Basketball: Troon Tornadoes end 13 year title wait

Feb 20 2009

Troon end 13 year title wait

TROON Tornadoes Cadet Men clinched their national league title for the first time in 13 years when they beat Edinburgh 63-56 in the capital.

But they had to come from behind as the hosts raced into 6-1 lead. A time out by coach Scott Robertson settled the team slightly but Edinburgh finished the quarter 16-13 ahead.

Tornadoes raised their game, stealing the ball from their opponents at half court and getting fast break lay-ups with point guard Sam Jack scoring eight second quarter points, along with numerous steals and assists, to grab a 31- 25 half-time lead.

Foul trouble allowed Edinburgh to close the gap to 43-49 going into the last quarter but only three minutes in, Tornadoes extended their lead by 12 points. Harvie Baker Flanagan, Daniel Forbes, Connor McQuade and Joshua McGilvery all managed to foul out, leaving Troon with a very small team on the floor.

Edinburgh took advantage of their height advantage in spells with easy baskets but Tornadoes held on.

The Cadets’ next match is on Saturday February 28 at Marr College (1.30pm) where they face Falkirk Fury in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.

Team: Scott Armstrong, Josh Hunter, Daniel Forbes, Joshua McGilvery (5 pts), Chris Savage, Sam Jack (29 pts), Ross Conquer, Jordan McIlwraith (capt 21 pts), Connor McQuade (6 pts), Harvie Baker Flanagan (2 pts).

Tornadoes juniors went down 81-55 to Kings in Edinburgh despite a spirited display.

They set up in a zone defense and tried to reduce the effect of Kings taller and stronger centre by switching Jordan Thomson front of zone, where his added height was useful, although it took him away from key rebounding duties.

Kings led 44-28 at half time and with too much firepower and height were far too strong.

Team: S. Jack, R. Laughlin (15 pts), A. Anthony, S. McGilvray, M. Scott (2 pts), H. Kerr, J. Thomson (20 pts), S. McCallum, D. Muir (3 pts), J. Alexander, J. Crolley (15 pts).

Tornadoes senior men lost 78-53 to Kings at the Citadel. They struggled at the offensive end allowing Kings to take a 16-9 first quarter lead.

Tornadoes won the second quarter 16-15 to reduce the lead to 31-25 by half time. In the second half, Tornadoes found it difficult to stop the drive to the basket followed by a dish to the bigger centre while at the offensive end, there seemed to be a lid over the basket.

Team: Ally Hornell (4 pts), Ifadede Thomas (12 pts), Josh Crolley (10 pts), Euan Campbell (11 pts), Stuart Ramsey, Andy Pearson (6 pts), Jamie Frew (2 pts), Scott Frew (5 pts), Fraser Smith.

This weekend, Tornadoes travel to Falkirk without Andy Pearson.