U14 News
A high achieving half-term week continued for Jets players with U14 centre Iain Summers being selected for the England U15 National Team Squad. The 198 cm Stroud native was chosen following a tough 2 day camp in Derbyshire under the watchful eyes of some of England’s top coaches. He will now join a long list of Jets players to have received the international call.
The Marling student battled his way through a tough camp, coming up against players of his own age and height for the first time. With 7 inches separating him from any of his U14 teammates he is really a giant when playing in his own age group within the South West. National team coaches noted Iain’s excellent rebounding skills and understanding of the game, especially considering he has only been playing for 9 months!
Iain will now join his England teammates once a month for intense 2-day camps as they aspire to compete in the U16 European Championships in 18months time. Iain will also continue to work with his club coach Matt Christensen, who is also a coach with the U15 National Team.
The club extends its congratulations to Iain and is looking forward to supporting Iain in the next stage of his basketball career. Keep an eye on the website for updates on Iain's progress.
Jets U14 opened their new season in emphatic style with a 61 point victory at local rivals Bristol Academy Flyers. The Jets had advantages in all areas of the court and gave a strong performance to take the win at Bristol’s WISE arena. England prospect Iain Summers (Marling School) led the team at the both ends of the floor with a hoard of rebounds and 37 points to his name. The 6’5 centre showed his off-season work had paid dividends as he used footwork for easy scores around the basket.
7 of the Jets players were performing in their first national league game. Dan McAleese (KLB) and Josh Reade (Churchdown) showed their skills with 32 and 21 points respectively. Both players will travel to Shropshire next weekend to represent the South West at the illustrious inter regional tournament against the best players in the country.
Jack Stanley (Bournside) played some excellent defensive putting the Flyers guard under pressure and forcing mistakes. The Jets youngest player Tom Hayward showed some great individual skill at the guard position and has to be considered a genuine prospect for the future. Duncan Harvey (Bournside) and Luke Hedges (Farmors) did an excellent job getting on the end of the fast break and showed great promise in their understanding of position and the speed required to be successful players. Rob Smith (Archway) contributed with some great defensive work forcing several turnovers.
Team Coach Matt Christensen was really pleased with the boys performances, “Today was the first time 5 of our players had ever played a ‘real’ game of basketball and they did an excellent job. They all showed great understanding and have made significant improvements over the last month. We are really pleased with our first win and looking forward to successful and improving season!”
The Jets next challenge will seem them face off against Plymouth Marjon Cannons and Bristol Storm in a 3-way tournament at Christ College on November 15th. The club is still looking to recruit committed and enthusiastic Y8 & Y9 boys (01.09.94 and younger) for the team. Practice is weekly at Deer Park School, Cirencester on Friday evenings (6.30pm-8.30pm). For more information contact Matt Christensen (matt.christensen@teamgloster.com).