It’s Division 1 basketball next season for the Ladies of Woking

 

 Blackhawks v Camberley Finches 99-38

Wessex Ladies Division 2

(23/04/08)

There was simply no better way to end a hugely successful season for the Woking Ladies as they won the Wessex Ladies Division 2 title in style.

 

A home win (99-38) against the Camberley Finches saw the Blackhawks complete a 12 out of 12 clean sweep of games to the delight of a 50-strong crowd at the Woking High School.

 

It was all Blackhawks from the start as the Ladies put 13 points on the board before the Camberley Finches scored for the first time. Alana Francis opened the scoring and Woking kept on the pressure with a phenomenal amount of steals primarily from their MVP Anabelle Hardiman. The first quarter finished 29-2.

 

The 2^nd provided more of the same and stand-in coach Katie Wright had the opportunity to use the bench. At half-time the Blackhawks were leading 46-9 and there were a few doubts as to the final outcome of this game.

 

In the 3^rd, Hardiman and Mole continued their assault at the Camberley basket and with valuable contributions from Liliana Cuenca, Patricia Molina, Beth Stevens and Mitch Taylor. Based on the fact that the Finches had no outside shooters, Woking changed to zone defence but this allowed Camberley to penetrate easier but there was little to worry about as the Blackhawks who finished the quarter strong at 68-21.

 

Letting off the pace is not the Blackhawks DNA as they chased the century in the 4^th. With offence in mind, defensive duties were overlooked at times and Camberley were given the opportunity to score 17 points. But this was more than offset by some breath-taking displays of transitional play from one end of the court to the other led by the unstoppable Hardiman and powerhouse Becky Mole. Silky post moves by Beth Stevens was proof of the wide range of talent in this very strong ladies side who ran their plays, defended well and scored at will.

 

This has been a great season for Woking and the champagne celebrations at the end of this game were well deserved.

 

Coach Phil Parry, who pioneered his side’s success, was out of the country at the time of this match but team manager Sue Wright was full of praise: “Phil has done a great job with the Ladies and they have responded in kind. There is a great atmosphere in this squad and we all look forward to playing in Division 1 next season”.

 

Blackhawks: Francesca Kapper-Gill, Katie Wright, Jasmine Tenger, Anabelle Hardiman, Alana Francis, Becky Mole, Liliane Cuenca, Michelle Taylor, Beth Stevens and Patricia Molina.

 

 

Blackhawks Still Undefeated

Blackhawks v Aldworth Darts 75 – 54

Wessex Ladies Division 2

(20/02/08)

A close game for three quarters but a final blitz that blew away Aldworth and keeps the Blackhawks Ladies undefeated. 

The first quarter was dominated by the Blackhawks forwards of Channon, Mole and Molina between them accounting for 13 points out of 18 scored.  Close into the basket they were deadly snapping up offensive rebounds and potting the baskets.  However, Aldworth were not going down without a fight with their outside shooters scoring from beyond the 3-point line.  The quarter ended 18-19 to Aldworth.  The second quarter was again dominated by Aldworths outside shooting and the rebounding and scoring power of Channon for the Blackhawks.  At half time Blackhawks had established a slim lead: 37-34.

Following the halftime team talk coach Parry decided the best defence would be to switch from zone and go man-to-man in order to cut out the outside threat from Aldworth.  Great defensive work from guards Taylor, Wright, Cuenca, and Robson helped stop the shooting opportunities but with Channon and Mole in foul trouble a big game was needed from Price to stop the inside threat from the Darts. The ladies managed to stretch the score further and by the end of the quarter were 6 points in the lead: 53-47.

At the start of the 4^th quarter, with Blackhawks captain Hardiman also in foul trouble, the points started to dry up.  The Darts pulled the game back to trail by only one point.  At that point, with the captain back on court, the Blackhawks finally found their game.  The next 5 minutes of play was completely dominated by them.  It started with Hardiman scoring 8 points in a row, followed by baskets from Wright, Mole, Taylor and Channon.  Before the darts knew what had hit them the Blackhawks were up by 23 points with 2 minutes to play.  The Ladies cruised home clear winners 75-54.

MVP: Anabelle Hardiman with 34.6 MVP Points (20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 5 assists, 1 block)

Joint Top Scorers: Anabelle Hardiman and Laura Channon 20 points each

Blackhawks: Hardiman (20), Wright (7), Mole (12), Price (1), Robson, Cuenca (4), Molina (3), Channon (20), Taylor (8)

 

Blackhawks Out of the Surrey Cup

Blackhawks v Heathrow Acers 33 – 39

Surrey Cup Quarter finals 2^nd leg.

