Opening Day Defeat For Hoops Academy

The Sixth Form College Solihull AASE Basketball Academy opened up the season with a disappointing 49-78 defeat on the road at Birmingham Met.
 
Ian Musarurwa (pictured right) top scored on his debut with 18 points and Ben Timms was close to a double-double with 10 points and 8 rebounds.

The opening eight minutes of the first quarter saw both teams trading baskets with four points being the biggest lead, following a Blackwood short jump shot, which put Birmingham Met 12-8 in front. Musarurwa hit back-to-back baskets to tie it up at 12-12, before a 12-5 run inside the last two minutes saw the home side take a 24-17 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Sixth Form College started the second period the brighter and when Musarurwa hit from downtown, the deficit had been closed to just four points at 24-28 with four minutes played. Birmingham Mets pressure then took its toll and they went on a 16-3 run to close out the quarter, holding a comfortable half-time 44-27 lead.

This continued in the third stanza, when Birmingham Met dominated the play, holding Solihull to just five points in the first eight minutes, whilst continuing with their free scoring. They opened up a 64-31 advantage, which was reduced as Solihull closed with the last six points to go into the last quarter 37-64 down.

The fourth quarter follows the same pattern as the previous two and Solihull finally succumbing to their heaviest defeat in the three years of their existence – 49-78.

Head Coach Richard Parker was keen to look on the bright side. “The positives? The first eight minutes showed that we have potential,” he said. “The rest of the game is not really where we need it to be.

“Yes, we had injuries and we lost Jordan Dawes in the first quarter, but the others need to step up. Ian [Musarurwa], Michael [McKen], JD [Jordan Dawes] and Ben [Timms] showed that they can play at this level in spurts, but they need to be consistent if we are going to compete.”

Next game:
English Schools match
Kingsley College (home)
5th October 2009
Tip-off 3.50pm

Those wanting more information about the Academy should contact Richard Parker at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .