Cadets Vs Plymouth Marjons Cannons – 04-10-2008

Dorset Storm                                (14, 15, 2, 14)       45

Plymouth Marjons Cannons      (19, 22, 25, 27)     93

Dorset Storm under 16s kicked off the season hosting Plymouth Marjon Cannons (who played in the premier division last season) at Rossmore Leisure Centre. Storm came into the game missing five key players including four 6-foot plus players along with experienced guard Tom Weaver due to registration issues. With a new look team compared to last season coach Cran was able to hand debuts to Jordan Wilsher, Omar Hamadache, and three under 15 players: Gavin Short, David Rudenko and Oliver Heath. 

Storm started the game with Lewis Daly, Tom Eads, and Jordan Wilsher at the guard spots with Matt Law and Jack Abraham at the forward spots. Matt Law got the first point of the season by getting to the free throw line converting 1 of 2 before Cannons went on a 9 – 2 run to put themselves 9 – 3 up. Ryan Burton and Daly provided some resistance scoring four straight points, but the long quarter came to a close with Cannons up 19 – 14 with a total of 20 free throws between the teams with Storm converting only four out of 10.

Going into the second quarter Storm kept up their intensity on defence pressuring the Cannons guards and getting lots of deflections on the ball, however it was Storm’s inability to box out and rebound that really hurt them as the Cannon’s big men had numerous offensive rebounds and easy put backs. Storm’s offence began to run more smoothly towards the end of the quarter with good ball movement leading to scores from Law, Eads and Daly however Storm went into halftime trailing by 41 -29.

Storm started the third period sluggishly and were punished by a quick fire six points from Cannons prompting a time out by coach Cran. On the ensuing possession good ball movement found Eads under the basket for the easy two made by Short. That’s as good as it got for Storm in the third as countless perimeter turnovers forced by the impressive Cannons defence, led to easy fast break layups the other end. A number of quick and forced jump shots by Storm resulted in only two points for the quarter and a 19 point run from Cannons to finish the third quarter.

The call from coach Cran in the fourth was to win the quarter by keeping it simple on offence with ball movement and keeping up the pressure on the defensive end. Daly kept up his impressive display beating the whole Cannons team down the court for a couple of easy layups, split by a Ryan Burton layup inside. Storm gave their best shot but the height and depth of the Cannons team proved too much with Cannons eventually running out 93 – 45 winners. The score line didn’t necessarily represent the match because if you take out the very poor 3^rd quarter Storm only lost by a respectable 25 points.

Storm can take a lot of positives from the match along with a few things they have to work on. Coach Cran said: “Defensively I was impressed, we pressured the ball and passing lanes and forced a number of turnovers along with getting a huge 34 extras. Inside the paint we struggled with toughness and rebounds but that can only improve with the return of our big men. We played a top team today and can take a lot of positives from the game into next weekend.”

Matt Law and Lewis Daly were impressive with Law finishing with 8 points a massive 14 rebounds and 4 steals, whilst Daly did a good job running the point and top scoring with 16 points. There were also impressive displays from the three u15s debutants who showed their talent and maturity playing a lot of minutes against a very good team. However all players can take pride in what they did, but it’s back to the training court next week in the run up to the next game against another good team Torbay Tigers.

Scorers: *Daly 16,* Eads 10, *Law 8, Burton 5, Short 3, Heath 2, *Wilsher 1, *Abraham, Hamadache,    Rudenko

Cadets Vs Torbay Tigers – 11-10-2008

Dorset Storm        (10, 13, 19, 9)       51

Torbay Tigers      (41, 11, 16, 11)     79

Dorset Storms Under 16s had a shocking start to their match against Torbay Tigers.  A poor display of in the opening quarter which Storm lost by an amazing 31 points proved to be the teams downfall!

After the first quarter the match was an even contest with Storm able to claim back some of the ground they had lost in the opening quarter.  In the end it wasn't enough as Torbay ran out winners.

Full match reports will appear soon.

