Scotland U16 Men have kickstarted their European Championships campaign in Tirana, Albania with a massive 90-66 win over the hosts.
At the start of the game Finley Woodward won the tip and made a 3-pointer to give Scotland the early lead, which was followed up by another 3-point shot from Euan Birch. Birch and Callum Mortimer were crucial scorers for their side as Albania drew closer and Euan Johnston played his part by assisting his teammates and grabbing defensive rebounds to ensure Scotland had a seven-point lead going into the second quarter, 25-18.
In the next period Callum Mortimer started the quarter hot from the line as he made both his free throws. Euan Johnston found his scoring rhythm early as he made a 3-pointer quickly followed by a regular jump shot to further extend Scotland’s lead. William Kemp, Owen Heddle and Jack Hencher kept applying the pressure to the Albanian side by making big shots, thus allowing Scotland to forge ahead and maintain an 18-point lead, 56-38.
After halftime it became the Callum Mortimer show as he made 13 of the 20 points Scotland scored in the third quarter. Other scores came from Cameron Watson, Finley Woodward and Owen Heddle, making it Scotland 76-49 Albania
Going into the final quarter Scotland had a comfortable lead and a couple of consistent shots from Finley Steel, composed free throws from Callum Mortimer and back-to-back 3-pointers from Euan Birch meant Scotland secured a big 26-point win, 90-66.
Callum Mortimer was top scorer of the game with 22 points, Owen Heddle had eight rebounds, Jack Hencher had six steals and Finley Woodward had four assists.
Scotland U16 will return to action against Moldova tonight at 5:45pm, stay tuned to basketballscotland’s social channels to keep updated.
