Ladies Match Reports 2009-10

Woking lose close encounter with Kingston

Date: 25th July 2010

Score: Blackhawks 48 Kingston Wildcats 56

Blackhawks were asked to put out a team against Kingston after their original opposition dropped out. Whilst this was a friendly match, it served as a good indication of Woking’s chances in the Wessex League next season as Kingston were on par with the top teams of Division one. Early exchanges were very even with defences well on top for the first four minutes. Kingston established an early four point advantage but baskets from Mara and Elaine restored parity and for the rest of the quarter baskets were exchanged with further scores from Mara (2), and two free throws from Hannah and a further one from Jess making her debut for the Ladies team. Defensively there was one superb piece of defensive play by Jess and Mitch that prevented the Kingston’s star player getting in a shot on basket. 11- 11 at the end of the quarter bode well for the rest of the game. However, right from the start of the second quarter, Kingston moved up a gear and blew Woking away. The pressure on Blackhawks built and a number of fouls were conceded and within three minutes of the restart, Team fouls came into play. Kingston made no mistakes with the opportunities that were offered and slotted home basket after basket from the free throw line.  Woking managed scores from Becca, another debutant in the team, Mara with two baskets and a three pointer from Elaine. However, the damage was done and halftime was reached with the score at 34 – 20 in Kingston’s favour.

A change of defensive tactics came out of the half-time discussion by Coach Jarvis, and despite the score line, Woking came out with renewed confidence and vigour.  Mara, Hannah and Jess all scored early points to reduce the deficit before Kingston hit back to re-establish their 14 point lead. Again Woking regrouped and further baskets from Mara, Hannah and Elaine, including three more three pointers as she at last found her range, and a free throw from Becca meant that coming into the last quarter, the deficit was now only 6 points. Great rebounding from Mara was also a feature of the third quarter and there was the usual Mitch block that raised the spirits of the Team and the supporters alike. The final quarter was and even affair up until the last play of the game that resulted in a basket for Kingston. Woking’s scorers in the final quarter were Mara, Emilee and if the face was to be believed, surprisingly Tish (two baskets). Kingston just about deserved their victory and it is hoped that next year Woking will be able to gain revenge. If they improve their free throw accuracy and cut out the silly turnovers, I am sure that this will be the case. It is a shame that we will be losing Jess who is returning to Spain, but welcome the new players to the squad, Becca and Becky whom I am sure will fit in well with the rest of the squad.

Top Scorer was Elaine with 18 points whilst the MVP was Mara with 16.8 MVP points.

 Team: Emilee, Becca (3), Tish (4), Elaine (18), Liliana, Mitch, Becky, Hannah (6), Jess (2), Mara (15)

 

Woking clinch second spot with victory over Camberley

Date: 4th May 2010

Score: Blackhawks 45 Camberley Golden Eagles 39

In a tense, evenly fought game, Blackhawks Ladies got the vital win against Camberley that secured second place in the League behind Aztec Storm.  Woking welcomed back two of their global travellers, Liliana and Eva, as well as Becky and Mitch from University for this important game, both teams having already lost five games.

Each quarter was evenly fought with Woking just doing enough to secure the points. They key moments of the game came in the final quarter when Eva slotted home a vital three pointer which enabled Woking to create a bridge too far for Camberley, despite a late flurry of points from them. The key to the victory was the outstanding defensive display by the whole team, including those that had little court time, Helen and Tish. This limited the opportunities for scores by Camberley. With quick passing movements, and by resetting rather than trying to force the baskets , scoring opportunities were taken by Blackhawks, notably by Becky and Katie, who was coaching in Phil Parry’s absence. Meanwhile, outstanding rebounding by Daniela, Mitch, Eva,  Becky, Marta and Pat, along with some fantastic steals by Eva, and trademark blocking by Mitch, always had the better of a good Camberley team.

This was a thoroughly deserved victory and brought out the best in players. This was a really good season, with 26 players having represented Blackhawks in their quest for the title. It is a shame that we came up just short of snatching the title in what turned out to be a three horse race. Better luck next year!

MVP: Eva Handzsui with 18 MVP points, closely followed by Mitch Taylor with 16.8, and Beck Mole with 16.7 MVP points.  Top Scorer: Katie Wright with 14 points.

