Hunters Archive 2008-9

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Flyers Clinch Div 1 Title After Slaying the Phantoms

Woking Blackhawk Flyers 83

Farnborough Phantoms 47

Playing away at Fernhill in front of large contingent of supporters, the Flyers finally clinched the Wessex Open Division 1 title with a dominant performance. The squad knew that they were capable of taking the game and were in no mood for half measures.

The Phantoms won the tip and made the first offence which was rebutted and a typical defensive rebound taken by Laurens. The resulting offensive gave Julio an opportunity to ‘swish’ one of his hallmark threes. Baskets from Steve and Victor opened the score up to 7 before the Phantoms responded with 2 baskets to make the score 7-4.  Intensive defensive play and an irrepressible offence by the Flyers meant these were the only points scored by the Phantoms in the first quarter with the score at the first break standing at 18-4.

Consolidation was the order for the 2^nd quarter from Coach Knode, player rotation bought fresh legs onto the court and it wasn’t long before Tomas followed the example set by his father and sunk a long three. Laurens continued his Captains roll and controlled the skies around the baskets, taking numerous rebounds and feeding the ball up court. 

Point Guard Paice called the plays for Emeka, Victor, Steve and Tomas to duly dispatch the ball into the Phantoms basket. By half time the quarter had been won 24-11 leaving the Flyers with a 27 point lead (42-15) to take into the second half.

The pace was maintained in the third with the lead extended by a further 8 points to 62-27,. The Phantoms struck back in the forth making 20 points which was still one less than the Flyers 21. Marks 3 points in the final quarter meant that contributions had been made by the whole squad to the scoreline. Jason maintaining the defensive pressure, quickly had 4 fouls called on him but this did not prevent him contributing 4 point to the scoreline.

The final buzzer ended to call enabling the Flyers to savour the victory and claim the league. Top scorers were Steve and Tomas with 15 points and MVP was Captain Laurens with 15 rebounds, closely followed by Victor with 8 rebounds,2 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks.

Good and firm officiating from referee Chen and Baker maintained firm control of this free flowing game.

Mark((3),Julio(10),Damian(6),Steve(15),Tomas(15),Victor(8),Jason(4),Paice(6),Laurens(12), Emeka(4)

 

Flyers Stalled by Windsor Warriors

Flyer 62 Windsor Warriors 77

In a lacklustre performance by the Flyers, the Warriors controlled the game from the second basket to inflict a 15 point defeat to reduce the Flyers margin to 1 game at the top of the division 1 table

Details to Follow

 

No Fire in the Comets Tail!!

Flyers 99 South Bucks Comets 67

One short of the century the Flyers at the final buzzer the Flyers reinforced their position at the top of Wessex Division 1. The two teams had been 'nip and tuc' with the first half finishing with the Flyers taking a 2 point advantage at 44-42.  

Coach Knode told the squad to step up and take control after the half  which they duly did, dominating  the last two quarters 24-9 and 31-16.  

Steve Roberts stepped up putting on an inspired performance taking 18 point including 2 from 2 threes. Top scorers was Victor with a double, double of  21 points and 11 rebound. Julio Politi claimed  20point including 4 baskets from outside the 'D'

With 3 games left to play in the season, the Flyers have a 2 game margin over the Phantoms in second place. Nothing is going to be taken for granted with a full effort required for the remaining games.

Bashir(6),Allum(2), Politi (20),Knode(8),Roberts(18),Bevis,Dunderdale(2),Paice(8),Okorocha(9),Laurens(7),Yarbrough(21) 

Arrows Pinned!!

Flyers 110 - Reading Arrows 66

After conceding a century in their previous game  it was the Flyers turn to to pass the 100. The starting five set the pace in the first quarter establishing a 38-16 lead. After that Coach Knode was able to give the the full bench good court time. The second quarter consolidated the position with a 4 point increase in the lead. After the half the starting five returned and ended the quarter just 5 short of the century.

High scorer for the game was Victor  with 23 points and 8 rebounds, closely followed by Julio with20 points

Bashir(8),Allum(5), Politi (20),Knode(5),Roberts(5),Bevis,Dunderdale(2),Paice(15),Okorocha(14),Laurens(13),Yarbrough(23) 

Flyers Grounded By Bombardment of Threes

Flyers 78 - Royal Russell Raiders 101 - Surrey Cup

In an awesome game at Tomlinscotte the Flyers succumbed to an onslaught from the Raiders that they were unable to defend. The Raiders 101 points included no less than 14 three pointers. The game was highly competitive , with firm but fair officiating that greatly contributed to the game

Bashir(6),Allum, Politi (14),Knode(10),Roberts(7),Bevis,Dunderdale(2),Paice(4),Okorocha(11),Laurens(17),Yarbrough(7) 

 Flyers 65 - Aztec Jaguars 75 - Tuesday 10th Feb Away

 

Flyers 107 Kingston Wildcats SOB 87

The Flyer took a first round win off the Wildcats in the Surrey Cup - Full report to follow

 

Woking Blackhawk Flyers Vs Basingstoke Blizzards 92 - 69

In a commanding performance the Flyers produced a 30-6 first quarter from which Basingstoke never recovered. Whilst the second quarter was evenly matched(17-19) with coach Knode playing more of the bench, control returned in the third quarter with a run of 29-15 leaving Basingstoke with a 36 point deficit  to close in the last quarter.

