Derbyshire Arrows' teenage basketball teams march towards national honours

Arrows U14s' duo Kareem Luqmaan and Barnaby Smith, who were so effective in the win against York Eagles.

The U16s stayed top of the Conference North-East with a 55-43 win away to York Eagles, while the U14s blitzed the same club 75-62 to remain second in the Conference North.

The key to the U14s’ triumph was the brilliant combination between Kareem Luqmaan, whose ability to break the press was vital, and Barnaby Smith, who scored 19 points.

Arrows led 23-8 after the first quarter and then held on in three tight quarters to follow against plucky opponents who belied their lowly position in the table.

After their flying start, they struggled to find their usual fluency, especially in the second half, but managed to register crucial baskets at the right time.

Kyle Edwards also scored 19 points, while Amir Khan added nine, Luqmaan eight, Saleh Ahmed eight, Christian Ampon six, Lloyd Askwith four and Tye Green-Scott two.

It was Arrows’ 14th win from 16 matches and they stay a point behind leaders Sheffield Junior Sharks with two games to play.

A commanding third quarter, which they won 16-4, was the turning point for the U16s, whose league record is now 15 wins from 16 games. They head the table on points-difference from Tees Valley Mohawks with four to play.

Arrows began in determined fashion, taking the opening quarter 15-8, and led 29-22 at the interval.

After adjustments by coach Jonny Kelly, they really turned the screw and went into the last quarter with a decisive lead of 45-26.

Eagles threw everything at them in a frantic finale, closing to within eight points, but Arrows soaked up the pressure.

Isaac Askwith top-scored with 13 points, while Reneil Clarke scored eight, Adam Kemali seven, Harrun Hanuleh seven, Yousef Tomy six and Tom Mbukanna six.

Delighted coach Kelly said: "The boys have been tough defensively all season, and I have been impressed with their faultless away record.”