Scotland won silver at the 2018 School Games at Loughborough University becoming the first home nation to reach the final.
On Day 1 they faced Northern Ireland in the last game of the day, the game was even in the first half but then Scotland was on fire in the second half as they forged ahead to claim the 67-46 win with Josh Manson on 28 points, Ben Leitch on 13 rebounds and James Beattie on 15 assists.
On Day 2 they had a double-header as first they took on England Central in which Scotland edged ahead in the first half only for Central to close the gap in the third but Scotland found the wherewithal to see off Central by ten points, 55-45. James Beattie top scored with 24 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists.
They then moved on to face Wales in the semi-final and the game between the two Celtic nations went right down to the wire as Scotland picked up the 48-46 victory as James Beattie achieved a triple-double with 19 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists.
On Day 3 they battled England North in the final and were able to keep the scores close within the first half, but North were able to find their stride and pick up the64-41win, retaining their championship for the second year running.
Squad captain Josh Manson, who made his last U19s appearance for the team said:
“The UK School Games was massive for our team this year, we competed so well as a squad and as a whole unit. We had some tight games and made a lot of mistakes, but we learned from them and made history by winning a silver medal at the event. However, I am very emotional it is my last year with this squad, but I am excited to see what the young squad does in the future. I am hoping to remain a part of the Scotland programme on some level so we will wait and see what the future has in store.”
Disability Talent & Pathways Manager at basketballscotland, Tina Gordon added:
“We are all very proud of this fantastic achievement, testament to all the hard work and dedication put in by players and coaching staff throughout this season. This result builds on the bronze medal from last year’s School Games, silver at the National Junior Championships, and gold at the recent Digby Brown Invitational Challenge, culminating in the silver medal this year. Wheelchair basketball certainly looks exciting for youth development in the future!”