The Flyers concentration lapsed in the forth which the Blizzards won 16-29, which still left the  Flyers with a 23 point win.

The second win of the New year strengthens the Flyers position at the top of the table. The next Home game will be played against Reading Arrows at Woking Leisure Centre on the 20th February at 8:00, come on down and see the action!!

MVP for the game was once again Julio Politi with (23 pts, 12 rbs), player/coach Damian Knode continued his return to form with 18pts

Allum, Politi (23),Knode(18),Roberts(8),Yarbrough(14), Dunderdale(4), Paice(17), Pkorocha(8)

Flyers Defensive Wall Halts the Warriors

9th January Flyers 76 Windsor Warriors 60

Woking Blackhawk Flyers started the New Year as they mean to carry on. A strong defensive performance in the first quarter laid down the gauntlet to the Windsor Warriors from which they did not recover.  Coach Knode , whose form has been revived after the Festive break, contributed 8 points towards a 23-10 score at the first break.

A Warriors rally in the second quarter narrowed the gap to 6 points at the half with the Flyers leading 39-33. The Flyers were in no mood to let the Warriors off and a 20-11 run in the third quarter consolidated the game leaving the Warriors with a 15 point deficit to turnover in the final quarter. There was no way that the Flyers were going to let this happen, the margin was maintained to give the Flyers the first victory of 2009.

As ever Julio Politi provided an inspired performance and was MVP with 20 points , 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals.  Over notable contributions were made by Captain Laurens Rogier(11pts, 8rbs) and Chris Paice(12pts,5 assists, 5 steals). Top scorer was Coach Knode with 20pts

The squad now has set their mind on repeating the undefeated performance  on the first half of the season with the Division One Title firmly in their sights

Abubakar(1), Allum,  Politi(17),Knode(coach)(20),Roberts(5), Bevis, Dunderdale(2), Paice(12), Rogier(Capt) (11), Yarborough(8)

 

18th December - Flyers 74 - 68 Farnborough Phantoms

Flyers :- Bash(16), Julio(24),Damian(14), Paice(6), Steve(3),Jason B, Jason D, Victor(11),Paice(6)

 

Woodley Warriors 88  Blackhawks Flyers 97 - 1st December

It Started With a ‘Dunk’

Captain Laurens provided the ideal start with a dunk straight off the tip, Paice quickly added another two baskets with Julio sinking a three to maintain to provide a brisk offensive start to the game. This was just what Coach Damian had asked of the squad, not wanting suffer a repetition of a having to recover from a slow offensive first period.  The 8 point margin the Flyers had provoked a fierce onslaught from the Warriors in the 2^nd quarter, for which the Flyers defence could not repel. By the half the 8 point lead had been reversed to a 11 point deficit.

Half time provided the time for Coach Damian to rally the squad and change tactics, Emeka was charged with closing down Farnborough’s large forward. The tactics succeeded in changing the  flow of the game yet again with the third quarter won by the flyers with a 31-14 run, leaving the final quarter a formality which the Flyers again won 30-27 and claiming victory with a 9 point margin.

Laurens and Julio scored over 50% of the Flyers point (24 & 28 respectively and 12 & 11 rebounds). New squad member Victor made his debut appearance in the Wessex league with 8pts & 6 rebounds.

The  Flyers are now tied in first place with the Farnborough Phantoms in Wessex Div 1 . This sets up a great last home game of the year against the Phantoms on Friday 19 December, 8:15 tip at Woking Leisure Centre – don’t miss it!!

Flyers :- Bash(9), Mark, Julio(28),Damian(4), Paice(14), Steve, Emeka(10),Jason B, Jason D, Laurens(24), Victor(8)

 

18th November

South Bucks Comets 69 81 Flyers

After a slow start the Flyers took a road win at the Beacon Centre - more details to follow

 

Flyers Strong Team Performance Sends a Quiver to the Arrows

Blackhawks Flyers 71-55 Reading Arrows

A strong squad performance provided the best result of the season yet with a 26 point win over the Arrows

 

Scorers to follow

 

 

Flyers Tame the Jaguars

Blackhawks Flyers 71-55 Aztec Jaguars

     Julio  slotted home 7 threes

From the tip the first 2 baskets fell to the Flyers to take an initial 4 point lead, however the Jaguars rapidly gained control and established a 5-18 lead which was reduced to 10 - 18 at the quarter.

Coach Knode regrouped the squad and the Flyers started to impose themselves on the game in the second quarter, stiff defence and Julio slotting home 4 threes, by the half a the Jaguars lead had been overturned with the Flyers leading 40 – 28.