Team:  Helen Price, Katie Wright (14), Tish Piwowarek, Eva Handzsuj (7), Daniella Makaturova (4), Becky Mole (10), Liliana Cuenca (4). Mitch Taylor (2), Marta Los (2), Pat Molina (2) 

 

Aldworth just too strong on the night

Date 19th April 2010

Score: Blackhawks 47  Aldworth Arrows  52

Still minus some key players, and smarting from the defeat by Chiltern the previous day, confidence was not high amongst the Blackhawks team going into this game. Despite an energetic start and a an early basket from Wright, Aldworth hit back and soon established a four point advantage before a free throw from Makaturova reduced the arrears. But Aldworth were unfazed and hit back immediately with two more baskets of their own. Just before the end of the quarter, Montgomery hit a three pointer, supplemented by a free throw from Los so the deficit was a controllable four points at the break. The second quarter followed a similar pattern, resulting in an increase to the Arrows advantage by three points. Wright scored 6 points, whilst Hannah Jarvis, making her debut for the senior squad, hit one good basket after a fine drive. Makoni completed the scoring for Blackhawks. Both defensively and in attack, there was an improvement from Sunday’s game with more thought to resetting being given, although there was still a lot of rushing at shots that counted against Woking.

The second half was a pretty even affair, with Blackhawks winning the third quarter by three points and just being edged out by one in the fourth. Montgomery was extremely prominent in the third picking up nine points, whilst there were further scores from Makoni and Makaturova. At one point early on in the quarter, Blackhawks actually took the lead but were again pegged back by Aldworth.  With just four points between the teams with one quarter to go there was still everything to play for. Jones slotted home one basket to keep up the pressure on the home team, but back they came with two baskets of their own to double their lead. From then on it was nip and tuck with further scores from Makoni, Makaturova, Wright and Montgomery but it was always an uphill battle as Arrow’s 6foot 5 inch player dominated in and around the key that eventually resulted in the ball going to their outside shooters who hit two three pointers which effectively ended the game in the home team’s favour. 

MVP and Top Scorer: Elaine Montgomery with 19.5 MVP points and 15 points scored.

Team: Helen Price, Katie Wright (13), Hannah Jarvis (2), Elaine Montgomery (15), Marta Los (1), Daniella Makaturova (7), Vicky Martinez, Emilee Jones (2), Mara Makoni (7) 

 

Blackhawks title dreams extinguished by Chiltern

Date: 18th April 2010

Score: Blackhawks 33 Chiltern Ladies 46

With a much weakened team due to the volcanic ash crisis and unavailability of key players, resulted in a lack lustre performance by Blackhawks as their title hopes were dashed.  Needing to win their last three games, as a result of poor decision making and lack of composure under the basket, coupled with an overwhelming height advantage of the opposition, Blackhawks tried probably too hard to get the upper hand in a poor standard game. Defensively Woking played reasonably well, with outstanding rebounding by Makoni and Taylor, but offensively, everything was too rushed resulting in many misses, even from simple lay ups. There were very few resets, players preferring to followup rebounds with another shot in a very packed key. Montgomery was the only one who was confident from the free throw line and only 10 out of 21 attempts from the foul line were converted by the team. Chiltern in the meantime, slotted home the majority of few chances that they had throughout the game and were always leading. Emillee Jones, making her debut for the Seniors played with youthful enthusiasm and has a good future ahead of her. Other highlights were a couple of trademark blocks by Taylor and a wonderful three pointer by Montgomery. This was a game that could have been won, but it was one of yhose days were nothing seemed to go well.

MVP: Mitch Taylor with 21.5 MVP points. Top Scorer: Mara Makoni with 9 points scored.

Team: Helen Price, Katie Wright (4), Tish Piwowarek (2), Elaine Montgomery (8), Mitch Taylor (6), Chloe Flemman (2), Vicky Martinez, Emilee Jones (2), Mara Makoni (9)

 

Blackhawks lose out to Storm again

Date: 13th April 2010

Score: Blackhawks 50 Aztec Storm 68

Following a month’s break, and without many of the regular team, Blackhawks put up a spirited performance against one of their title contenders. Unfortunately, fitness and speed cost Blackhawks who went down fighting to the end. Storm quickly showed the pace and shooting accuracy they have in abundance early on in the first quarter and soo established a six point advantage. Wright slotted home a three pointer but Aztec continued to push and thwart most of the attacking play by Woking. Despite another three pointer from Montgomery, Aztec stretched their lead to ten points before two baskets from Makoni and one from Wright cut the deficit to just six points by the end of the first period. The second quarter was won by Blackhawks by a single point as they continued to press and were more successful defensively, although the Aztec number twelve, was almost untouchable around the key and was able to score regularly. Wright had an outstanding second quarter scoring eleven of the fifteen points scored, with other baskets from Montgomery and  Makaturova. The score at the half time break was 32 – 27 in favour of Aztec.