(17/02/08)

This was always going to be a tough game having already lost the first leg to the Acers by 9 points.  To make matters worse they also fielded a more formidable line up with more of their EBL1 squad in attendance.

Coach Parry had a game plan worked out where the Blackhawk guard would press the Acers ball carrier and first pass options.  This took the Acers completely by surprise and the ladies quickly established a 6 point lead.  Unfortunately they then started to struggle against the aggressive zone defence from the Acers and allowed them to bring the ball up unopposed.  The Acers then scored 16 points unanswered by the Blackhawks – this effectively killed the game, after that the Ladies were always chasing. 

In the second quarter the Blackhawks pulled within 4 points of the Acers but with a 3^rd quarter where the we only scored 2 points the game was over.  However, great character was shown by the ladies as they kept fighting throughout the 4^th quarter managing to get within 6 points of the Acers by the end.

A special mention must go to new forward Laura Channon who had an outstanding game with her first double-double from the Blackhawks scoring 18 points and pulling down 13 rebounds.

Final score: 33 - 39   

MVP & Top Scorer: Laura Channon with 34.5 MVP Points (18 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks)

Blackhawks: Hardiman (9), Wright (4), Mole, Price (2), Tenger, Cuenca, Channon (18), Taylor

 

 

Blackhawks still keep 100% D2 record

 

Blackhawks v Diamond Ladies 55 – 41

 

Wessex Ladies Division 2

(28/01/08)

 

A slow start by the Blackhawks Ladies ensured a close first quarter with both teams vying for the lead.  This was a much stronger Diamonds squad than when the teams met at the start of the season and so scoring was at a premium.  Good early baskets from Hardiman and Wright edged a close 1st quarter 10-8 to the Blackhawks. 

 

The second quarter opened with strong Blackhawks defence from Robson, Price, Stevens and Francis.  The Diamonds were finding it difficult to find the basket.  Also strong performances from Surrey University player Channon and new centre Molina kept the pressure up.  However, the second quarter was dominated by the scoring power of Blackhaws' captain Anabelle Hardiman.  Scoring 16 of 18 points for the Blackhawks in the quarter pulling the ladies clear at the half 28-17.

 

The 3rd quarter maintained the pressure from the first half with strong scoring from Hardiman and Mole, with excellent defence from Cuenca, Mole and Hardiman forcing 18 turnovers from the Diamond.  The quarter ended 46-28 to the Blackhawks.

 

The Ladies cruised home clear winners 55-41.

 

Anabelle finished the game with a triple-double (22 points, 20 rebounds, 10 steals)

 

MVP: Anabelle Hardiman with 53.0 MVP Points (22 points, 20 rebounds, 10 steals, 3 assists, 2 blocks)

 

Blackhawks: Hardiman (22), Francis (4), Wright (8), Mole (8), Price, Stevens (2), Robson (1), Cuenca (4), Molina (2), Channon (4)

 

 

1st Leg goes to Heathrow Acers

"Good-bye Juliane - we will miss you"

 

Blackhawks v Heathrow Acers 33 - 42

 

Surrey Cup 1st Leg

(30/1/08)

 

A tough game against tough opposition.  The Acers fielded a strong squad running tight defence and penetrating offence. The 1st quarter was close with scores from Mole and Klink.  Vital baskets in the last minute of the quarter, from captain Hardiman, pulled the score back to 11-8 to the Acers.

 

The Acers tough zone defence was pressuring the Blackhawks into making poor shot selections.  Also when the basket was open the Ladies failed to capitalise.  On the positive side the Blackhawks defence was very strong forcing turnovers throught.  The third quarter ended with the Blackhawks down by 14 points: 36 - 22 (at one point being 18 points down).

 

In the last quarter the Ladies finally started to run the fast break effectively.  As coach Parry had predicted throughout the game, the Acers zone was no match for the well run fastbreak.  With Becky Mole breaking clear on almost all transitions and good passing from the rebounders the game started to turn.  The Blackhawks won the last quarter 11-6 with 9 points from Mole.  The score was pulled back to a 9 point difference.  Final score: 42-33.

 

The second leg of the tie is on Sunday 17th at Woking Leisure Centre - tip-off 5:15pm.

 

Just 9 points to pull back - lets run that fastbreak!

 

On a sad note: it was Juliane's last game for the Blackhawks, she is returning to Germany.  We will miss her strength and ability especially around the basket.  All the girls say good-bye and miss you lots.

