A hard learning day for the U13 boys against a bigger, more experienced Prosport Blue side, while the U15s cruised past NLH Team 2. Coach Ben Olajide on what both results mean for the squads.
The U13 boys came up well short against Prosport Blue, going down 13-86 in KLBA Ruby Cup Group Stage action. The opponent were simply bigger, stronger, and more skilled — there wasn't a lot the boys could have done differently besides learning to play tougher against that kind of size and physicality.
It echoed last year's U14 Supersport Tournament in some ways, except this time the boys were up against opponents their own age, which makes the gap in skill and physicality a more useful measuring stick going forward.
The clearest takeaways were around court IQ — moving the ball up past half-court cleanly, and a couple of costly fumbles right underneath the rim. Post moves for the bigs will be a training focus over the coming weeks.
All in all, a great experience for a brand-new group. The Prosport Blue players were gracious winners and showed real respect on court.
A different story for the U15s, who dominated from start to finish against an inexperienced NLH Team 2 side, running out 134-13 winners. Not much more to say about the game itself — the better team showed from the opening whistle.
The bigger note was in how the boys carried themselves: playing hard throughout while showing respect to an opponent still early in their own journey.
On the U15 win: “Some teams are here to win and some teams are here to gain experience. Today, you played against the latter. You were all there once, and have suffered defeat like this in the early days of your journey in the Atlas Ballers. Show respect by playing hard, because you may be in their position in the next game too.”
On the U13 loss: “We are here first and foremost for you to gain experience playing with each other. This is a brand new team, and the first time any of you have ever played together. Some of you don't have league or tournament experience, and I'd imagine this game was quite scary for you. Onwards and upwards — because the journey will get even tougher.”