The third quarter proved to be the defining one of the game as Aztec stormed forward from the start despite an early basket from Molina following some good approach work from Flexman, but by the time a couple of free throws from Makoni, Aztec lead comfortably by ten points. Another three pointer from Montgomery put fresh heart into Woking but Aztec still held the upper hand, although two good baskets by Price and Makaturova meant that a fourteen point advantage was held by Storm. The final period was relatively even and was just edged by Aztec. Makoni scored some good baskets through following up rebounds, whilst defensively both Makoni and Molina were outstanding picking up rebounds to prevent the Aztec dominant forwards getting the ball.  However, Woking had no answer to the pace and crisp passing from the opposition and the eventual score of 68 – 50 was a well deserved by Aztec.

With three games still to play, the fate of the League is still in the hands of Woking. If all three games are won, then they will pick up the title which their play throughout the season merits. Go get it!

MVP and Top Scorer:  Katie Wright with 28 MVP Points and 20 points scored.

Team:  Helen Price (4), Katie Wright (20), Elaine Montgomery (8), Jenny Lacey, Daniella Makaturova (4),  Chloe Fleman, Pat Molina (2), Mara Makoni (12)

 

Blackhawks continue title push with close victory over Aldworth

Date: 16th March 2010

Score: Blackhawks 62 Aldworth Arrows 48

Whilst the score line looks towards a comfortable win for Blackhawks Ladies, it was far from an easy victory as Blackhawks never hit their top form. Early skirmishes were in Woking’s favour but with no success under the basket. Defensively the Ladies repelled the Aldworth attacks so honours were even before Wight slotted home five points, with two good baskets and a free throw. Foul trouble affected both teams and by just over midway through the quarter, both were on Team fouls. Handzsui then started making a mark on the game, including a great three pointer whilst under pressure, and stretched the Woking lead to nine points, before Aldworth started a comeback, and despite a welcome basket from Makoni, had reduced the lead to four points by the end of the quarter with the score at 12 – 8 to Woking. A better second period from Woking saw them create an eleven point advantage by the mid-game break, this after Arrows initially reducing Woking’s lead to two points. Wright continued to take shots at the basket on a regular basis and again hit the target with a couple inside the key, and also joined the three point club. Not to be outdone, Montgomery was also successful with a great long shot, and after a brilliant individual effort from Cuenca, followed by further scores from Montgomery and Makaturova, meant that Woking were able to breathe more easily. Halftime score was 28 – 17 in favour of the home team.

The third quarter proved to be the most open period of the game, with both teams throwing caution to the wind resulting in scores at regular intervals from both Teams. Wright and Handzsui continued to pepper the basket with more three pointers, supported by a further one from May. Woking continued to try to score inside the key but with little success, although a number of fouls were drawn that resulted in free throw points. The final period was reached with Blackhawks having extended their lead to 15 points. Disappointingly Woking eased off in the final quarter and narrowly lost the quarter by one point. Too many turnovers were conceded and opportunities to pass to free players in space were not taken, Aldworth played with a great deal of heart and did not concede defeat easily and were able to penetrate the Woking defence on a number of occasions, this after Woking at one point held a very comfortable 22 point advantage. Scorers for Blackhawks in the final quarter were Montgomery, Makoni, Cuenca, Los, Handzsui and Wright.  Woking ran out victors by 62 – 48 to maintain their challenge for the title.

MVP and Top Scorer was Eva Handzsui with 23 MVP points and 18 points scored.

Team:  Helen Price (0), Katie Wright (17), Tish Piwowarek, Eva Handzsuj (18), Elaine Montgomery (11), Liliana Cuenca (6), Daniella Makaturova (2),  Marta Los (1), Vicky Martinez,  Pat Molina, Mara Makoni (4)

 