NBL Under 15s Vs Worthing Thunder – 11-10-2008

Dorset Storm            (5, 12, 9, 9)           35

Worthing Thunder   (25, 20, 27, 26)    98

Dorset Storm Under 15s travelled to Worthing for their opening match of the season.  Both teams started nervously and it was Worthing who eventually got into a flow mid-way through the first quarter.  Storm played poorly offensively throughout the first half as they struggled to deal with the pressure from Worthing's guards.  Defensively at time Storm made Worthing fight for their points, but by half time Worthing were in full control of the game.

Storm started the second half more brightly, but constant lapses in concentration allowed Worthing to extend the scoreline.  There were several plus points however - including the team drawing four offensive fouls on Worthing, and a 25 - 9 foul county showed Storm were being aggressive and attacking Worthing's defence.

Gavin Short lead the team in scoring with 11 personal points whilst David Rudenko played great defence throughout and took on extra responsibility playing out of position from long periods of the game. 

The team will need make some bug adjustments before next weekends home match against Poole Tigers, although the will welcome back two of their experienced players for that encounter.

Scorers: *Short 11, *James 9, Cohen 5, *Rudenko 4, *Darby 3, Williams 2, *Ewels 2.

NBL Under 13s Vs Bristol Academy Vs Reading Rockets – 12-10-2008

Dorset Storm        (14, 11, 18, 11)     54

Bristol Academy  (14, 2, 15, 14)       45

Dorset Storm        (10, 12, 6, 4)         32

Reading Rockets  (6, 8, 2, 4)             20

Dorset Storms Under 13s National League team made a cracking start to the inaugural campaign as they won both their matches in their opening tournament.  

Full match reports will appear soon.

NBL Under 15s Vs South Coast Tigers – 18-10-2008

Dorset Storm             (26, 25, 24, 16)    91

South Coast Tigers   (11, 7, 6, 14)         38

Dorset Storm Under 15s looked forward to paying at home versus South Coast Tigers after last weekends disappointing result against Worthing Thunder.  Storm welcomed back Mylo Ofei-Kwatia and Oliver Heath to the squad but would have to do without Charlie Ewels (holiday) and long term absentee Dan Whisken.   

In the first derby game of the season Storm opened up with a small quick team on court and immediately took advantage of their local rivals poor defence as Storm drew plenty of early fouls.  After four minutes of action the scoreboard read 7 – 4 to Storm and temporary coaches Cran and Kemish had seen enough and called a timeout.  After laying the law down Storm came out firing with Dan Cohen, Gavin short and Conor James all scoring baskets quickly as the home side raced into a 23 – 6 lead.  By the end of the first quarter this had become a 26 – 11 lead.  Storm continued to dominate in the second quarter, but importantly they improved defensively conceding only seven points in the quarter.  A 13 – 0 second quarter run allowed the home side to head into the locker room at half time 51 – 18 to the good.

The coaches set the players targets to meet in the second half and defensively the team continued to improve as they managed to draw a couple of charges.  As the game wore on, Storm experimented with some different defences, and different players got an opportunity to play at different positions in the team’s offence.  Storm, though were too good for their opponents as they wrapped up a 53 point victory.

Head coach Luke Kemish focused on the performance rather than the score: “The players played really well, with a threadbare squad.  Defensively they need to improve but it was a promising performance from a really inexperienced team.”

Gavin Short led the team in scoring with 25 points, and Conor James finished much more strongly around the hoop as the game went on to finish just behind on 20.  Mylo Ofei-Kwatia had a good first game of the season dishing out 11 assists and picking off five steals.  It was a good performance from the whole team though that sealed the win.  The Under 15s now have two weeks to work on their defence before heading off to play Brighton Cougars.

Scorers: *Short 25, James 20, *Ofei-Kwatia 15, *Heath 9, *Rudenko 8, *Darby 6, Cohen 4, Payne 4, Williams. 

