England Under-16s head coach Simon Fisher has said that promotion to Division A would be the “perfect finish” to his international coaching career.
The under-16s are on the brink of history as they take on Israel on Saturday in the 2011 Division B European Championships semi-finals; where a win would see them secure promotion for next season-the first England side to reach Division A in the eight year history of the two-tier European Championship.
Talking to England Basketball, Fisher who plans to step down from the role of head coach at the end of this campaign, said:
“It would be the perfect way to finish my tenure along with my staff, leaving a legacy for others to follow.”
He understands however, that Israel will be no pushover;
“Israel are playing to get back to the A Division at the first attempt. They have size, power, technical abilities and the organisation to get them to this point. They lost a close game to Bosnia earlier in the tournament, and then last night to Armenia.
“However we have established our own brand of basketball, English style with a European flavour, based on solid defence with the ability to play a role, making the extra pass. We will have to be ready to play like men and be prepared to meet the challenge.”
England were victorious over previously unbeaten Slovenia on Wednesday to remain undefeated at 6-0 and book their place in the semi-finals.
It will be the third time England Under-16s have made a semi-final appearance under Coach Fisher, after losing to Hungary in 2007, and Denmark in 2009.
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