Great spirit and sportsmanship shown by the Celts

CAERNARFON Celts Under-14s basketball team gained vital match experience when they came up against two top teams.

Taking on Wrexham Warriors U-14s at Holywell, Celts finished up 39-25 losers.

Both teams were evenly matched in the first quarter with Warriors managing to edge ahead 6-4. The second quarter saw the Warriors build on their lead and despite some excellent baskets from Celts guards Ben Williams-Evans and Gwion Williams the half ended 16-11 to Wrexham.

Although the second half was again evenly contested the Warriors were able to finish their opportunities around the basket whilst Celts were struggling to score when in possession of the basketball. Celts MVP was Ben Williams-Evans, who also top-scored with 15 points.

Celts U-14s were also invited to the Brailsford Centre, Bangor to play a friendly against the Wales Girls national squad.

Behind 18-6 at the half, Celts knew they needed to turn their defensive work into points and redoubled their efforts in attack.

This drew dividends as they scored 18 points to Wales’ 21 in the second half, the game ending 39-24 to the girls.

Celts coach Arwel Jones said: “This was a great experience for the Celts as most players have only started playing competitive basketball this season.

“Competing against a well-drilled national side was a big challenge, but they rose to the occasion and showed great spirit and sportsmanship in doing so.”