The Scotland U19s will descend upon the University of Worcester Arena on the 4th/5thAugust to compete in the British Wheelchair Basketball Lord’s Taverners National Junior Championships.
They finished 6th last year after a narrow two-point loss to the East but look to have a strong squad this year that have medal podium potential. The squad will feature 16-year-old Ben Leitch (pictured) who was a part of the GB Junior Men’s squad who competed in Barcelona earlier this summer. Leitch, from Perth has also made the move over to the Division 1 National League squad, Glasgow Rocks. Ben was also a part of the 2016 gold medal-winning U15s squad alongside U19s squad absentee David Hird.
James Beattie looks to make a big impact on the squad as last year he was Scotland’s most consistent top scorer last year. Newcomers Logan Kidd and Rory Geddes will make their debut for U19s. This year will mark the final U19s appearances for David Beattie and Josh Manson who have both been the backbone of the Scotland programme for many years.
Games are contested with size 7 basketballs and 10-foot baskets in two 8-minute halves.
The U19s are in Pool B alongside North East, North West, South East and Wales. North West look to be Scotland’s toughest challenge in the pool stages as they are the defending silver medallists. However, outside of the pool stages Scotland could potentially cross over with either Yorkshire or defending champions West Midlands if they advance to the quarterfinals or semi-finals. Either way the goal for the squad is to reach the podium something they have never done in the history of the Nationals.
Head Coach, Jen Scally spoke about the tournament saying: “The Scotland squad is very much looking forward to attending the Lord’s Taverners National Junior Championships 2018. This is the first of two tournaments for our squad this summer. Our team has been hard at work, preparing both on and off the court. We’re ready to challenge ourselves against other regions and home countries from across the UK.”
Head Coach: Jen Scally (Glasgow Rocks)
Assistant Coach: Tina Gordon (basketballscotland)
Team Manager: Brian Borland
| Name | Classification | Club |
| Rhys Colliar | 1.0 | Dundee Dragons |
| David Beattie | 2.0 | CWSC Panthers |
| Tom McCaffrey | 2.0 | Glasgow Rocks |
| Adam Donnachie | 3.5 | Lothian Phoenix |
| Josh Manson | 3.5 | RGK Tees Valley Titans |
| Logan Kidd | 4.0 | Lothian Phoenix |
| Rory Geddes | 4.0 | Grampian Flyers |
| Ben Leitch | 4.5 | Glasgow Rocks |
| Cameron Watson | 4.5 | Lothian Phoenix |
| James Beattie | 5.0 | CWSC Panthers |
U19s Schedule:
4thAugust 2:50pm Scotland v Wales
4thAugust 4:15pm Scotland v South East
4thAugust 5:25pm Scotland v North West
4thAugust 6:50pm Scotland v North East
5thAugust 10am Quarterfinals
5thAugust 12:50pm Semi-finals
5thAugust 3:10pm Bronze Medal Game
5thAugust 4:20pm Gold Medal Game
