Myerscough Newsletter in REVIEW: 2018-19

TWITTER: @MY_BBALL WWW.MYERSCOUGHBASKETBALL.CO.UK INSTAGRAM; MYERSCOUGH_BASKETBALL myerscough newsletter IN REVIEW: 2018-19

1 respect earned 14 Myerscough reached the SuperFinal of the EYBL, earning the respect of its opponents in the process.

bwb europe selects williams 12 Amari Williams will head to Riga, Latvia for the camp, which runs June 9-12.

redemption 16 Myerscough captured the U18 National Championship in dramatic fashion.

sco adds five trophies in 2018-19 24 Myerscough added five trophies, including a double three-peat in AoC Sport competitions.

4 | fast-break 10 | hoopsfix all-star classic 22 | fajana 26 | q&a: sam akano huddled up: Myerscough players share one last word at the National Basketball Performance Centre.

myerscough college basketball academy programme director: Neal Hopkins email: [email protected] telephone: +44 1995 642222 address: St Michaels Road, Preston, PR3 0RY website: www.myerscoughbasketball.co.uk twitter: @My_bball instagram: myerscough_basketball fast-break

year in review MYERSCOUGH TOOK ON BOARD numerous new challenges during the 2018-19 season, including its participation in the European Youth Basketball League and National League Division 2. The Academy ascended to the top of the Under-18 Men’s league and added three- peats in the AoC Sport Premier Cup and Knockout Cup competitions.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALLEN GUNN fast-break

AFTER SUFFERING DISAPPOINTMENT in the Under-18 Men’s Final a year ago, Myerscough ran the table and finished the season undefeated before beating Haringey Sixth Form to win the championship at the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester. PHOTOGRAPH BY KIERON NEVISON fast-break

reaching new heights

Jamie Gray (right), David Walsh (bottom left) and Kyra Smith (bottom right) all take off for the basket for Myerscough. The Academy spread its wings and ventured across Europe, making eight trips to the con- tinent, including six different countries. Myerscough capped off a busy year abroad with a trip to the European Youth Basketball League SuperFinal in Tallinn, Estonia.

Photographs: Allen Gunn

8 strictly business Myerscough guard Bradley Kaboza poses for a photo ahead of Stage II of the EYBL season in Latvia.

9 Top: Troy Culley; Bottom: Mate Okros (Mansoor Ahmed/HoopsFix)

+ all-star 8 hoopsfix all-star classic

Lewis McGlasson line,” said McGlasson. stepped off the bench for Team Black, which Myerscough coach Troy saw its eight-point lead Culley, who led Team Black evaporate to 88-86 with 11 to victory in the Hoopsfix seconds left, got back on All-Star Classic Underclass- track when the Myerscough men Game, and turned in a guard hit a deep two to ice vintage performance down the game. an opportunity to showcase five at the offensive end. the stretch. The 90-86 victory that and I wanted to stay The forward added eight McGlasson stopped kick-started a great Day out of the way.” points and tied for a game- and popped in transition 2 at the Hoopsfix All-Star Mate Okros and Sam best 20 plus-minus when from three-point range to Classic for Myerscough. Keita followed that perfor- he was on the floor. break a 78-all tie with 1:54 McGlasson finished with mance up by capturing a Okros knocked down remaining, before hitting 15 points, including a trio hard-fought 67-62 win with his fourth 3-pointer of the another from the corner of threes, to go with five Team Black while team- game and sparked a 5-0 run just 34 seconds later. rebounds. Kaboza added 12 mate Callan Low watched for Team Black, which gave All Myerscough team- points and eight boards in on. it a 64-58 lead with under mate Bradley Kaboza could the win. Okros went 4-for-5 from five minutes remaining. do was hold his hands “It was a great experi- 3-point range — hitting Team White got no closer above his head and clap. ence to coach against some 54.5 percent of his shots for than four. “I just went out there to guys we’ve gone against the game — on his way to Okros said: “It’s a great have some fun and show this year,” said Culley. 16 points. feeling to get the win in everyone there watching “Hoopsfix gives them a Keita, meanwhile, con- one of my last games on what I could do and what great platform to show tinued to show his domi- home soil, going up against a better opportunity to do what they can do — I let nance on the glass pulling long-term friends and it when the game is on the them know that they had in 11 rebounds, including teammates.”

