Teesside Too Strong For Myerscough
Teesside Lions 62-39 Myerscough II
Teesside Lions finalised their hectic but valuable pre-season programme at Eston in solid fashion with a 23pt win over the talented Myerscough.
It was the sixth game in front of the Teesside fans during September with Lions winning three games and showing impressive progression over the course of the month.
The run of events has provided Lions fans with a glimpse into the new squad ahead of what promises to be an exciting season, one which Teesside are hoping to compete for the league title and promotion.
Coach Marc Steutel believes the team, whilst improving, is still a long way from its potential.
“We are into the journey and have a lot of work to do. The progress is positive and at times impressive but we are still a long way from where I want us to be, both defensively and offensively.” Said the GB Coach.
The comments echoed the game against Myerscough as the visitors started the better team, much in the same vein as the Durham game the previous week.
Callum Johnstone and Louis Farish led Myerscough into an early lead as the visitors showed why they are one of the best basketball academies in the UK. In the fourt minute Lions were down 5-9 as missed lay-ups were preventing the hosts from developing any rhythm. Jack Wilson kept the Lions in the game with a flurry of nice moves, but it would take the home side until the final minute of the first period to actually take the lead as Matt Hughes collected his own rebound for the put-back to finish the quarter 16-14.
The second quarter would be the thorn in the Myerscough side as Teesside turned on the style in an emphatic way, outscoring their opponents 26-7.
6’7 forward Ross Wilson ignited Lions with 6pts in the first five minutes while good ball movement enabled multiple players to contribute offensively.
Most impressive was the Lions defence which was tenacious and fully committed with captain Tommy Devitt leading by example as he dove on every loose ball.
This hefty blow to Myerscough would be impossible for the less physical and experienced side to recover, despite showing their value at stages in the second half.
In terms of physicality Myerscough had no answer to Justin Loblack who dominated the key at both ends of the court, but will be disappointed with his conversion rate in what was a relatively low scoring game.
The third quarter was relatively even but did produce a couple of highlights as Dayvantia Deeble-Campbell broke free on transition to produce an explosive dunk in the fifth minute. This was then matched by Ross Wilson as he drove through traffic to respond in equal fashion.
Former Lions junior Charles Copeland helped fire up the visitors with a strong finish and 3-pointer on his way to 7pts.
In the final period a 3-pointer from Thomas Wylie would lead to a five-minute drought as Lions struggled to mark the scoresheet. Myerscough did not fare much better though did his a big 3 via Filipo Renna.
A combination of strong defence and sloppy offence by both teams in the second half will provide both coaches with food for thought ahead of the regular season, but overall Lions fans were happy with the passion, attitude and positive signs in what everyone is hoping will be a successful season.
Matt Hughes hit a game high 13pts to finish top scorer for the fifth game in a row and ear the MVP award. Tommy Devitt proved how vital he is to the team as he pulled the strings on the court.
Lions will travel to Tyneside on Tuesday for a behind closed doors friendly against Division One side Newcastle University as the final preparations are underway for the first competitive game in two week’s time.
On Sunday 10th October Lions host Division Two outfit Derbyshire Arrows in the second round of the National Cup. Tickets are available via TeessideLions.com and priced at just £4.50 for u18/OAP, £6.50 for adults and only £16 for a family of four, saving £6.
Tickets must be purchased in advance to allow the club to cater for the attendance in accordance with venue & government covid guidelines.