Junior Men Vs Plymouth Marjons – 18-10-2008

Dorset Storm            (11, 12, 27, 21)      73

Plymouth Raiders    (14, 9, 12, 14)       49

Dorset Storms Under 18s opened their 2008-09 season at home against Plymouth Marjons Cannons.  A completely new look team took to the floor with three regulars returning from last years squad.  Coach Kemish wasn’t helped by the lack of communication from some players who dropped out late on in the week.  Indeed the team for this opening match of the season consisted of just seven Under 18s players along with a couple of Under 16s and Under 15s playing up.

Coach Kemish chose Corey Pryer and Josh Mann to start the game at the forward spots, whilst David Christopher and new captain Steven Jackson opened at two of the guard spots along with the surprise selection of Under 15s player David Rudenko.  Storm started slowly though, as defensive communication was minimal and offensive rhythm almost non-existent.  As the quarter went on though, Storm looked more comfortable at the defensive end of the court and slowed down Plymouth’s offence.  Despite the improvement, Plymouth still held an 11 – 14 lead at the end of the quarter. 

Storm opened the second quarter more brightly as Steve Jackson got a couple of early baskets.  A four minute scoring drought then ensued as Storm struggled to click at the offensive end.  Good defence allowed Plymouth only six points during Storms scoring drought and only nine in the quarter.  Jamie Lines scored a couple of baskets in the penultimate minute of the half to help Storm level the scores at the half time intermission.

Storm opened the second half well as Christopher found Lines inside for the first basket of the second half.  Plymouth responded with six quick points of their own to restore their lead.  Jamie Lines and Steven Jackson stepped on the gas offensively and along with some good defence from Rudenko and Jamie Old allowed Storm to pile the pressure on Plymouth.  For the first time in the game Storms offensive appeared to flow with a more aggressive approach paying dividends.  Storm went on a six point run before a Plymouth technical allowed Steven Jackson to slot home two more bonus point from the foul line and Storm eventually extend this unanswered run to 12 points.  At the end of the quarter Storm had managed to flip the game on its head, and led 52 – 35.

During the final stanza Storm continued to grow in confidence at the offensive end – a total of eight different players scored and defensively Storm remained focused for much of the quarter.  Plymouth kept working at both ends of the court but a confident Storm team looked in control throughout the final period of play as they extended their lead further to run out 73 – 49 victors.

It was a great result to open the season with, as assistant coach Jill Kemish commented:

“It was disappointing to have so many Under 18s players missing, but the Under 15s and 16s that played up were amazing and showed they were ready for the test.”

Particularly impressive statistics include just 15 turnovers from the team and shooting 70% from the foul line.  All eleven players contributed with everybody executing their role with increasing self-belief as the game progressed.  David Christopher was crucial running the team with his usual assurance, whilst Jamie Lines and Steve Jackson led the team offensively with 26 and 20 points respectively.  A special mention must go to Under 15s rookie player David Rudenko who, after being surprisingly placed in the starting five stepped up to the challenge playing outstanding defence and executing offensively – you could say his game was literally as big as his shorts, and they we very big!

The Under 18s have a weekend off before Taunton visit Rossmore Leisure Centre in two weekend’s time when they will be looking to build on their good start to the season. 

Scorers: Lines 26, *Jackson 20, *Christopher 12, *Mann 4, *Rudenko 4, Williams 2, Message 2, *Pryer 2, Old 1, Law, Short.

Cadets Vs Plymouth Raiders – 18-10-2008

Dorset Storm            (23, 29, 20, 21)       93

Plymouth Raiders    (9, 11, 9, 8)             37

Dorset Storms Under 16s got their first win of the season with a comfortable win versus Plymouth Raiders.  The result was not in doubt after a dominant first quarter. 

Scorers: *Eads 23, *Daly 17, *Message 15, Weaver 11, *Law 10, Wilsher 4, Kay 4, *Burton 2, Campbell 2, Abraham 2, Hamadache 2, Short 1.
 

Cadets Vs Bath Titans – 25-10-2008

Dorset Storm            (27, 25, 15, 26)       93

Bath Titans               (11, 12, 23, 2)          48

Dorset Storm Under 16s recorded their second victory in as many weeks.  Quickly out of the starting blocks Storm shot off to an early lead which they maintained throughout the first half. 

