U12 101 – 18 Horwich Locos (Playoffs)
Cheshire Phoenix secured a home tie against Bolton-based, Horwich Locos in their first round playoff game.
Phoenix came out determined and settled into an early lead. They looked confident on the ball and were giving very little away. Strong offensive and defensive play meant they took a healthy advantage into the end of the first quarter, 22-2.
The second started how the first had ended, Phoenix were firing on all cylinders and continued to punish the Locos. Despite being pushed back to half court defence, Phoenix picked up their players well and pushed for the turnovers and excelled in fast breaks. At the half, Phoenix were up 52-4
Following the break, Locos came out determined which saw a flurry of baskets for the visitors. It was fantastic to see Locos not give up, despite Phoenix’s dominant first half performance. At the end of the third the score was 76-16
Phoenix played some fantastic team basketball throughout the game and showed how clinical they can be. With 30 seconds to go, Phoenix hovered on 99 and were desperate to get to 100. Phoenix were able to force a turnover and get an end line ball with seconds to go, enabling the points to land before the final whistle.
Phoenix commanded the game from start to finish and should be proud of their performance, taking the game 101-18. Phoenix now progress to the Semi Final’s in Manchester, on the 27th April – Let’s go Phoenix!
