Success for senior basketball tournament in Moray
TEAMS from Moray and the Highlands took to the court at Elgin’s Moray Sports Centre on Saturday, June 1, to compete in a senior basketball tournament.
Highland Bears ran out winners in a competition that also included Moray Mavericks, RAF Lossiemouth, Army Kinloss and Inverness Falcons.
Teams played against each other in shorter 30-minute games, which were split into two 15-minute halves.
The event was organised by Graham Stewart of the North of Scotland Basketball Association. He said: “Senior basketball is continuing to grow again in the area following a decline in competitive opportunities.
“It was great to welcome back teams from RAF Lossiemouth and Army Kinloss alongside the regular teams of Highland Bears, Inverness Falcons and Moray Mavericks”.
The first game saw the Highland Bears take on newcomers RAF Lossiemouth. Although it was a close game through the first half with the Bears leading 13-7, in the second half their experience came through as they took a 42-9 victory.
The second game saw the Inverness Falcons take on another newly-formed team in the Army Kinloss, with the Falcons running out 38-12 victors.
Next up were Moray Mavericks taking on RAF Lossiemouth and this was a close game throughout. The Mavericks took a 12-9 lead into the second half where Lossiemouth managed to claw back into the game and take a two-point lead into the last 10 seconds.
A foul call put Lossiemouth to the line two points up and with a chance to seal the win, but following two missed free throws the Mavericks had a chance to tie or win the game.
With seconds remaining Graham Stewart managed to find his range with a three-pointer and the Mavericks took a one-point lead.
There was still time for Lossiemouth but some great defensive efforts by the Mavericks meant they managed to hold on for a 19-18 point win.
The next game was also competitive throughout as two cross-town teams from Inverness took to the court. At the half there were only two points in it and in the end Highland Bears did enough to hold on for a 39-35 victory.
At this point the teams were split across two courts and while the Moray Mavericks beat the Army Kinloss 45-18 the RAF Lossiemouth team were narrowly beaten by the Inverness Falcons 36-28.
Next up for the Mavericks was a tough challenge against Inverness Falcons. The Falcons took an early lead but the Mavericks came out strong in the second half and managed to tie the game before the Falcons went on to win 32-24.
At the same time, the Highland Bears took on the Army Kinloss and, with not many subs, they were beginning to tire quicker than the other teams. The Highland Bears won 63-15.
This set up a final game for the Highland Bears whereby beating the Moray Mavericks, something they failed to do in their previous three games against the Mavs, they could win the competition.
Despite the best efforts of the Mavericks, the Bears dominated throughout and took a 32-12 win.
Meanwhile, the Army and RAF took to the court with RAF Lossiemouth taking a 28-11 point victory.
John Munro presented the trophy to the winning team. Graham Stewart thanked Moray Sports Centre for being so accommodating and the officials John Munro, Mike Stainke and Krys Rab.
He also thanked the table officials from Moray Mavericks and Mrs Pilkington who worked hard to keep the scoresheets in order.
Graham hopes that the Claymore cup competition will return in September with even more teams from across the North of Scotland taking part.
If you would like to find out more about basketball in the area you can contact Graham on 07972178790 or email graham@moraymavericks.com