An 'embarrassing' third quarter performance in which Storm were outscored 23 - 15 allowed Bath hope heading into the final quarter.  However, the visitors game out all guns blazing in the final stanza and played some of their best basketball of the season winning the quarter by an incredible 26 points to two.

Storm were lead by their captain Matt Law who directed play at both ends of the court with an confident performance.

Scorers: Message 18, Daly 16, Eads 14, Law 11, Weaver 8, Kay 8, Burton 6, Campbell 6, Hamadache 6.
 

Junior Men Vs Reading Rockets – 25-10-2008

Dorset Storm               20

Reading Rockets         0

N/A - Reading have withdrawn from the league.

Junior Men Vs Taunton Tigers – 01-11-2008

Dorset Storm               20

Taunton Tigers           0

Taunton could only field four players on the day so conceded the match.

NBL Under 15s Vs Brighton Cougars – 01-11-2008

Dorset Storm             (6, 11, 9, 13)        39

Brighton Cougars     (22, 11, 26, 21)    80

Dorset Storms Under 15s travelled along the coast to face Brighton Cougars.  A really poor first quarter, in which they could muster only six points, set the tone for Dorset as Brighton wiped the team from Dorset off the floor 39 - 80.

Full match details will appear soon.

Cadets Vs Taunton Tigers – 08-11-2008

Dorset Storm            (17, 6, 18, 12)       55

Taunton Tigers         (21, 29, 21, 17)    88

Dorset Storms Under 16s hosted Taunton Tigers at Rossmore Leisure Centre.  Both teams put in a solid first quarter display but that was as good as it got for the home side.  Foul trouble and poor decision making resulted in an embarrassing result and left coach Cran fuming at his players lack of focus and defensive effort.

Full match report will appear soon.

Junior Men Vs Bath Titans – 08-11-2008

Dorset Storm        (16, 16, 22, 23)           77

Bath Titans           (16, 10, 17, 18)           61

Dorset Storm Under 18s hosted Bath Titans at Rossmore Leisure Centre on Saturday.  Storm were still unable to field a full strength team with their captain Steven Jackson still visiting Mickey and Martyn Williams watching some egg throwing event.  That meant the Under 15s and Under 16s which have had a chance to play up would again be given that opportunity.  On the positive side Dean Grey made his first appearance of the season for the home side.

Storm started slowly against a well organised Bath team.  Within the opening 90 seconds Storm found themselves trailing 2 – 8 and heading to the bench for a timeout and a few stern words.  Happily though the team came out with a little more focus as David Christopher and Jamie Lines combined for the home side opening 10 points of the match.  By the end of the first quarter Storm had managed to claw their way back into the match as the scores were tied at 16.  A better second quarter at the defensive end saw Storm slowly pull away from the visitors.  At the half time break the score line read 32 – 26 to the home side.

Storm began the second half with more intent than they had the first half and within the first minute had extended their lead to 11 points.  Storm extended this lead further but rather than finishing the match off, insisted on coasting through to the end of the quarter and allowed Bath slight hope of getting back into the ball game with score line being 54 – 43.  A 6 – 1 run opened the quarter and allowed home side to take control of the match once again and eventually take the match 77 – 61.

Coach Kemish commented after the match: “When you consider how depleted our squad has been to start the season I think I would have laughed in somebody’s face if they had suggested we would open the season with three wins.  It’s credit to the hard work the players have put in during training –now they need to keep it up.”

For the home side it was the ‘Jamie and Jamie’ show as Lines and Old ended up with 24 and 20 points respectively with David Christopher on 13 points and 5 steals.  Next week the team face their toughest test to date as they visit the City Academy to take on Bristol.  

Scorers:  *Lines 24, *Old 20, *Christopher 13, Message 8, *Pryer 6, Law 4, *Mann 2, Rudenko, Short, Grey.

NBL Under 15s Vs Solent Kestrels – 08-11-2008

Dorset Storm        (6, 13, 7, 7)            33

Solent Kestrels     (19, 26, 27, 32)    104

Dorset Storms Under 15s team continued their poor start to the season continued.  A really poor defensive display throughout the match allowed the visitors to coast to a 33 - 104 victory.

