Basketball Tournament is Special Indeed

7:24pm Wednesday 6th February 2008

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The third annual tournament took place at Eston Sports Academy with over 50 basketball players taking part from 6 schools across the area. Three teams pulled out at the last minute with Abbey Hill's two teams and Catcote unable to attend. In addition to this another four schools were disappointed they could not attend and have requested they be part of the next event.

In November 2005 Kilton Thorpe Tigers won the Championship, while EOTAS were the Champions in January 2007. The event is organised by Game Time Sports Management with funding through the School Sports Partnership of Redcar & Cleveland, Stockton & Hartlepool. Each player is given a Tee shirt which also acts as their team uniform and which they take home as a souvenir of the event.

Before the serious business of the games got underway a mini coaching session was delivered to warm up the participants. "We want all the players from the various schools to come together before the tournament and participate in a mini coaching session. This will provide them with the opportunity of meeting new friends rather than just the rivalry of trying to win the tournament." - James Thomson, head of Game Time.

Due to the withdrawal of Abbey Hill and Catcote, Kirkleatham Hall and Kilton Thorpe Schools were split into A & B teams with Kirkleatham Hall A joining the GT Elite League along with Freebrough and EOTAS.

It was a big step up for Kirkleatham Hall but they more than justified their ability as they won 3 and lost 3 to secure second place in the league. Freebrough were the in-form team though as they often cruised through their games in what was a tough league. Freebrough Coach; Andy Baines was very impressed with his players adding "The players did themselves and the school proud, they were very composed even when under pressure." Chris Watson; Coach of Kilton Thorpe Tigers was just as impressed with his Kilton Thorpe side who reclaimed their crown of 2005 with Simon Cairnes again earning the MVP award. Coach Watson added "Our players have been talking about the game since the news of the event broke and having won it, they will probably be talking about it until the next one!"

It was a fitting tribute that Simon should receive the MVP, in his last year of school. Simon is one of the more dedicated basketball players at the school and is a good sport, being the first to shake players hands before and after a game.

Kirkleatham Hall B did well to earn second place, only losing two games, to Kilton Thorpe A. Kirkleatham Hall are another strong basketball school with dedicated staff. Rita Sproat coaches the players twice a week and basketball is the most popular sport at the school.

In addition to Simon Cairnes collecting MVP, Laurie Heirons of Kirkleatham was awarded 'Outstanding Performance' and 11 year old Chantelle Rowlands was presented with a Tees United Lions basketball uniform for showing superb effort in spite of being one of the youngest and smallest players on the court. Rye Hills were awarded the 'Best Teamwork' award for their never give up attitude.

Finally, Game Time took over the operation and development of the Schools basketball league this year and have developed it into a massive success with over 120 teams and 1000 players from over 20 schools across Teesside, North Yorkshire and Durham. The League has massive news coverage via Game Time online and the local press and a fully interactive website within www.game-time.co.uk To view please visit the TSL schools league section online.

Game Time is planning to develop a special needs league to begin October 2008 (after half term). There will be minimal work involved but the rewards will be huge. If you are interested, please contact James Thomson on 01642 814221 or info@game-time.co.uk