Highland West coast Little Amigos league

02.12.11 – This Autumn will be well remembered by some youngsters, though not for the unseasonal warm weather, but for the enjoyment experienced by the local primary school pupils who participated in the Active Schools/ Basketball Scotland / Highland Bears Little Amigos Basketball League. Nine teams from Balnaluib, Ullapool, Stoer, Lochinver and Achiltibuie Primaries competed against each another to qualify for the Highland Finals, to be held at Inverness next March.

The first round took place at Coigach Hall, with Mrs Muir’s minors up against the two visiting Ullapool teams, the Cougars and the Cheetahs, who were under the expert guidance of coach Ellis. Both Ullapool teams adapted well to the tight playing arena, scored lots of points in the temporary hoops, and travelled home in high spirits, having both won 2 games and playing out a draw in their own head to head.

The second round took place at Lochbroom LC, and along with the earlier competitors, we had, Stoer, Ullapool Tigers, and Balnaluib sending two teams who fought out an entertaining draw when matched up in their final game. Both courts were running simultaneously, which added to the noise and excitement. There were some terrific match-ups, and in one of the most entertaining games, Stoer just pipped Achiltibuie Lightning Leopards with a last minute basket. Under pressure to perform well on home territory, Ullapool Cougars had to fight back in a couple of games, and were the top team, winning every game. Indeed their top player, Duncan Cunningham, was rewarded for his efforts with the Most Valuable Player award, along with Kirsty Last for the girls, from the ever improving Achiltibuie Fast n Furious.

With all to play for, the third and final round took place, at what is probably the best venue in the country for Primary Basketball, Assynt LC. Joining us for the first time were the Lochinver Classics, along with Stoer, and both Achiltibuie teams. Arguably, the most exciting match of the whole series, took place between the Classics and Stoer, who once again had guest players in their ranks. Due to poor discipline from the Classics, Stoer were awarded several free throws towards the end of the match, and in the final seconds managed to score a two pointer to draw the game 7-7. This time MVP awards went to Anne Last, and from the Classics Jake Pirie.

Once again, after the main event, there were opportunities for the youngsters to gain some coaching tips, and experience the 3 v 3 format which will be played in the Finals at Inverness.

Mrs Muir was delighted to be told that her team, the Fast N Furious, were the overall winners of the triangular series, and hopes that over the winter, Calum, James, Anne, Mairi, Gregor and Kirsty, will train hard, and practise their shooting when opportunity allows. So pleased have we been with overall standard of basketball, that the following players have been invited to join in the March tournament, Michael, Jake, Ben, Louise from Lochinver, Fingal, William, Jamie from Stoer, Duncan, Adam, John, Ruaridh, Joe, Bella, Carla, Aby, Evie and Alexia from Ullapool.

Our thanks go to Lochroom, Assynt, Coigach Hall, for the use of their facilities, teachers and school staff, parents, helpers, drivers, Leah-May, Daniel, who helped with officiating.