Even more worryingly for the coaches was the fact that the team seemed unable to learn from their mistakes as the gulf between the teams increased in every quarter that the teams played.  The team will need to put things right ahead of next weeks visit to Cobham which now looks like a must win encounter.

Full match report to come soon.

NBL Under 13s Vs Southampton Trailblazers Vs Reading Rockets – 09-11-2008

Dorset Storm        (18, 6, 11, 9)         44

Reading Rockets  (0, 8, 8, 2)             18

Dorset Storm        (12, 16, 11, 8)      47

Soton T'Blazers   (8, 6, 6, 7)             27

Dorset Storms Under 13s National League team continued their good start to the season as they won both their matches in their latest tournament.  

Full match reports will appear soon.

Junior Men Vs Bristol Storm – 15-11-2008

Dorset Storm        (19, 15, 16, 11)          61

Bristol Storm        (19, 13, 20, 21)           72

Dorset Storms Under 18s hit the road and headed to the West Country to face Bristol at the City Academy.  They knew they would be up against a strong and athletic team but having won their opening three matches felt confident that they could give the home side a good match.

Both teams opened the match well trading baskets throughout much of the first quarter.  Dorset closed out the first quarter with a narrow lead 18 – 19.  Dorset started the second quarter with some good basketball, Message and Pryer combined inside for a coupe of nice scores.  Neither team could make a meaningful run as both teams pressured each other and took advantage in any lapse in concentration. 

As expected the home side started the second half with a higher intensity level.  Dorset did a good job to weather this onslaught and with a brace of baskets apiece from Dean Grey and Jamie Lines the teams remained inseparable at 51 – 50 and the end of the third period. 

Dorset were now looking tired heading into the final quarter with a young and inexperienced team, and with several players felling unwell and carrying knocks it would be a test of character to see how they would responded with their backs against the wall.  The answer looked like it was going to be well as scores from Grey and Williams allowed Storm to take the lead.  A crucial three minute period followed in which Bristol went on a 10 – 0 run slowed only by Storms final timeout.  This run saw Bristol effectively win the game and in with three minutes to play the home side found themselves up by as many as 20 points.  Dorset though regained their composure and with six points in the final two minutes managed to narrow the deficit to 11 as the final buzzer sounded.

Dorset should reflect positively though, the team had players in foul trouble throughout, their starting point guard was not felling 100% and to be missing their captain and quickest player against one of the most athletic teams in the league away from home it was a fantastic result.  The key diagnosis will have to come from within the team however, as it is questionable whether the team worked hard enough for each other in the final period when they were up against it.

Top performers in this match include Corey Pryer who played a lot of minutes with some great defence and eight points and nine rebounds, whilst Josh Mann pulled down nine rebounds in limited minutes due to foul trouble.  Under 16s player Greg Message scored 10 points and pulled down eight rebounds as he regularly found space in Bristol’s defence and finished strongly inside.

Scorers: *Lines 19, Message 10, Grey 9, *Pryer 8, *Christopher 4, Williams 4, *Mann 2, *Old 2, Law 1.

NBL Under 15s Vs Cobham – 15-11-2008

Dorset Storm      (9, 18, 17, 12)       56

Cobham             (22, 14, 19, 17)     72

Dorset Storms Under 15s poor form continued as yet another poor first quarter set them up for a heavy defeat.  Another poor defensive display, conceding 70 plus points for the fourth time this season appear to lie at the heart of the teams problems.

The team have a week to work hard at training to make improvements for the visit of Spelthorne.

NBL Under 13s Vs Spelthorne Atoms Vs Reading Rockets II – 09-11-2008

Dorset Storm           (15, 9, 15, 6)         45

Reading Rockets II  (6, 6, 4, 8)             24

Dorset Storm        (12, 13, 13, 7)         45

Spelthorne           (8, 10, 12, 10)         27

Dorset Storms Under 13s National League team continued their good start to the season as they won both their matches in their latest tournament.  

Full match reports will appear soon.