+ valuable Kingdom validates all the hard work I’ve put in,” he added. “I felt confident okros hoopsfix mvp going in and making the shots I put up.” Myerscough guard Mate Okros Okros was a fixture for Myerscough put in a Most Valuable Player perfor- in its debut season in European com- mance at the Hoopsfix All-Star Classic, petition, leading the team and ranking knocking down four 3-pointers en in the top 10 in the league in scoring. route to a game-high 16 points at the He was named to the EYBL All-Star annual showcase event at Brixton Five on three-straight occasions, in- Recreation Centre. cluding at the SuperFinal. “Getting the MVP award was a The guard added to his list of in- really big honour and it came in what can.” dividual accolades when he received will likely be one of my last big games Okros, who committed to Drexel All-First Team honours in the EABL. in England for a while,” he said. “It was University in October, has maintained “Seeing my team have success — a great opportunity to go out there his No. 1 overall ranking in the DENG whenever we get a big win or have and take all that confidence I built Top 50 throughout the season. a great tournament — is such a big throughout the season in Division 2 “Being able to compete with the motivational tool. It makes me want to and the EYBL and do what I know I best players from around the United keep on working hard.”

10 + rewarded smith hails classic experience

KYRA SMITH FEATURED JUST NINE MINUTES, but hailed the impact made by the inaugural “Women’s Hoopsfix All-Star Classic Women’s Game. “It means a lot to see women’s basketball being basketball in given opportunities to showcase its talent,” said Smith. “Women’s basketball has been overlooked Britain is going to and now its receiving the respect it deserves.” Smith started the game won 54-50 by Team go up from here White and record two points — coming after she stripped her opponent of the ball — and two re- thanks to the bounds before exiting the game with an injury. But that didn’t stop the Tallahassee Community exposure from College commit from soaking in the experience at a packed Brixton Recreation Centre in London. HoopsFix and has “Having gone through it, it’s even more special to have been part of the first women’s game,” she hopefully opened said. “I really believe we’ve started something special for the next generation.” more doors.” 11 + making a mark basketball without borders selects williams

MYERSCOUGH FORWARD AMARI WILLIAMS has life skills seminars focusing on health, leadership been selected to attend Basketball Without Borders and communication. (BWB) Europe, which will be held June 9-12 at the The 18th edition will be led by NBA coach Rick Elektrum Olympic Centre in Riga Latvia. Carlisle (Dallas Mavericks) and NBA assistant BWB Europe brings together the top 64 male and coaches Jamahl Mosley (Dallas Mavericks) and Pab- female players ages 17 and under from throughout lo Prigioni (Brooklyn Nets) along with NBA player Europe to learn directly from current and former development coaches Cameron Hodges (San Anto- National Basketball Association (NBA) and In- nio Spurs) and Michael Ruffin (New Orleans Peli- ternational Basketball Federation (FIBA) players, cans). coaches and legends and to take part in variety of Williams is the second Myerscough student-ath- activities on and off the court, including movement lete to be selected for BWB Europe following Class efficiency, skill development stations, shooting of 2019 Mate Okros’ participation at the 2018 camp and skills competitions, 5-on-5 games, and daily in Belgrade, Serbia. Okros has since committed to

