Basketball Conquers the Capital

 Edinburgh, January 22nd 2012: Cashback support to basketballscotland made it possible to bring just under 400 boys and girls together to participate in the first Regional Development League for the East & Central Region in 2012.

What was put on the floor was one of the biggest basketball development initiatives to be held in the Capital in years.

The Regional Development Leagues are focused on players at the under12 and under14 level. The promotion of basketball opportunities through clubs offers the possibility to our youngsters to extend their educational experience while developing their basketball skills. Monthly competition days will now be held, culminating in the finals at Meadowbank in May.

This competition structure aims to guarantee the maximum level of attendance from kids and clubs across West Lothian, East Lothian, Midlothian, Falkirk, Stirling and Edinburgh. Four new clubs are now involved in this initiative, with a total of 15 new teams joining the CashBack for Communities East and Central Development Leagues this season.

Five competitions were held on the same day in three different Edinburgh venues. ‘Tip-off’ was at 10.00am in St. Augustine’s RC High School, Stevenson College and The Crags Sport Centre. During the day we enjoyed incredible basketball and were impressed with the kids’ passion and sportsmanship.Under12 boys and girls, under14 boys and girls and under16 boys showed their best skills on and off the court, it was incredible to see their talent and drive.

For the under 12’s this was their first competition day of the season. On the boys’ side, Stirling Knights end up on the top of the table after an intense and close game against East Lothian Peregrines (31-27). The top scores of the day were L. McDermind (Boroughmuir Blaze A), S. Greathead (Peregrines) and C. Doherty ( Knights). East Lothian Peregrines’ girls showed their skills on the day and claimed the first spot on this first competition day. All girls’ teams were incredible creating a great example of sportsmanship. Top scores of the day were S.Brown ( Phoenix), C. Eisenhardt ( Kats) and N.Mackle ( Peregrines). In the Under 14’s, Highland Bears finished the day on the top of the table in bothboys and girls competition. However, all teams are still fighting to get a playoff spot!

Co-ordination and delivery during the day were supported by basketballscotland volunteers and new young Level 1 floor officials finalising their training at St. Augustine’s RC High School. We cannot wait to see these young basketball players in action again – the next time they will be back in the Capital is 19th February. Play-offs will be played on 22nd and 29th April, and we will celebrate the finals at Meadowbank on Sunday 13th May.