Recap
Eagles Academy Under 16’s slump to 1-3 following a huge performance from Sheffield big-man Ibrahim.
The Eagles started as they would continue against Sheffield opening the first quarter by playing solid defence but struggling to stop Sharks center Ibrahim as he dominated the offensive boards to score 13 of his game-high 37 points and added 6 of his game-high 29 rebounds. On the Eagles side they managed to keep in the game as Sheeran went back at Ibrahim on the other end to the tune of 9 points himself. The visitors ending the quarter up by six points 21-27.
In the second quarter the Eagles continued to be able to score with 18 points in the quarter through a balanced offense. Eagles guard Lewis and forward Hansom both collected their third fouls in somewhat harsh manner which continued the fledgling Eagles early season troubles with fouls. As Lewis came out of the game the Eagles then struggled to stop Sheffield guard Ellis. The visitors leading by 10 at the break 49-39.
The third quarter saw the Eagles adjust coming out giving Hansom the tough task of slowing Ibrahim’s rebounding, which he did well before committing his 4th foul. Despite foul trouble Lewis also came back in the game and showed why with his usual excellent defence and combined that with 8 points in the quarter. The Eagles and Sharks trading baskets the whole quarter but again the Sharks came out on top in the quarter 21-26.
The final quarter saw the Eagles fighting spirit fade as they continued their foul trouble with the Sharks going to the line for every foul with 6 minutes left it became a blow-out as the Eagles once again were dominated inside by Ibrahim despite the hard work of Leperrier, Sheeran and Hunt there was still no solution as Ibrahim continued his dominant performance with 12 in the quarter. Though Sheeran did his best to make the Sharks pay at the other end as he poured in 20 points of his own.
Eagles Academy Under 16’s Head Coach David Sayers said “Our targets for the game weren’t met as we struggled again against an aggressive offensive rebounding team. It’s definitely an area to work on for ourselves as we can see we score with most teams in our division but defensively we aren’t there yet.
Top scorers for the Eagles: Sheeran (20), Leperrier (13) and Lewis (12).
The visitors were paced by Ibrahim with a huge 37-point, 29-rebound performance which was backed up by Sharks captain Moore with 21 and guard Ellis with 17.
The Eagles head on the road to bottom of the table Cheshire Wire next Sunday looking to begin a return to winning ways whilst the Sharks host Manchester Giants in a clash of 2-1 teams.