12 Drexel University in the United States. game from professional coaches and players at the “It means a lot to be selected for Basketball camp, which will benefit me next season.” Without Borders and just having the opportunity Prior to his arrival at the Preston-based Acade- to go to such a great camp is a great accomplish- my, Williams represented Great Britain at the U16 ment,” said Williams. “To be included as one of the European Championships Division B in Sarajevo. top junior players in Europe is crazy, but it’s also He pulled in 6.5 rebounds per game, which ranked rewarding that that’s the level people see me at.” second on the team, and chipped in 5.6 points and The 6-foot-10 forward gained experience in 2.3 assists. his first year at Myerscough with the Europe- Williams, who reached double-digit rebounds an Youth Basketball three times, had a League (EYBL), Nation- tournament best 16 al League 2, Under-18 boards against eventu- Men’s and Elite Acad- “To be included al champions Russia. emy Basketball League BWB Europe 2019 teams in 2018-19. He will feature a number helped clinch the U18 as one of the top of current and former National Champion- NBA and WNBA play- ship by averaging a ers including Latvian double-double — 10.6 junior players in players Dairis Bertāns points and 11.2 re- (New Orleans Pelicans), bounds — in the play- Dāvis Bertāns (San An- offs. Europe is crazy, tonio Spurs), Rodions Williams averaged Kurucs (Brooklyn Nets) 6.2 points and 5.5 re- and Kristaps Porziņģis bounds in 18 games but it’s also (Dallas Mavericks), as during the EYBL sea- well as Sam Dekker son, where Myerscough (Washington Wizards) finished third and rewarding that and Jonathan Isaac reached the SuperFi- (Orlando Magic). For- nal. The forward, who mer WNBA players An- added nearly a block that’s the level ete Jekabsone (Latvia) a game to go with 1.4 and Raffaela Masciadri assists, had breakout (Italy), along with for- performances against people see me at.” mer Latvian National BC Zalgiris — 14 points Team Captain Gunta and eight rebounds — Basko will also partic- and BS Riga — 13 points and 13 rebounds. ipate in the camp. “Throughout the season I’ve seen improve- Among the record 27 former BWB campers on ments on my inside game and also on being able opening-night NBA rosters for the 2018-19 season to guard my position out on the perimeter. The (active and inactive), 17 are from Europe, including EYBL and Division 2 has tested my ability against Danilo Gallinari (LA Clippers; Italy; BWB Europe younger and older players and that’s motivated me 2003), Marc Gasol (Toronto Raptors; Spain; BWB to get bigger to cope with physicality,” he added. Europe 2003) and Lauri Markkanen (Chicago Bulls; “I’m hoping to learn new ways to read and play the Finland; BWB Europe 2014; BWB Global 2015).

