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[last updated 12.6.03]

East Grinstead U14 Mavericks participated in this years 2003 BAA Gatwick Sussex Youth Games, representing Mid-Sussex for the Boys Basketball. The team qualified three weeks ago in the prelim rounds, coming second only losing to Crawley. The Mavericks came into the Games fresh and prepared to face teams they haven't seen before, as they played in Surrey Youth League last season, with the exception of Crawley who as well played in Surrey.

The Mavericks had 5 hard games which were all competitive and hard fought, but the young Mavericks came through each game with a win. Mavericks swept the board and went on to become the 2003 BAA Sussex Youth Games Boys Basketball Champions.

The biggest games for the Maverick came against Crawley and Eastbourne. Mavericks faced Crawley in the third game (first out of the two tougher games) and knew they hard to be on top form to win. They lost by 20pts in the prelims to them and didn't want a repeat of that game. Mavericks know defence was the key and slow set offence was the factor to beat them. They pulled off a great rematch win as they won by 8pts 30-22.

The fourth game (second toughest) was against the tallest team in the tournament, scaling all at 6'0 plus. This match up was verses the two unbeaten teams and both players and coaches were on tender hooks. The game was slow at both ends and for both teams, Mavericks coach Rob Birchmore told his team this game would be won on the defensive end. Eastbourne outsized Mid-Sussex by an average of 9 inches and stood tall in the key area (basket). Mavericks really stepped up on the defensive end and ran all rotations on their set offence to take the lead into half time up 2 - 6-4. The second half pick up a bit for Eastbourne and the Maverick size started to affect them. Eastbourne took the lead late in the second and final period 10-8. Mavericks time out help them refocused on their game plan and set them right to take lead back. With only 1:05 to go the Mavericks tied things up and pressed Eastbourne full court. Mavericks tough defence forced a turn over and a quick basket, putting the Mid-Sussex team up by 2pts. Eastbourne came down court in a rush, but the Mavericks stepped up on defence and denied all shot attempts as time expired, Maverick won by 2pts - 12-10.

The other Mid-Sussex game scores were:

Worthing 14 -Mid Sussex 15
Mid Sussex 20 - Hastings 14
Mid Sussex 20 - Arun 12

From the Youth Games three East Grinstead U14 Mavericks players were selected for tryouts with the National U15 Brighton Bears for next season, they were Team Captain Tom Wilson, Jon Richards and Craig Gill. Other players from the team may also be asked before team selection.

East Grinstead Junior Basketball has how produce 6 players to the National teams leagues:

Seb Springall, Joe Lawlor - U20 London Towers
Michelle Clerkin - U14 London Towers and the mentioned players above.

The Maverick players for the Mid Sussex Team were: Tom Wilson, Jon Richards, Craig Gill, Tom Foster, Ross Upton, Alastair Crocker, Haydon Crocker, Matt Wallace, Max Hagenbach, Blair Cooney, Joe Paris, Sean Mason and Fred Norris.