Storm in a cup final
UI8 men re- write club history
Ayr Storm U18 men have become the first youth team on the male side of the club to reach a cup final after an epic semi- final 68- 64 win over Glasgow Storm at Kyle Academy.
Previously, only the club’s girls ( both U18 and U16) had reached a cup final, but coach Chris Morrison and his team have posted a new entry.
Storm had won the league game 91- 75 in November but knew the reward of a place in the SLBA JM cup final would make this a tough game.
Jack Allan and Jordi Sergio combined for 17 of Ayr’s first 24 points and help build an 11 point lead aided by pressure defence by captain Arjun Nair.
The Glasgow side got into their stride in P2 and matched each Ayr basket but the home side remained in control and led 41- 30 at the break.
P3 saw the game swing towards the visitors and they went on an unanswered eight point scoring run.
Coach Morrison called a timeout to settle the nerves but Glasgow scored another quick basket and before the watching family and friends realised – P3 was over Ayr lost it 10- 21 to tie the scores 51: 51 going into the final period.
Josh Gouck hit the first basket of P4, then Allen and Sergio added one each and it looked like Ayr were back in their stride.
Glasgow had other ideas and Craig McPhee drove his team forward and reduced the lead before Lin hit a mid- range jumper to put Glasgow one up.
A final timeout from Ayr was followed by a quick score from Allen and then Hamish Ablett.
With under two minutes left, Ayr had the upper hand and played the game out winning the final period 17- 13 to earn their place in the final.
Coach Morrison said: “I was really pleased with the way the boys reacted when our lead was eliminated.
“They focused and played the way we have worked hard on in