The second annual U12 Boys and Girls Final Fours took place at Holywells High School in Ipswich. This was the culmination of the area leagues that have been taking place across the county since October and the winners of the quarter finals found themselves in the Final Fours. The day started off with the boys semi final matches, which saw Breckland Middle School playing Holbrook High School and Chalkstone Middle School play Beccles Middle School.

The Breckland vs Holbrook game started off at a quick pace and with early exchanges between the baskets, the game was close at the end of the 1st quarter with Breckland going in 10-4 up. The 2nd quarter was very similar to the first and Breckland extended their lead going into half time with a 20-8 lead. The 3rd quarter was a lot tighter with Holbrook getting a grip on the game but struggling to score. The 4th quarter saw Breckland take the foot off the pedal but come home to victory by a 31-16 margin.

The Chalkstone vs Beccles game saw Beccles come flying out of the block with consecutive attacks to take an early lead by 6 points to 2. They then dominated the 2nd quarter with some high quality passing and movement to extend their lead to 18-4 at half time. The third quarter then saw both teams turn the ball over often and struggle to make their shots. It was a big ask for Chalkstone by the 4th quarter with them 20-4 down but they performed very well in the 4th quarter with some excellent basketball. Beccles, however finished the game as 24-12 victors.

The boys were then followed by the girls semi-finals. Westley Middle School played Beccles Middle School and the game started with some very scrappy play with both teams struggling to make their baskets. The 2nd quarter started and finished the same way with both teams committing fouls and losing the ball too easily. The end of the first half saw Westley up by 4-3. The second half saw Westley start to dominate with the girls finally finding their range and making their shots. Unfortunately Beccles could find no way through the resolute Westley defence and Westley ended up taking the game 21-3.

The second semi-final saw Copleston play Breckland Middle School and Breckland started off strongly with some good baskets. They then picked up the pace and scored 10 unanswered points to finish the first quarter 16-6 up. The second quarter saw Breckland defend very well and limit Copleston to 1 point. Breckland then scored 8 unanswered points to go into half time 26-7 up. Copleston picked up in the second half but 10 unanswered points by Breckland saw them extend their lead further and by the fourth quarter Breckland had sealed a comfortable victory by 52-20.

The 3rd/4th Playoffs for the boys and girls then followed and the boys match saw a very scrappy and mistake ridden game between Holbrook and Chalkstone. Holbrook had the best of the 1st half exchanges and went into the half time break 10-4. The second half saw a much closer game with Chalkstone battling hard to get a lead. Some good defending from Holbrook though saw them finish the game as 12-6 winners.

The girls 3rd/4th Playoff was a very close and exciting affair. Beccles vs Copleston saw early exchanges and quick baskets. There was nothing in the two teams and Beccles finished the 1st quarter 10-8 up. Beccles continued their good run with some good passing and shooting and went in at half time 16-10 up. The 3rd quarter saw Copleston fight back with some good quick breaks and close the gap to 20-17. The final quarter was a hectic affair with some very good basketball being played. Copleston made some crucial shots to bring the game to 26-25 in Beccles favour and for 3 minutes Copleston attacked without scoring. Then with 20 seconds left Beccles broke to score a basket and secure the win.

The girls final saw an all West Suffolk final between Westley Middle School and Breckland Middle School. The first quarter started with some very good basketball from both teams but Westlet just having the upper hand in attack. The second quarter found both teams wanting in front of the basket with both teams missing shots and losing the ball constantly. At half time it was closely locked with Westley 8-5 up. The third quarter was even tighter with both teams exchanging points and some very good passing from Breckland and some good fast breaking from Westley. The scores at the end of the 3rd quarter saw Westley up 12-9. The fourth quarter though saw Westley pick up the pace and play some very good basketball. Breckland struggled to score baskets and Westley punished them, eventually taking the title 22-13.

The boys final saw Breckland vs Beccles and the game started off with some tight basketball. Both teams played very well but struggled to make their baskets. At the end of the 1st quarter the ties were locked at 4-4. The 2nd quarter was just as tight, again with both teams struggling to make their baskets. Breckland went into half time 8-6 up. The third quarter saw Breckland dominate Beccles in a basketball masterclass. Beccles struggled to keep the ball and Breckland punished them with points every minute to take the game beyond Beccles. The start of the 4th quarter saw Beccles down 21-6 but Beccles came out in the 4th quarter fighting and worked really hard to try and claw back points. Breckland however kept their defence tight and Breckland claimed the title with a 25-9 victory.

The U12 Suffolk Cup this year has been a great success. The county has seen an increased number of young people participating in basketball and the competition overall has been very successful. Andrew Wilesmith, Competition Manager and Suffolk Cup organiser said “the tournament gives the whole county a chance to participate in what is a very high standard of basketball. The county has built up a good reputation within the sport and as a result of this tournament we have seen young people start playing beyond their school. This can only be good for the game. What I would really like to see now is businesses and organisations get behind the competition and sport so we can grow it and provide a comprehensive quality competition”.

Many thanks go to Holywells High School for hosting and the support of Kathyrn James and Ipswich Basketball Club.