 

MVP: Becky Mole with 19.0 MVP Points (13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 assists)

Top Scorer: Anabelle Hardiman with 14 points.

 

Blackhawks: Hardiman (14), Francis (4), Wright, Francis (1), Mole (13), Price, Stevens (1), Robson (1), Taylor, Klink (4), Anagnostopoulus

 

Blackhawks Squad:

 

 

 

Blackhawks Squander 9 point lead against D1 3rd place team

 

Blackhawks v Chiltern Ladies 59 – 65

 

Wessex Ladies Crossover

(6/2/08)

 

A very frustrating game which should have been the Blackhawks third D1 scalp of the season.  However, a very high shooting percentage and five 3 pointers from Chiltern slowly pulled this game away from the ladies.

 

Chiltern came out very strong with some excellent early scoring giving them an 11-2 lead.  However, great team offence from the Blackhawks leading to 11 unanswered points from Hardiman brought the first quarter to a close with the Ladies up 16-13.

 

Chiltern came back strong in the 2nd quarter trading baskets with the Blackhawks.  Great scores from Mole, Hardiman, Wright, Price, and Lifton kept the pressure on.  The defence was working flat out to stop the Chiltern shooters but even with sterling work from Cuenca, Molina, Francis and Robson the shot always seemed to get in (usually on the 24 second buzzer).  The half ended with the Blackhawks up by 1 point: 32-31.

 

The third quarter started very well for the Blackhawks with 6 points from Hardiman, 4 from Mole and 2 from Wright - with only 4 points to Chiltern.  The Ladies were up by 9 points.  Unfortunately in the last 4 minutes of the quarter the defence started to collapse due to the high work rate throughout.  Even tactical substitutions from coach Parry could not stem the tide and Chiltern put away 16 points unanswered.  The quarter ended 44-51.

 

The final quarter was similar to the third in that the Blackhawks took command early on and pulled back to 53-54 but again a mini run from Chiltern pulled them clear.  The game ended 59-65.  Interesting to note that the Blackhawks won 3 of the quarters but the loss of 8 points in the 3rd sealed their fate.

 

Anabelle finished the game with a double-double (23 points, 10 rebounds)

 

MVP: Anabelle Hardiman with 34.0 MVP Points (23 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals, 3 blocks)

 

Blackhawks: Hardiman (23), Wright (11), Mole (17), Price (2), Robson, Cuenca, Molina, Taylor (2), Lifton (4)

 

 

Blackhawks keep 100% D2 record

 

Blackhawks v Camberley Finches 67 – 33

 

Wessex Ladies Division 2

(9/12/07)

 

Under their inspiring stand-in coach, Katie Wright, the Blackhawk Ladies maintained their 100% record in D2 of the Wessex League.

 

Under their inspiring stand-in coach, Katie Wright, the Blackhawk Ladies maintained their 100% record in D2 of the Wessex League.

 

After establishing an early first quarter lead through baskets from Hardiman, Mole and Klink, the remainder of the quarter was reasonably even, although Blackhawks missed a number of good opportunities to increase their lead.  Good defensive work from Taylor and Mole ensured that Finches were never likely to close the gap.  The first 10 minutes ended with a comfortable nine point advantage to Blackhawks.

 

The second quarter followed a similar vein with Blackhawks extending their lead to 16 points by the end of the first half through good team play with all players contributing in attack and defence. Taylor was extremely impressive with her blocks in this quarter whilst steady play from Hardiman, Mole, Klink, Cuenca and Price, ensured that baskets continued to keep the Finches at bay.

 

In the 3^rd quarter, whilst some silly turnovers allowed Finches to come back initially into the game, Blackhawks amassed a further 20 points, many of which were from the free throw line by Hardiman who scored an impressive nine baskets from twelve attempts during the match.  Mole continued to show great strength in her rebounds both defensively and offensively, but not always being able to score from the rebounds.

 

The final quarter saw the introduction of the intrepid coach Wright into the fray and almost immediately she got on the score sheet with a couple of early baskets. Taylor, Mole and Hardiman continued to be thorns in the side of the Finches with a mix of rebounds, steals, blocks and assists as the score continued to mount in favour of the Blackhawks, who eventually ran out winners by an impressive 67 -33.

 

Full squad, MVP and top scorer details to follow.

 

 

 

Another D1 scalp falls to the Blackhawks

 

Blackhawks v Swindon Sonics 73 – 62

 

Wessex Ladies Crossover Division

(5/12/07)

 

With the Blackhawks ladies clear leaders in the Wessex D2 it is important to show their quality in these much tougher D1 / D2 Crossover games.  Having narrowly lost their last 2 crossover games against very good opposition the Blackhawks were in determined mood to get back on the winning track.

