FABULOUS Flournoy has spent the Christmas break reflecting on an incredible 2005 - but the Newcastle Eagles coach is hoping a victory this evening will help make 2006 even better.

The Eagles take on the Scottish Rocks in the semi-final of the BBL Trophy looking to retain the first of the three trophies they have claimed in the last 12 months.

And, while the Rocks are currently the only side ahead of Newcastle in the league rankings, Flournoy is confident his squad can maintain their upward trajectory.

"I sat down on Boxing Day to think about everything that happened in 2005," said the Eagles chief. "It was the first chance I had, because I have been so busy.

"What with training with England and working out, I have hardly

stopped. But it was nice to take the time to reflect on everything that has happened.

"It was a phenomenal achievement, to mark the club's 10-year anniversary with three trophies in a calendar year was unbelievable.

"We know what it means to win a trophy in the North-East, the fans here crave success in whatever sport it might be. So for us to win three trophies was amazing.

"It was a huge achievement and we want to carry this kind of thing into 2006. To start the year with the chance to win a place in the Trophy final is very exciting."

Last year, winning the BBL Trophy was the springboard for a late-season surge that also saw the Eagles claim the BBL Cup and the Play-Offs crown.

The likes of Andrew Sullivan and Jeremy Hyatt have established themselves as players of international repute but Flournoy insists his youthful roster are still to hit their peak.

"I don't want it to be said that last year was as good as we could be," he said. "It wasn't our high.

"We want to be there every single season, in a position where we have

opportunities to win things, to reach finals, to have a chance.

"We don't go out saying we are going to win trophies. We go out to put ourselves in a position to challenge.

"Our only aims are to win basketball games and establish ourselves among the top four teams. If we do that on a consistent basis, we will be in contention."

Hyatt is the Eagles' only significant injury doubt as they look to outscore a Rocks side that lost at Newcastle Arena in the group stages of the competition.

The guard, who underwent keyhole knee surgery before Christmas, has been back in training this week in an attempt to feature in the game.

"It's still questionable," admitted Flournoy. "It's pretty much going to be his decision, I will let him decide what he wants to do and won't put any pressure on him.

"Jeremy needed surgery and this was the best time to do it. If we had done it before, he would have missed the Cup final and if we had done it later, he would have missed some very important matches in 2006. As it was, he only missed a couple of insignificant games."