Blackhawks beat the Rockets

Date: 9th March 2010

Score: Blackhawks 76 Reading Rockets 58

Whilst not playing at their best, the Ladies got back to winning ways against a spirited effort from Reading. Straight from the tip off, Los broke away to score. Rockets immediately hit back with a good two pointer closely followed by a three pointer. Undeterred, Woking replied with scores from Cuenca, Montgomery and Stevens, and extended the lead further with a three pointer from Montgomery and scores from Los and Handzsui to establish a ten point advantage. At this point, Wright fell awkwardly on her ankle and was unable to continue and the rest of the quarter was even as Rockets broke quickly and dispatched the ball with aplomb into the basket. Defensively, they also kept a leash on long attempts from Blackhawks, but it was pleasing to see Montgomery driving towards the key to put away another basket, and the ever reliable Stevens putting away a couple of free throws. The score at the break was 19 – 11 in Woking’s favour. In the second quarter, Handzsui started to control the game and was involved in most of the attacking play by Blackhawks resulting in a number of steals, assists and baskets for herself, including a wonderful three point basket. On the downside, some sloppy defensive play by Blackhawks resulting in silly fouls being conceded, allowed Rockets to maintain parity and the quarter was shared at 15 points apiece. Blackhawks other scores in this quarter were Stevens, Cuenca, Los and Montgomery.

Blackhawks succeeded in winning each of the third and fourth quarters through sound attacking play and a reduction in errors. Handzsui continued to cause havoc with the Rockets team, whilst Stevens pulled down a number of defensive and offensive rebounds. Regular scoring opportunities continued to present themselves and were duly taken by Molina, Montgomery, Los, Stevens and Handzsui, whilst Makoni tried hard to get on the score sheet but was always pressurised by a tight knit Rockets defence. At the end of the third quarter the score was 55 – 41 and the game was effectively won. The fourth quarter followed a similar pattern with Woking just edging out Reading. At one point within the first three minutes, Woking had established a 24 point advantage but again allowed Reading back as they scored eight unanswered points. But Woking were determined that they would lose no further ground and ran out comfortable winners by 76 – 58. Scorers in the final quarter were Handzsui and Molina with four points apiece, Stevens with three baskets, Montgomery with another drive and Makoni, Makaturova and Price all breaking their ducks on the night.

There were some outstanding performances by Hanzsui and Stevens, the latter who will be sorely missed as she embarks on a four month trip to Australia.

MVP and Top Scorer: Eva Hanzsui with 45 MVP points, and 23 points scored.

Team:  Helen Price (1), Katie Wright, Tish Piwowarek, Eva Handzsuj (23), Elaine Montgomery (15), Liliana Cuenca (4), Daniella Makaturova (2),  Marta Los (8), Beth Stevens (15), Pat Molina (6), Mara Makoni (2)

 

Ladies blown away by Storm

Date: 28th February 2010

Score: Blackhawks 40 Aztec Storm 69 (Lost)

The Woking Ladies were blown away by an extremely strong Aztec team, mainly due to an outstanding performance from the opposition Number 12. Things started brightly for Woking in the first quarter as a result of a couple of three pointers from Montgomery, but a number of opportunities under the basket were missed which meant that the quarter was pretty even, Woking just edging it by one point, 13 – to 12.  Wright also scored, along with a free throw basket by Handzsui and a two pointer from May.  However, the game totally changed in the second quarter as the powerful play of Aztec could not be contained by a struggling Woking defence. Time and again the Aztec number 12 took advantage and buried the ball through the basket. The few chances Blackhawks had to reduce the arrears were either squandered or nullified by a great defensive display by the Storm.  Coach Parry tried to alter things by moving back to a man to man marking system but Aztec still held the upper hand in all aspects of the play. At one point there were 15 unanswered points as Woking heads started to drop. Only six points were scored by Woking in the quarter, through a free throw by Los, a basket from Makoni and yet another three pointer from Montgomery.

A strong talk from the Coach at half- time, re-energised the Team who came out strongly in the third quarter which was narrowly lost by three points. Makoni, who had missed a number of opportunities earlier in the game slotted home a good basket before Molina then had a purple patch causing mayhem in the Aztec defence, slotting home two excellent baskets after superb build up play by Handzsui, as well as three baskets from the free throw line.  A much improved performance by the defence was also evident, but when the Aztec star player returned to the game, she again slotted home a number of good baskets.  Going into the last quarter trailing by 17 points, there was still belief in the Woking Team that they could turn things around. Whilst an initial early burst produced baskets by Handzsui and Los, Aztec responded with three three pointers as well as still being able to break and turn quickly in the key to produce further scores. Montgomery and May both retaliated with three pointers of their own, and other scores from Makoni, Wright, Makaturova helped to keep Woking pressing forward. However, Aztec were too strong on the night and eventually won by a clear 20 points.

