England Beat LUHA – Future Stars Day 1

By Sam Neter on June 28, 2013

England Under-18s got their 2013 Future Stars tournament off to a solid start with a 68-55 victory over London United-Harefield Academy on Thursday evening at Surrey Sports Park, Guildford.

The outcome never looked in doubt, as England jumped out to a big early lead and remain in control throughout as head coach Steve Bucknall rotated players often and evenly spread the minutes.

“I think they’re a little bit rusty, just preparation wise in terms of getting here; it’s never good to come to a tournament and play a game straight away,” said Bucknall after the game. “But I was pleased with the first unit, some of the execution was pretty good. Fitness was a concern with some of the players and also we’re trying to work on a few things and wanted to see that happen in the game but we didn’t see it so we’re a long way away.”

Ben Lawson had an extremely efficient 15 points to lead England, whilst Mo Soluade, who joined the team from Spain last week had 15, predominantly on jumpshots.

Kavell Bigby-Williams added 9 and a number of big blocks, whilst Luke Nelson finished with 6. Elvisi Dusha had 20 lead London United-Harefield Academy.

Looking ahead to the rest of the tournament and what he is hoping to get out of it, Bucknall added:

“Looking to evaluate one or two more players, the squad is not picked; we’ve got 13 here, so decisions have to be made. And also not to show too much, because everybody’s trying to scout! It’s all about preparation for the big competition at the end of July so we’re trying to work towards that.”

With the last-minute withdrawal of Germany, the tournament is now in a round-robin format, with the schedule for the remaining days as follows (free entry to spectators);

Friday 28th June
12:00 London United Harefield Academy v Bosnia & Herzegovina
14:00 Croatia v Sweden
16:00 Bosnia & Herzegovina v England
18:00 Oveido Baloncesto Scouting Session
20:00 England v Sweden

Saturday 29th June
13:00 Sweden v Bosnia & Herzegovina
15:00 Croatia v England
17:00 Sweden v London United Harefield Academy
20:00 Bosnia & Herzegovina v Croatia

Sunday 30th June
15:00 3rd / 4th Place
17:00 Final

Notes

England starters: Luke Nelson, Mo Soluade, Tamas Okros, Ben Lawson and Kinsgley Okoroh
Tyrell Isaacs was the player selected to sit out of this one. Seems like the 13th player will be rotated throughout the three days.
This England Under-18 team is so talented – so many tools, and a number of guys who could end up being GB Senior players one day, not to mention also entertaining. If you can, definitely worth getting down to Future Stars over the next few days (and it’s free!!).
This was the only game on opening day, with a full slate of games scheduled for Friday. The professional court is being laid down in the main hall with seating pulled out for spectators.

Thoughts?

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