In the second half the Flyers continued to imposed their advantage with Julio making another 3 threes, with 3  points from the free throw line make a total 24 points. Steve and Laurens both amassed 17 point and Bash taking 6 points from this persistent offensive style.

Final score of 71 – 55 gave the Flyers their second victory of the season

 

Bash(6),Mark(2), Julio(24),Damien(3),Steve(17),Paice(2),Laurens(17)

 

Hawks Succumb to the Eagles

Blackhawk Flyers 69-71 Camberley Eagle

ISometimes they drop and sometimes they don't. The Eagles quickly established a lead finishing the first quarter 15-23. However twice the resilient Flyers restored a 14 point deficit to level the games. However the shooting constituency of the Eagles and the inconsistency of the Flyers proved telling. With the Flyers unable to close the 2 point gap in the final seconds.

Tops scorers were Dash and Damien both with 19points however Basj's tenacity and perserverence gave hom MVP with 36 pts.

Bash(19),Damien(19),Steve(7), Jason B(4),Pacie(8),Laurens(8),Mark(4)

 

Flyers not Grounded after Freak Warm Up Accident

Blackhawk Flyers 87 - 77 Basingstoke Blizzards

It could have been a devastating blow to the start of the season, Michael Simko had a warm up accident after his knee gave way during a warm up drill. The start of the game was delayed while medical assistance was called and Michael was taken to A & E.

The squad however pulled together and after the first quarter had established a 31-23 lead over the Blizzards.

Whilst the lead was maintained over the successive three periods, it became apparent that more work was required to gel the squad together to achieve their full potential .

The squad and Club all wish Michael a speedy recovery

MVP for the game was Laurens clocking  15 points and 14 rebounds. Highest scorer was the returning Julio Politi with 21 points( including 3 from 6 'tres') and 13 rebounds

Bashir(7),Julio(21),Damien(7),Steve(19),Jason D(2), Jason B(4),Chris(12),Laurens(15)

 

 

Flyers crown their season with a Plate Final win

Blackhawk Flyers - Kingston 3rd 71 - 62 (4-May-08)

There was a party atmosphere as fans entered the hall where the Surrey Finals were being held. The last fixture for the day was the Men's Plate final but the Flyers were not in the mood for partying just yet. There was a task at hand and they wanted to make up for missing out on the Division 1 Title a few days ago.

It was a nervous start by the Blackhawks and an early time-out had to be called to address a 3-10 deficit. But as Damian Knode responded with a 3-pointer, so did Kingston and so it went on for the rest of the first period, which ended 17-21 in favour of the opposition.

The second started well for Woking and with baskets from Ociepa, Roberts and Rogier, the Flyers found themselves ahead 26-25 after 5 minutes of play. Kingston were stung into action after their time-out and despite two more baskets from Oskar Ociepa, the half-time score read 30-34. This was not going to be easy.

At the beginning of the third, Francis Long hit 2 out of 2 from the foul line and Knode followed that with a 3-pointer of his own before Kingston replied. Ociepa was called to the foul line and sunk both to give Flyers a temporary lead 37-36. But the emotional roller-coaster was not about to stop. Kingston hit two of their own from the line before the Flyers introduced Mark Allum to the game whose pace took the opposition by surprise and allowed him and Ociepa to score 5 points between them, taking the score to 42-38.

Could this be the turning point for Woking? Not quite. Kingston called a time-out, came back fighting and went on a 6-point run before Woking called a time-out of their own. Whatever was said then, it worked. With 7ft1 Laurens Rogier and Steve Roberts dominating the defensive boards, Dunderdale, Allum and Ociepa went on the rampage in offence and it was a very thankful Kingston when the buzzer signalled the end of the period, the score board displaying 49-44 in Woking's favour.

The fragile lead had to be protected. Rogier and Ociepa did their best to take the score to 53-44 and it looked like clear water ahead but then disaster struck. The Flyers went off the boil for some reason and allowed Kingston to score two 3-pointers and six more points to bring the score to 57-56. It was time for another time-out and some straight talking. The first thing Damian Knode did was to sink a 3-pointer, then Steve Roberts sunk another, followed by yet another from Knode to complete a devastating hat-trick within the space of 80 seconds. Ociepa continued the onslaught ably assisted by Rogier and before Kingston had a chance to regroup, the Blackhawks were ahead 70-56 with a minute-and-a-half to go. The Flyers left it late but their fitness and mental strength showed during this critical period of the game. It was too late for Kingston to recover as Woking slowed the game down to run out worthy winners and finish their season on a high.

There were no strugglers in that team but there were excellent performances from Ociepa, Rogier and Damian Knode who was voted MVP by the officials.

Q1: 17-21 Q2: 13-13 Q3: 19-10 Q4:22-18

Blackhawk Flyers: D Knode (12), J Dunderdale (6), M Allum (3), O Ociepa (28), L Rogier (10), F Long (2), B Abubakar, S Roberts (9), B Woods (1).