SBC Scottish Cup preview: Under 14s
The Under 14s SBC Scottish Cup Finals both take place this weekend as part of the SBC Playoffs schedule at Oriam. In the Boys Final Sony Centre Fury face Inverness City, whilst Sony Centre Fury are also represented in the Girls final as they play West Lothian Wolves.
Under 14s Boys Final
Sony Centre Fury are set to appear in the Final after triumphing over Dunfermline Reign, Ayr Storm and City of Edinburgh to book their place in Saturday’s game. They started strongly with a 73-20 win over Reign in Round One, before receiving a bye after Ayr Storm conceded the Quarter-Final. Fury put on a strong performance in the Semi-Final, winning in style against City of Edinburgh (84-49).
Inverness had a slightly easier route to this year’s Final, with a Round One bye and Perth Phoenix conceding the Quarter-Final. The side then travelled to Paisley to face St Mirren West College Scotland, coming out on top in an exciting game which ended 59-56.
Tracy Tamijmarane, head Coach of Inverness, is delighted to see the effort of her team being rewarded with a chance to play at Oriam:
“Our club coaches are very proud of the hard work the boys have invested in their training over the season. Qualifying for the Scottish Cup Final is reward for their investment not only in their on-court improvements in team play but also in players improvements in skills development and in commitment to their individual fitness and conditioning programs. The boys are proud and excited to be wearing Lions colours at the Oriam, following in the footsteps of our U16 Boys Team!”
Under 14s Girls Final
Sony Centre Fury have arguably had the most exciting run of games leading to the Final, winning two games by a single point. In Round One, Fury progressed with a 43-42 win over Lady Rocks. The Quarter-Final was equally tight, as Fury again came out on top with a 33-32 win over St Mirren. They had a more comfortable victory in the Semi-Final, overcoming City of Edinburgh 52-39.
Chelsy Hughes, Sony Centre Fury’s Captain, says the team are ready for the final:
“We have achieved and improved a lot since last season. We have been training hard and are prepared for the tough competition in the final.”
West Lothian Wolves received a Round One bye before picking up the W with a 36-22 victory over Inverness. In the Semi-Final, Wolves faced Perth Phoenix, running out 50-33 winners.
Ed Leighton, the Head Coach of Wolves, acknowledged the standard of teams across the country as his team prepares for the Final:
“We are thrilled to have made it through into this year’s Scottish Cup final. Especially in such a competitive age group where a number of teams would have been deserving of a place. This will be an amazing experience for the girls, their families and supporters. We’ll be looking to put on a great show for the Oriam crowd and I’m sure between us and Fury there will be some fantastic basketball skills and competitive play on display.”
Parents, families and friends are all welcome to come along to Oriam and support the players in what is set to be two close finals. Tickets for the event can be purchased online here.