Whilst this was a disappointing display by Blackhawks Ladies and puts a dent in their ambitions to win the League, there is till everything to play for with return matches with both Golden Eagles and Storm still to come.  Fitness is going to be a key element for the rest of the season and also the need to work on the moves that will beat the stronger teams. With only eleven baskets being scored from over fifty attempts, an improvement in this area will help enormously and put pressure on the oppositions. There is till hope!

MVP: Elaine Montgomery with 18.8 MVP points.  Top Scorer was also Elaine with 15 points.

Team:  Helen Price, Katie Wright (5), Tish Piwowarek, Eva Handzsuj (5), Elaine Montgomery (15), Claudia May (5), Vicky Martinez, Daniella Makaturova (3),  Marta Los (3), Pat Molina (8), Mara Makoni (5)

 

Chiltern well beaten by Ladies

Date: 9th February 2010

Score: Blackhawks 63 Chiltern Ladies 44 (Won)

Woking Ladies got back on the victory trail with a comfortable win against Chiltern. Early exchanges were even with both teams squandering a number of opportunities to put points on the board. It took a couple of baskets by Wright and Cuenca to open the score, the second one through an excellent quick passing movement. Woking got into foul trouble allowing Chiltern back into the game before a three pointer from Montgomery, followed closely by baskets from Stevens and Wright eased the pressure and the score at thend of the first quarter was 11 – 3 in Woking’s favour. The second quarter was all Woking with great defensive determination, especially from Stevens, Makoni and Los, combined with some brilliant steals by Handzsui that set up baskets for other players. Early on, Blackhawks doubled their advantage over Chiltern to 21 – 5, through two point baskets from Montgomery, Piwowarek and one by Price as soon as he came onto court, supplemented by four free throws from Molina. Undaunted, Chiltern staged a comeback to score eight unanswered points as a couple of Blackhawks turnovers proved costly. Again, Blackhawks regrouped and restricted Chiltern to just one more score before the halftime break, but scored regularly themselves through Wright and Los and so Woking turned around with a 19 point advantage with the score at 34 – 15.

The second half was even throughout with the points shared at 29 each. Stevens was impressive in the third quarter slotting home a number of baskets from the free through line, whilst Price, Handzsui and Molina also were on the score sheet. The turnovers against Woking were now mounting up as Woking became more anxious as the quarter wore on and more risks were being taken by Woking. Makoni, who was by her standards having a quiet game could not break through and despite some great rebounding, was being blocked out by a resolute Chiltern defence. Montgomery was also being kept at bay by Chiltern who were determined to limit her three point threat. The final quarter followed a similar pattern as the third with neither team being able to gain an advantage, but scores by Wright, Montgomery, Handzsui and Stevens, plus Makoni finally breaking her scoring drought, resulted in a final score of 63 -44 in Woking’s favour.

The positive to come out of the game was there was more cohesion in the team as the new players become more established to the playing requirements of others and the Coach. This bodes well for the rest of the season. On the downside, through too ambitious play, a number of silly turnovers were conceded and against stronger opposition, may prove costly in the pursuit to the Wessex League title.

MVP:  Beth Stevens with 20.5 MVP points. Top Scorer with 16 points, was Katie Wright.

Team: Helen Price (4), Katie Wright (16), Tish Piwowarek (2), Eva Handzsuj (7), Elaine Montgomery (5), Liliana Cuenca (2), Marta Los (7), Beth Stevens (13), Pat Molina (6), Mara Makoni (1)

   

Golden Eagles swoop for revenge as Ladies lose 100% record

Date: 26th January 2010

Score: Blackhawks 48 Camberley Golden Eagles 53 (Lost)

Despite a new look Team, the Ladies lost their 100% record after a close contest with the Golden Eagles. Camberley, after their late defeat before Christmas, put out their full squad and showed from the outset, their determination to reverse that loss. They soon established a seven point advantage and apart from a couple of baskets from Montgomery and Stevens in the first quarter, Camberley always held the advantage with quick breaks and accurate passing. However, defensively, Woking improved as the quarter wore on, and the introduction of Handzsui, making her debut for the Blackhawks, added a more determined spirit from the rest of the Team.  With a seven point advantage to Camberley at the end of the first quarter, things were looking bleak for Woking. However, a rousing talk at halftime by Coach Parry, inspired the Team to a fabulous comeback in the second quarter. Montgomery hit a wonderful three pointer early on and then followed this up with a couple of free throws and another basket, supplemented by a further one from Stevens, all of them unanswered by Camberley. With a switch of players, the Eagles battled back to re-establish a seven point advantage and things were looking bad for Blackhawks. Stevens then had an inspired patch and scored 8 points, whilst further scores from Cuenca, Wright and Molina made sure that not only did Woking come back, but established a five point advantage by the end of the second quarter. The newcomers to the Team, May, Los and Handzsui, were all contributing to a fine performance by Woking.

