Celts Juniors pipped in real thriller as City Thunder strike
CAERNARFON Celts Under16s lost a thriller 55-52 to Bangor City Thunder in the teams’ first-ever meeting in the North Wales Basketball League.
A local derby at Arfon Leisure Centre proved as tight as anticipated as both teams were unbeaten in the league.
An evenly-matched start to the game saw the Thunder take a slender 12-11 lead into the second quarter,
With some great attacking play from both sides the lead swung back in Celts’ favour by the end of the half at 24-23.
Another hotly-contested third quarter saw the Celts retain their lead at 38-36, setting up a tense final sessions.
Two three-point baskets in the latter stages of the fourth from the Thunder proved decisive, allowing the Bangor outfit to defend a lead and run out winners of an enthralling game of basketball.
MVP and top scorer for the Celts was Sean Jones (28 points) with Shay Hardman MVP and leading scorer for the Thunder (24).
Celts seniors travelled to Mold to play in a league game against the Magic.
Some excellent defence from the Celts kept the Magic to 14 points in the first quarter, but they were unable to capitalise in attack, scoring only four and missing seven free throws. The second quarter proved as frustrating as the Celts defence remained strong but could not produce the goods at the other end.
The Magic were able to rotate their bench throughout the game, pressurising the Celts on defence and offence with high intensity basketball which ensured them the win.
Celts head coach Arwel Jones said: “I couldn’t be prouder of my players and their efforts. Had we been able to convert our free throws in the first quarter, it would have set up a platform for a more efficient offence for the reminder of the game. However, the Magic deserved their win and we will look to give them a bigger challenge in attack when next we meet.”