13 14 myerscough newsletter • in review: 2018-19 respect earned “To come within a few possessions of winning the SuperFinal is tity andwe finishedwithour headsheldhigh,” saidHopkins. league standings. winning streak thatliftedMyerscough intothetopfour inthe PZKosz Władsławowo andBSRigahighlightedaneight-game Final —thesiteoftheir debutbackinSeptember. when theAcademy returned toTallinn, Estoniafor theSuper tries, travelling over 10,000 miles.The journey camefullcircle basketball lookslike offour island.” and hasallowed our guys toexpand their knowledge ofwhat lenge oftakingoncompletely new teamsissomethingspecial Academy. “The chancetobeuncomfortable andrisetothechal architect ofthebasketball programme atthePreston-based said Myerscough headcoachNeal Hopkins, who hasbeenthe all ofthishappenandwe definitely wouldn’t change anything,” the respect ofitsopponentsintheprocess. for BritishBasketball by reaching theSuperFinal and gaining the European Youth Basketball Leagueandcreate abenchmark MYERSCOUGH TOOK FULL ADVANTAGE “We invested heavily intime,money andresources tomake “We entered thecompetitionasacompletely unknown quan Wins over Zalgiris—afeatrepeated intheSuperFinal —SMS Myerscough navigated four stages inthree different coun initsdebutseason - - - - myerscough newsletter • in review: 2018-19 15 - - - - - Myerscough handled the highs and lows of the competition, handled the highs and lows Myerscough “It’s began Hopkins. but normal,” anything is EYBL “The It also allowed others to step up and provide a spark from from a spark up and provide to step others also allowed It in 10 games entering just 1.8 points averaged Gray Jamie in Po contributed 7.8 points and 3.6 rebounds forward The on the I was I could when that I did everything “I made sure — and Brad Sanmi Fajana — 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds has been amazing,” everyone from growth personal “The “The competition has given us so much to think about and us so much to think about given competition has “The success. to find a platform players numerous gave EYBL The Britain Under-18 the Great had represented who Mate Okros, and show out there position to go just in such a good “I was tify basketball outside of the United Kingdom. I think it really I think it really Kingdom. outside of the United basketball tify challenge a new platform, a new — It’s a lot of guys humbles and something that should be embraced.” ley Kaboza — 5.2 points on 46.4 percent shooting — both found Kaboza — 5.2 points on 46.4 percent ley Myerscough. for crucial roles and played feet their spend almost a month of the season travel “To said Hopkins. established against some really and playing Europe ling around time to sink, but might take It experience. names is such a huge had has been phenomenal.” we’ve the journey days. in three games played five saw which and help them quan eyes open their something that will really scough needed a lift. victory one-point finished with 11 points in a crucial land. He 16 that up with a season-high and followed Władsławowo over Lublin. in a lopsided win against hometown who continued to perform said Gray, to help the team,” floor and reliable to be “I wanted in the SuperFinal. at a high-level deal a great meant an impact and to do that on that stage make to me.” grabbed that opportunity. grabbed said to Myerscough,” all credit of and that’s capable I’m what three Five All-Star the into voted “Being guard. Myerscough the that level for I did to prepare work times just means all the hard and those games has paid off.” sources. unlikely Myer when to the occasion Poland, but rose III in Lublin, Stage something that is very bitter-sweet, but we had no expectation had no expectation but we bitter-sweet, that is very something one. in year far that of getting has EYBL The alone. basketball out-weights far the experience and then some.” expectations all of our exceeded certainly Latvia, in Championships European the at team Men’s 16 myerscough newsletter • in review: 2018-19 emotions they feltasthey stoodonthe National Basketball Performance Centre Playoffs, Myerscough headcoachTroy Culley toldhis players to remember the Before takingthecourtagainst Durham inRound 1oftheUnder-18 Men’s court inManchester last May andtonotletithappen again.It didn’t. redemption photographs by: KIERON NEVISON myerscough newsletter • in review: 2018-19 17 - - Current back on top back and former Myerscough their friends players joined on court as the buzzer sounded. - It wasn’t easy, but Myerscough got it done. got but Myerscough easy, wasn’t It shooting a poor had to overcome Myerscough “But this is massive. This This “But this is massive. tested and that we’ve got a target on our back and on our a target got tested and that we’ve we step when best effort everyone’s get always we but complimentary, which is incredibly on the floor, consis level to compete at a different it pushes you tently.” per 26 over just shot teams both — performance ting it done. the programme for is massive a big win for It’s and the guys. a state and it’s the Academy deserved. It’s ment, and it’s a testament to the resilience and our all year shown we’ve to cope with pressure ability being always we’re feel like and the speed bumps. We - - - - for Myerscough Myerscough for “Redemption is the right word,” said Myer is the right word,” “Redemption Nearly a year ago to the day, Myerscough had to Myerscough to the day, ago a year Nearly IT WAS A SCENE OF REDEMPTION OF SCENE A WAS IT to not pin it on one possession but a culmination of but to not pin it on one possession to the end and get things. But it still comes down points on one possession and it does hurt — and of emotions and try range a whole through go you go about it. Losing by two to Manchester last year last year to Manchester two about it. Losing by go in the Cup semi to Haringey two hurt. Losing by two by lost we’ve that games two That’s hurt. final Cup semifinals. to way no easy “There’s Culley. scough coach Troy win — a scene replicated by Sunday’s opponent in Sunday’s by win — a scene replicated beat Sco in the National Haringey when December tre in Manchester. tre an overtime following celebrate Manchester watch when its players, coaches and friends rushed the coaches and friends rushed the its players, when Cen Performance Basketball court at the National 18 myerscough newsletter • in review: 2018-19 in theprocess, theboostitneeded.Louis Sulli to give Myerscough, which grabbed a 44-36 lead bounds for Myerscough. coming inthefirst half-- butpulledin15re my teamget thewin.” game two years inarow —Ijustwanted tohelp “There was noway we were going tolose that team theleadandmomentum,” saidMcGlasson. way enroute toa52-50 winover Haringey. tie and Myerscough held the lead the rest of the start thesecondhalf.The first broke a25-all scored 16pointsandhittwo crucialthrees to Player of theUnder-18 Men’s Playoff Final, care andcutitsturnovers to13. shot. game-winning a prevent to buzzer the at block crucial a made guard scough Myer The shot. the for skies Low Callan lift off An 8-1 burst toendthethird quarter looked Amari Williams addedjust sixpoints—all “It was aperfecttimetostepupandgive the Lewis McGlasson, who earnedMost Valuable - erscough tookbetter against Sussex, My in itssemifinalwin the ballover 25times from 3-point range. 8-of-61 attempts and combined to hit cent from thefield A day after turning - - - our shoulder.” pared for thatdogfightand toget that chipoff ending was ugly,” saidCulley. “Butwe were pre the buzzer. then blocked Owen Young’s 3-point attempt at Kaboza got 1-of-2 tofall attheline.CallanLow onds lefttoclimbwithin51-50 before Bradley throw linetocloseitout. the fourthquarter, butwent 6-of-10 atthefree Hawks. double-double (13points&13rebounds) for the go with15rebounds andFranklin Agu addeda ing. Newbury scored a game-high 21 points to 6-0 runtoclimbwithintwo with7:44remain that I’m athreat outthere.” was importanttomake adifference andshow ing togo intothegameanddonothing.Ifeltit “After allthehard work thisseasonIwasn’t go played 26minutesoffthebenchinfinals. and cappeditoffwithafade way. quarter, sparked thecharge withadriving layup van, who scored sixofhisseven pointsinthe “It wasn’t apretty gameofbasketball — the Andreas Vellahita3-pointer withseven sec Myerscough would hit just one field goal in Led by Ndwedo Newbury, Haringey useda “It meanteverything,” saidSullivan, who - - - - myerscough newsletter • in review: 2018-19 19 Troy Culley smiles following the final buzzer. smiles following Culley Troy Above: Sam Akano puts up a shot in the lane. Sam Akano Middle: Mike Bernard hugs Mate Okros. hugs Mate Okros. Bernard Mike Top right: Top Louis Sullivan drives against his defender. against his defender. drives Louis Sullivan Top left: Top student-athlete voice

