5, Nigel Fischer 0. Warwickshire � Marcin Twiederski 24, Alex Birch 22, John Olinger 15, Alun Sweeney 8, Erik Zimmerman 4, Ricky Fennel 2, Dan Opoku 1, Jon Nicholls 0, Dean Woodward 0 ,Paul Adams 0. The Three point shoot out which took place immediately before the All Star game was won by Nigel Fischer of Tamworth Tigers with Daniella Gal-on from Trojans Ladies in second place. Nigel had originally turned out for the shoot out but offered to play in the game itself after the no show of the stranded players abroad. The thanks of everyone involved in Warwickshire Basketball go to the players of all ages, the match officials, mums dads and partners who took part in a variety of events during the day, and of course the spectators who cheered their teams on. Special thanks go to John Olinger and Matt Smith of Coventry Crusaders who not only played as guests in the All Star game but refereed during the early stages of the Festival. Thanks also go to the organising Committee who provided the leg-work, Roger Payne for turning out with his Ballers-Heaven shop and assistance throughout the afternoon, and Warwick University for their excellent venue. Let�s do it again next year!!!!

Author: Mike Maddox

The Festival of Basketball will take place at Warwick Universtiy on Sunday 18th April. Admission is Free. The Festival starts at 11.00am with Under 12s exhibition Followed by Under 14s exhibition At 13.00 there will be a exhibition match by the Ladies of Warwickshire. At 14.00 there will be a display by th Crusaders Wheelchair Basketball Academy. At 15.00 The All Star game takes place, the teams, selected from the Warwickshire local league this year will be Coventry v Warwickshire. This will be followed by presentations and the Festival will close at 17.00pm. There will be opportunities for spectators to have a go. Mums and Dads shoot out will take place between the Under 12 and Under 14 exhibitions. Partners/Sons or try from a wheelchair will take place between the Ladies and Wheelchair exhibitions. Parking in the multi storey car park opposite the Sports Centre entrance will be Free. Follow the link below, the Sports Centre is No 54. http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/about/visiting/maps/campusmap/108190_new_campusmapcomms10-09_4.jpg or http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/about/visiting/maps/campusmap/108190_new_campusmapcomms10-09_4.pdf

Author: Brian Wood

Warwickshire Basketball’s Executive Committee met on Tuesday and the main item on the agenda was the Festival of Basketball which, it is now confirmed will be taking place on Sunday 18th April. The event will be at Warwick University’s Main Hall and will run from 11am to 5pm. Among the features will be games at Under 12 and Under 14levels for youngsters, Ladies and Wheelchair basketball players. There will also be competitions throughout the day for non-players too. It will then climax with The All Star game in which the Area’s top players will show their skills. Teams are being selected for the main event which goes to Warwick University for the first time, having previously been at The Coventry Sports Centre. More details to come over the next few weeks………

Author: Brian Wood

The course run by Tile Hill for table officiating brought success for all six candidates in the theory, and the Level 1 referees’ course at Arden was attended by 23 youngsters - all of whom passed the exam. Congratulations to all those who took part – now let us get you out there in the deep end!!

Author: Brian Wood

Warwickshire Basketball meet on Tuesday 2nd March and the main item on the agenda is the Festival of Basketball which takes place on Sunday 18th April. The event will be at Warwick University’s Main Hall and will run from 11am to 5pm. Among the features will be demonstrations and games between Under 12 and Under 14 youngsters, Ladies and Wheelchair basketball players. The day will climax with The All Star game in which the Area’s top players will show their skills. WE ARE LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO MAY WISH TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE ORGANISATION OF THE FESTIVAL TO CONTACT US – info@warwickshirebasketball.co.uk More details to come over the next few weeks………

Author: Brian Wood

The final of the Division One Plate has been cancelled following the withdrawal of Warwick University yesterday. The students, who usually only play home matches, were due to go to Onley to meet the Outlaws this Sunday, but cannot raise transport and the tournament has now descended into a farce. This follows the default of Tamworth Tigers which put Onley into the final, and the failure of Northampton to play their game against University. Many teams complain that they are not getting enough games, but this situation may mean that the Plate is removed from the competitions if teams are going to continue to withdraw.

Author: Brian Wood

Tile Hill Trojans and Premier Warriors battled it out for a place in the final of the Division One Handicap Cup last night and it ended with a victory for Trojans after a terrific fight back from Warriors who were 22 down with four minutes left. The other final place goes to Aylesford Hawks who were far too good for GAC and won comfortably. The date and venue is still to be arranged. The last games in Division Two were played this week, and there were wins for Warwick Juniors who defeated Tile Hill 3, and Westwood who just edged it past RC Rebels. Last Friday Westwood just failed to overcome Arden Griffins.

Author: Brian Wood

For Inter Divisional Shield fixtures and results please see Div 3 Fixtures and Results

Author: Brian Wood

We would like to apologise for the current problems you may experience when using this website. We are currently in the process of updating all the information within the site. New information is being added all the time, so please make sure you come back on a regular basis! Thank you

Author: Gary