 

A quick lead was established by the Blackhawks with scores from Mole, Taylor, Hardiman, and Klink, with the ladies going 8 up with no response from the Sonics.  However, the Sonics then unleashed their outside shooting game scoring two very quick, long 3 point baskets.  Coach Parry made a tactical substitution bringing on Cuenca to kill the outside option for the Sonics.  The quarter ended 18-13 to the Blackhawks.

 

The second and third quarters were very similar with tough defence from both teams, especially Lacey, Anagnostopolous and Francis.  The Blackhawks would pull away from the Sonics with crucial scores from Price, Wright, and Stevens, only then to have the Sonics pull back.  At the end of the third quarter there was still only 5 points in the game, 52-47 to the Blackhawks.

 

The 4^th quarter started badly for the ladies with the Sonics keeping up the pressure to draw the scores level at 55 all.  With 5 minutes left on the clock the Blackhawks moved up a gear and started to play stunning basketball.  The Sonics just could not penetrate the tough Blackhawks defence, while at the other end the ladies started scoring on every offence.  Within 3 minutes the ladies had pulled out a 12 point lead that was unassailable. The clock was run down and the Blackhawks won the game by 11 points.

 

Joint MVPs: Anabelle Hardiman and Mitch Taylor with 39.0 each

 

Blackhawks: Hardiman (28), Francis, Wright (2), Taylor (12), Mole (18), Klink (10), Price (2), Stevens (1), Lacey, Cuenca, Anagnostopolous,

 

Best performance of the season to beat D2 rivals Wildcats by 35 points

Blackhawks v Woodley Wildcats 80 – 45

Wessex Ladies Division 2

21/11/07

 

 

This was a crucial match against D2 2nd place team Woodley Wildcats.   Both teams went into this game with 100% winning records - only one was going to come away with this intact.  The game started well for the Blackhawks with scores from starting 5s: Wright, Hardiman (Captain), Mole, Taylor and Klink.  After 7 minutes the ladies opened up a 13 point lead which the Wildcats clawed back to 24-17 at the end of the first quarter.

 

The second quarter started cautiously with both teams struggling to score.  The Blackhawks managed to open up the Wildcats defence by Hardiman running a very effective fastbreak leading to great scores from Francis.  However, the Wildcats were unable to breakdown the Ladies defence with strong performances from Price, Tenger and Stevens.  The half ended 49-27 to the Blackhawks.

 

In the 3rd quarter the Wildcats started playing a more aggressive physical game in an attempt to dominate the boards up close.  They started to close up pulling the score back but the Blackhawks stepped up a gear and cut lose with a 12 point unanswered run to end the quarter 64-37. 

 

In the final quarter the Wildcats were all out of ideas and the Blackhawk Ladies closed the game winners by a clear 35 points (80-45).

 

MVP and top scorer: Anabelle Hardiman 55.5 (37 points, 5 assists, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks, 7 steals)

 

Blackhawks: Hardiman (37), Francis (3), Wright (9), Tenger, Taylor (4), Mole (11), Klink (12), Price (2), Stevens (2)

 

 

A very poor performance sees the Blackhawk Ladies lose to the Aztec Belles

Blackhawks v Aztec Belles 44 – 54

Wessex Ladies Crossover Division

11/11/07

 

This was a game that the ladies just could not get into.  Poor shot selection and foul trouble put pressure on the Blackhawks who were always chasing.  At times down only by 2 points it was always a struggle to stay in this game.  The ladies shot only 30% from the field.

 

MVP: Mitch Taylor 37 (11 points, 18 rebounds, 2 blocks, 4 steals)

 

Blackhawks: Hardiman (6), Francis (2), Wright (2), Taylor (11), Mole (8), Klink (5), Price (2), Stevens (6), Anagnostopoulos (2)

 

 

Blackhawk Ladies bounce back to win at Aldworth

Blackhawks v Aldworth Darts 79 – 39

Wessex Ladies Division 2

5/11/07

 

Following on from the defeat by Aldworth's 1st team the previous week the girls were looking for pay back and extracted it from the tip.  After 7 minutes the ladies were up by 17 points and never looked like the Darts were going to trouble them.  The quarter ended 24-8 and the half 39-20. 

 

With contributions both offensively and defensively from the whole squad the game ended 77-39 to the Blackhawks.

