Run & Jump make a fast start as Hoopsfix Pro-Am begins – Week 1 recap

Image credit: Hoopsfix / Carol Moir

There were wins for Run & Jump, Glacier Boys, Hoospace and Elite Bulldogs on Week 1 of the men’s Hoopsfix Pro-Am at City of London Academy, on Sunday.

Run & Jump took down a strong Worthing Thunder roster in a 68-50 victory to set the tone in Pool B with Elite Bulldogs eventually seeing off London United, 55-51. Meanwhile, Glacier Boys defeated CoLA 69-56 to open up Pool A action with Hoopspace coming from behind to edge out Thames Valley Cavaliers for a 44-42 triumph.

The men’s event opened with Glacier Boys using a dominant third quarter effort to overcome CoLA as they overturned a half-time deficit. Ciaran Sandy posted 12 points and seven rebounds in the win with five players in double figures including GB international Carl Wheatle and breakout BBL star Bradley Kaboza.

Kayne Henry then inspired a close victory for Hoopspace with a game-high of 16 points as they outscored Thames Valley 17-9 in the fourth quarter to take the win. TVC had led by as many as 10 with 6:39 to go, but Henry sparked a 13-0 run capped by Tola Okiki’s go-ahead three to make it 42-39.

Run & Jump then signalled their intent with an impressive win over Worthing Thunder as Kyle Carey stood out with a 21-point performance. Josh Apple was also in double figures with 12 points as they overcame the challenge of Worthing led by Matthew Bryan-Amaning and Lovell Cook.

The final game of the day saw Elite Bulldogs come through a nervy encounter with London United behind 14 points from Elvisi Dusha. GB international Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye – fresh from a Championship in the Netherlands – had the hot hand early and finished with eight points, five assists and three steals in the four-point win.

Week 2 action sees Glacier Boys take on Hoopspace and CoLA go up against TVC in Pool A, while Run & Jump meet Elite Bulldogs in an unbeaten clash in Pool B with London United and Worthing Thunder searching for a first win.

Standings:

Pool A – Glacier Boys 1-0 (+13); Hoopspace 1-0 (+2); Thames Valley Cavaliers 0-1 (-2); CoLA 0-1 (-13)
Pool B – Run & Jump 1-0 (+18); Elite Bulldogs 1-0 (+4); London United 0-1 (-4); Worthing Thunder 0-1 (-18)

You can re-watch all of the Week 1 games below:

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