The SBC Wheelchair League concluded over the weekend in what was an action-packed Finals day at the Regional Performance Centre in Dundee.
As the league only returned this year after the 2020 pandemic, for many players, this season was their first taste of competitive wheelchair basketball.
As well as some fiercely competitive games, the Finals provided a great opportunity for players to get together socially, as there is a strong bond between all of the wheelchair basketball clubs. Four teams competed in the league this season, and we are hopeful that this will increase to six next season.
In the semi-finals, Lothian Phoenix defeated the Blazin’ Dragons 38-20, with Grampian Flyers defeating Inverness Lions 18-10.
The 3rd/4th place game went down to the wire in a tied game, forcing overtime, resulting in Inverness Lions roaring to an 18-14 victory over the Blazin’ Dragons.
The final between Lothian Phoenix and Grampian Flyers saw Phoenix taking an early first-quarter lead, 14-2. However, Flyers fought back, bringing the score to 16-10 at half time. With renewed defence and sharp shooting from MVP Lea Smith, Lothian Phoenix sealed the win with a final score of 40-16.
This season, the SBC Wheelchair league has provided an opportunity to develop not only players but officials too, with seven referees from Inverness Lions and Dundee Dragons going through a wheelchair conversion course funded by British Wheelchair Basketball’s ‘Inspire A Generation’ (IAG) programme. It was great to welcome IAG Manager, Grant Wilson, to the Finals event.
“It was an honour to present the medals at an event with amazing performances from each team, the event also provided lots of friendly socialising between games.” commented Vice Chair of the Scottish Wheelchair Basketball Development Group, Anne Mailer.
MVP, Lea Smith