 

MVP and top scorer: Anabelle Hardiman 37.5 (28 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals)

 

Blackhawks: Hardiman (28), Francis (3), Wright (2), Lifton (2), Taylor (10), Mole (8), Klink (8), Price, Cuenca (4), Stevens (2), Lacey

 

 

Blackhawk Ladies fail against D1 leaders Aldworth Arrows

Blackhawks v Aldworth Arrows 60 – 75

Wessex Ladies Crossover Division

31/10/07

 

The first loss of the season was to D1 leaders Aldworth Arrows.  The Blackhawks struggled to play their style of game and were constantly attempting to pull back to the Arrows.  It wasn't until the final 4 minutes with the Ladies down 4 points that the Arrows finally pulled clear and made it a 15 point win.

 

MVP and top scorer: Anabelle Hardiman 33.5 (22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals)

 

Blackhawks: Hardiman (22), Francis (3), Wright (2), Lifton (2), Tenger, Taylor (4), Mole (6), Klink (8), Stevens (11), Lacey (2), 

 

 

 

 

Blackhawk Ladies take Division 1 Scalp

Blackhawks v Aztec Rage 60 – 58

Wessex Ladies Crossover Division

7/10/07

 

Amazing, fantastic, awesome; there are just not enough superlatives to describe the effort, determination and skill the Blackhawks showed in their 2 point win over Wessex League Division 1 team Aztec Rage.  Every member of the squad gave everything to secure the first win of a Division 2 team over a D1.

 

Amazing, fantastic, awesome; there are just not enough superlatives to describe the effort, determination and skill the Blackhawks showed in their 2 point win over Wessex League Division 1 team Aztec Rage.  Every member of the squad gave everything to secure the first win of a Division 2 team over a D1.

 

The game started at a high tempo with the Rage taking a 7 point lead mainly through their EB National League player who scored 12 points out of a total of 16.  A change in defensive tactics lead Coach Parry to bring on Francis who effectively marked this big threat out of the game.  The Blackhawks stayed in the game with scores from Hardiman, Mole and Wright.  The quarter ended 16-9 to the Rage.

 

In second quarter the Ladies stepped up the defence with amazing commitment from Tenger and Lifton forcing the Rage to turn the ball over, leading to easy baskets for the Blackhawks.  Woking clawed 2 points back ending the half 34-29 down. 

 

In the third quarter the Blackhawk forwards Klink and Stevens kept up the pressure cleaning up rebound after rebound ably assisted by guard Price.  This allowed the ladies to limit the Rage to only 7 points for the 3rd quarter while they took 14.  The quarter ended with a slim 2 point lead to Woking: 43-41. 

 

In the final quarter the Rage came out strong trying to breakdown the awesome Blackhawks defence.  In a critical moment of the game a drive from Mitch Taylor was illegally blocked by the Rage's National League player leading to her 5th foul: she was out of the game.  From then the ladies kept the defence tight and matched the Rage in scoring.  With the Blackhawks up by 3 point with 20 seconds to play the Rage mounted one last ditch attempt.  As the clock ran down the Rage force a foul which brought them to the free throw line.  Their player missed the first but got the second,  leaving the Blackhawks ahead by 2 with 0.9 seconds to play.  Katie Wright quickly inbounded the ball to Alana Francis who ran out the clock.

 

The Blackhawks were winners 60-58.

 

MVP and top scorer: Anabelle Hardiman 35.5 (25 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, 5 steals) - she scored 13 out of 16 free throws (81% from the line!).

 

Blackhawks: Hardiman (25), Francis, Wright (7), Lifton, Tenger, Taylor (7), Mole (3), Klink (14), Price (2), Stevens (2)

 

 

 

Blackhawks make it 2 wins out of 2

Blackhawks v Diamond Ladies 77 – 36

Wessex Ladies div 2

3/10/07

 

Blackhawk Ladies in the new kit before the game.

 

Another strong start from the Blackhawks saw them take a commanding 21-4 1^st quarter lead against the fledgling Diamond Ladies; a lead they were never going to lose.  The initial scoring came from the inside pairing of forwards Mole and Klink, followed with outside shooting from Cuenca and Anagnostopolous.  The second quarter was more scrappy with the Blackhawks making a number of poor turnovers but still managing to keep the pressure on the Diamonds with additional scores from debutant Beth Stevens and Taylor.  The half time score ended 40-21. 

 

In the second half strong defence especially from Lacey and Francis kept Blackhawks in front and guards Wright and Price started to find their range pulling Woking well clear by the end of the game.  Final score was 77-36.