Richmond Knights cruise on way to U16 Girls National Cup title

Richmond Knights dominated on their way to the U16 Girls National Cup with a 86-66 win over Milton Keynes Breakers on Saturday morning at the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester.

Neve Rugette was named MVP as she was unstoppable through the first and second quarters, scoring 19 of her 24 points in the first half, as Knights led by 29 at halftime and cruised the majority of the game as they went up by as many as 30 in the third.

It marks the first time Richmond have won the U16 Girls Cup, managing to go all the way after finishing runners up in 2019/20.

“It’s our first ever National Cup victory, so it’s a really great achievement for the club and the girls,” said Richmond Knights head coach Chanel Mubeen.

“Our plan [for the game] was to go hard. The tempo had to be [of] great intensity. We got the [points] gap and then in the third quarter the energy wasn’t as much as I would have wanted but I called a time out, the girls responded and we got the victory from there.

“[Neve Rugette and Precious Godwin] are my co-captains. It’s been great to see them develop as their coach since they were 9/10 year’s old and to see them grow into the young women that they are, it’s been amazing.”

Chloe Vella was dominant inside on the glass, finishing with a 19-point, 17-rebound double double and Precious Godwin had 25 points.

Athena Thompson, who was hampered by foul trouble, led Milton Keynes with 32 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.

Box score.

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