GIVING BACK

• GROWING UP, Jess McGrath played a variety of sports—mainly those her twin brother participated in. Jess was a serious kickboxer, earning her black belt after just four years at age 11. It was around then she began to focus solely on basketball. Her journey started with the Cheshire Wire Under-13 Boys, where she was the lone girl on the team. Despite playing just the one season, she gained respect and admiration, recalling, “It felt so good to hear that my hard work had paid off and that I was being noticed.”

ON DEVELOPING HER GAME ON COMPETING AGAINST AT MYERSCOUGH HER TWIN BROTHER The last two years [at Having a twin brother Myerscough] has helped me who plays basketball, too, abroad. That’s allowed me younger girls involved. I like gain confidence on and off has always been fun, but to learn in the best way to show them that even the court. I’ve maintained extremely competitive— possible and that’s through though they may be playing good academics while still to this day our main playing against high-level with lads [right now] they focusing on basketball. I’ve argument is who is better. competition. can do whatever they learnt how to handle tough When I’m at home, I’ll jump want to do. Also helping and frustrating situations, in with his practices and try ON BEING A 3-POINT teach and inspire the next which has helped to prove myself once again SPECIALIST generation of basketball everywhere. to him and all his friends. There’s always pressure to means a lot because when make shots and when you I was younger and went to do there’s no feeling like it. camps I really looked up to Having had games where the older players. “I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO I hit three, four or more threes gave me such much ON GOING TO AMERICA SEEING WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS.” confidence and when you It’s a dream to be going to get hot there’s this feeling play basketball in America— and belief that you can it’s really the dream for ON BEING THE ONLY GIRL ON TAKING ADVANTAGE OF keep hitting. loads of British players, TO PLAY ON A BOYS TEAM THE PLATFORM PROVIDED so I’m looking forward to GROWING UP BY MYERSCOUGH. ON WORKING AT the challenge. I know the I had to prove myself every It’s been amazing—I’ve BASKETBALL CAMPS DURING coaching staff at Cowley time I stepped on court. I been able to play a big SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. College will push me to be worked twice as hard and role at different levels, Coaching and helping out at the best player I can be. I’m just put my head down until including Division 1 and 2, camps and clinics is great, looking forward to seeing I got where I wanted. the WEABL, Under-18s and especially when there are what the future holds.

20 + turning pro russell joins the bbl’s glasgow rocks

FORMER MYERSCOUGH STUDENT-ATHLETE “The basketball programme at Myerscough has Earl Russell has signed his first professional con- prepared me well for a professional career,” he tract with the Glasgow Rocks. The Rocks finished added. “Coach [Neal] Hopkins has had experience fifth in the British Basketball League and reached coaching at the BBL level, so I’ve definitely ben- the BBL Trophy semifinals in 2018-19. efited from his knowledge. I’ve been able to meet “Achieving my goal of becoming a professional players who were great role models in the league, basketball player means the world to me,” Russell like David Aliu and Mike Bernard, and through said. “I’ve put in a lot of time and hard work, and them I’ve learned what it means to be a profes- I’m delighted that I will be able to continue play- sional. ing the sport I love.” “My time in America provided me with the next Following a career at Myerscough where he won stepping stone to continue to improve my game the EABL National Championship, Russell received and play against good competition.” an athletic scholarship to Western Wyoming Com- Russell averaged 10.2 points and 6.9 rebounds munity College in the United States. He went on in 31 games during his one season with the Red to play for Saint Leo University before graduating Storm. He scored in double-figures 13 times last from the University of Rio Grande in May 2019. year and hit 57.3 percent of his shots.

