Hornets clip Sea Eagles wings

The Launch My Business Hills Hornets Under 14 basketball team had its worst shooting game of the season but still managed to demolish Manly Sea Eagles by more than 50 points with outstanding defence leading to a 63-8 victory.

Full court pressure led to 33 steals but even when the Hornets resumed a half court defence they still stifled almost everything the Sea Eagles threw at them. On five ocassions the 24 second clock expired before Manly could even take a shot. The Sea Eagles finished the match with just eight points, two of these coming from free throws in the last second of the game.

Key to this defensive effort were Mitch, Luke and Mark who put enormous pressure on their opposite numbers and picked up steals. The big men, also helped form double teams at the top of the court with Addam and Arran proving to be particularly difficult to get past while Brane was an intimidating presence under the Hills basket.

Hills Hornets needed the tough defence, with most of the team struggling to sink the ball, even missing wide open lay-ups. Jayden hustle plays around the basket picked up some of the slack and helped the Hornets to reset after failed shots attempts and he made some great passes to team mates.

However, not everyone was off their shooting game. Thomas, Jay and in particular Will – who had an outstanding match in all aspects of the game – shot more than 50 per cent from the field.

Despite the margin of victory, this was one of the uglier games of the season so far. With a major trip to Melbourne looming and some tougher competition ahead, the boys recognise they have to work on the offensive structure if they want to win against the best teams in the country.

The next game is against the Hornsby Spiders at Hills Stadium