21 FAJANA TO REPRESENT IRELAND AT U18 EUROs

MYERSCOUGH FORWARD Sanmi Fajana was named to the Ireland Under-18 Men’s team ahead of the FIBA European Championships Division B in Roma- nia. Ireland earned promotion back to Division B, whose championship gets under way beginning July 26, following a bronze finish in Division C last summer. “I’m very grateful to be given the opportunity to represent my country at the European Champion- ships,” said Fajana. “I’ve worked hard all year on my shooting and basketball IQ, and that will be very beneficial to me [in Division B].” Fajana ranked second in scoring at 10.6 points and first in rebounding with 7.1 boards in 15 games for Myerscough during the European Youth Basket- ball League (EYBL) season. He, however, missed the SuperFinal through injury. “Coming off an injury at the end of the season has been frustrating, but I think that I’ve handled it well,” he said. “I’ve worked with the physio to get stronger and that’s been helpful not only for my recovery but also for my long-term health.” The 6-foot-8 forward, who helped the Myer- scough Under-18 Men’s team reach National Cup semifinals, last competed for Ireland at a European Championship in 2017 with the Under-16 Men’s team where Fajana averaged 15.1 points and 9.9 rebounds in eight games.

22 myerscough newsletter • in review: 2018-19 myerscough newsletter • in review: 2018-19 23 + reviewed sco adds five trophies in 2018-19 “I’m pleased with the feeling that our guys and girls just enjoy playing basketball.”

COMING OFF A HISTORIC YEAR, Myer- paying off,” began Myerscough head Youth Basketball League All-Star Five scough continued to added to its trophy coach and programme director Neal three-straight times. haul securing five more championships Hopkins. “But more than anything, I’m Kyra Smith, who also received WE- during the 2018-19 season. pleased with the feeling that our guys ABL All-Conference First-Team hon- Myerscough stamped its dominance and girls just enjoy playing basketball.” ours, became the second Myerscough on the Aoc Sport cup competitions, Hubert Ignatowicz put in an MVP player to win the WEABL North Defen- completing three-peats in the Premier performance to help Myerscough win sive Player of the Year award. Cup and Knockout Cup and then backed the U19 National Schools Championship “We had to overcome new challeng- up an undefeated U18 Men’s Premier and Lewis McGlasson was named to the es — promotion to Division 2, the EYBL North regular season title by clinching same honour for the Under-18s in their and having our own ladies National the National Championship over Har- playoff triumph. League team — and it has been reward- ingey. That was just the beginning for nu- ing to see it all come together,” Hopkins “Obviously winning is important at merous individual accolades for My- added. “We have a brilliant unity within this stage of a player’s development and erscough student-athletes, with Mate the programme and I feel that family as- it has been great to see the hard work Okros being voted to the European pect is strong than ever.” 2018-19 individual honours » samuel keita EYBL All-Star Five » lewis mcglasson U18 National Championship MVP » mate okros 3x EYBL All-Star Five » callan low EABL All-Conference Second Team » mate okros EABL All-Conference First Team » sanmi fajana EABL All-Conference Second Team » kyra smith WEABL North Defensive Player of the Year » Katie simpson WEABL All-Conference Second Team » kyra smith WEABL All-Conference First Team » celina eisenhardt WEABL All-Conference Second Team » kyra smith WEABL Player of the Week » jamie gray Cherbourg International Tournament All-Star » hubert ignatowicz U19 National Schools Finals MVP » mike bernard WEABL North Coach of the Year

24 30,335.730,335.7 milesmiles Thirty-thousand, three-hundred and thirty-five point seven. The total number miles travelled by Myerscough throughout the 2018-19 season. There were 10,552.8 miles covered to reach all four sites of the EYBL campaign, including the SuperFinal. That nearly matched the 13,788.9 miles needed to play all 56 double three-peat: Myerscough secured away games in two senior and three junior major domestic the AoC Sport Premier Cup and Knock- leagues. The Division 2 Men’s team, which made eight trips of out Cup titles for a third-year running. 450-plus miles, consumed 4,484.4 miles alone. In total, 11 journeys were made to opponents in London or further south. countriescountries visitedvisited Myerscough made eight trips and travelled to six different countries during the 2018-19 season, including Estonia, Latvia, Poland, France, Holland and Portugal. Mate Okros Mate Okros was named to the Eu- ropean Youth Basketball League All-Star Five three consecutive times, following Stages II and III and the SuperFinal. The guard averaged 14.3 points per game during the regular season, which ranked fourth in the league. Okros strung together 12-straight games in double-figures scoring, including a personal-best 26 points against BC Zalgiris. He also pulled in 4.4 re- lockdown d. bounds, dished out 2.2 assists Kyra Smith became the second player and made 1.2 in programme history to be named steals for Myer- WEABL Defensive Player of the scough, which fin- Year. Smith averaged 8.8 defensive ished the league third. rebounds and three steals per game.

25 LIVING BY MYERSCOUGH IS A NEW EXPERIENCE. Here, q&A: sam akano you have to do all the things needed to live on your own — like laundry and buying the right food. Back home I could get my brother to do everything for me, but now it’s learning how to take care of yourself. • • • I’M ALWAYS LEARNING AT MYERSCOUGH. I’ve learnt so many things in such a short time at Myer- scough. As a person I’ve learnt that shout- ing isn’t the answer — people don’t really react positively to that. I’ve also learnt how to become a leader. As an athlete, I’ve learnt that speed isn’t always necessary. I know I’m quick, but slowing the play down can lead to easier scores. • • • “I want to PROVE IT TOOK TIME TO ADJUST. The training is always at a high intensity and that needs a 100 percent effort or you won’t be able to keep up. • • • that height isn’t I UNDERSTAND WHAT’S EXPECTED OF ME AS A POINT GUARD. The first few months it took me a everything and my while to understand what I needed to do, but I know I need to be a vocal point guard that take control of the game. The coaches effort will take love when a player can play tough defence and that’s been a big adjustment, learning me somewhere in to pressure my opponent. • • • PLAYING BASKETBALL IN PORTUGAL WAS A GREAT EXPERI- this sport.” ENCE. It was great to see how they play basketball abroad and that helped me improve my game a lot because of the talent I went against. They never looked stressed on the court and always encouraged their teammates even if they had made a mistake. • • • I LOVE WHEN PEOPLE SAY, “YOU’RE TO SHORT FOR BASKET- BALL”. My intensity comes from the heart and passion I have for basketball, but that also motivates me. I want to prove that height isn’t everything and my effort will take me somewhere in this sport. • • • THERE’S LITTLE DISTRACTION AT MYERSCOUGH. It’s such a unique environment because there’s

26 myerscough newsletter • in review: 2018-19 Sam Akano brings the ball up the floor for Myerscough in the U19 National Schools Final in Manchester.Allen Gunn/31&Sevens Photos hardly anything that can distract you from making ant to do the extra stuff to get ahead, whether that’s yourself better — the court is always open to get putting up extra shots or eating the right food. reps up and there’s access to the gym to get stron- • • • ger. There’s no excuse to not improve. MY FAMILY HAS BEEN THERE SINCE THE BEGINNING. And they • • • motivate me and help me pursue my goals. When MYERSCOUGH IS A PLACE TO FIND SUCCESS. The coaching others doubt me, my family pushes me forward, and staff is always looking to give players the chance to I want to show everyone that anything is possible. participate in different tournaments in England and • • • against high level competition abroad. These help I THRIVE UNDER PRESSURE. [Coach] Troy [Culley] has you improve as a player going against new styles. showed me how to utilise pressure. We always talk They also are willing to give feedback so you can about how I can improve both my strengths and make the right adjustments to have success on and weaknesses. We talk about how I can reach my off court. goals. He’s show me how to become a true point • • • guard and I’m grateful that he’s my coach. IT’S A GOAL TO TRY AND GET A SCHOLARSHIP. I want to play • • • basketball at a high level, but Myerscough ha shown I EMBRACED STARTING BACK AT THE BOTTOM. It showed me my me that isn’t an easy road. You have to fight for your weakness and where I needed to improve and made spot because there are a lot of people at your posi- me work on the basics. It also motivated me because tion fighting for the same goals as you. It’s import- I love competition and that fight to get to the top.

myerscough newsletter • in review: 2018-19 27 Myerscough College // St Michaels Road, Bilsborrow, Preston, PR3 0RY // Phone: +44 1995 642222