The third quarter proved to be an even quarter, with both teams attacking quickly and both defences resolutely repelling the charge. After an initial surge by the Eagles that wiped out the Woking advantage, Blackhawks again regrouped and were able to score baskets through Makoni, Cuenca, Montgomery and two late ones by Wright which regained the initiative and the quarter ended with Woking maintaining the five point advantage. Two great shots by Wright at the start of the fourth quarter increased this advantage and things were looking comfortable.  However, at this point things started going against the home team and a brilliant spell, where the Eagles swept away the defence of Woking, saw 16 unanswered points being racked up and it was now Camberley who were in the ascendancy, as a lack of cohesion in the Woking team became evident. Despite a three pointer by Montgomery with a couple of minutes to go, which brought Woking to within four points, that was the last real threat to Camberley although Los scored a late basket. But the damage had been done and the final score was 53 – 48 in Golden Eagles  favour.

The Team should not be despondent and in fact, the strength of the Team continues to improve as the season goes on with the arrivals of the three new players today making up for the players who are now at University or currently injured. With another 10 games to play, there is everything to play for during the rest of the season.

MVP and Top Scorer:  Beth Stevens with 23 MVP points and 12 points scored.

Team: Helen Price, Katie Wright (11), Claudia May, Eva Handzsuj (7), Elaine Montgomery (8), Liliana Cuenca (3), Marta Los (2), Beth Stevens (12), Pat Molina (2), Mara Makoni (3)

 

Rockets shot down by Ladies

Date: 21st January 2010

Score: Blackhawks 77 Reading Rockets 62  (Win)

In the first game back after the mid-season break, Blackhawks continued their winning ways with a hard earned win at Reading. Rockets got off to a good start taking an early seven point lead, but Blackhawks then found their range and two scores from Makoni were followed by further baskets from Wright and Price. The quarter remained tight and further scores by Price, Molina and Wright ensured that Woking scraped the quarter by 14 – 13. The second quarter followed a similar pattern but with Makoni’s outstanding rebounding both in attack and defence, and with a personal haul of 13 points in the quarter, ably assisted by a further two baskets by Wright, meant that Blackhawks completed the half with a slender four point advantage at 31 – 27.

The third quarter was a high scoring one with both defences appearing to tire. Neither team had a large squad on the night so substitution options were limited. Again it was a close affair with Molina really on form for Woking scoring four out of four from the free throw line, three other baskets as well as supporting Makoni with rebounding under her own basket. Additional scores from Wright, Price and Makoni ensured that Blackhawks won the quarter 22 – 20.  With still everything to play for, Blackhawks took control of the game. Montgomery, Makoni and Wright built a good lead before yet another wonderful 3 pointer from Montgomery really put the game out of reach of Reading. Not wanting to be outdone, Wright also slotted home another three pointer and for the rest of the game, Woking cruised to victory, with further scores from Makoni, Wright, Montgomery and Price. Blackhawks won all four quarters which is a rarity for the Ladies, but the final score of 77 – 62, which maintains Blackhawks win 100% record for the season, was due to the efforts of the whole team in what was a well-earned win.

MVP:  Mara Makoni with 55 MVP points.  Top Scorer: Mara Makoni with 30 points.

Team:  Helen Price (8), Katie Wright (21), Elaine Montgomery (6), Liliana Cuenca, Vicky Martinez, Pat Molina (12), Mara Makoni (30)

 

Last Second 3 Pointer Leave the Hawks soaring above the Eagles

Date: 13th December 2009

Score: Blackhawks 50 – 49 Camberley Golden Eagles (win)

This was the crunch game as both the Camberley Golden Eagles and Woking had a perfect record at the start of the day. Straight from the tip-off, Woking showed that they wanted to win this game but a couple of early attempts were squandered. Camberley were able to capitalise and broke twice to secure the points. Undeterred, Blackhawks came back at the home side and two baskets by Montgomery and Hardiman evened up the score, swiftly followed by a three pointer by Montgomery as Woking took the lead. A further basket by Mole established a five point cushion, but Camberley regrouped to reduce the score before Molina and Cuenca were able to increase the advantage to seven points before Camberley reduced the arrears by the end of the quarter, one where the defences of both teams were on top. 

Going into the second quarter with a four point advantage, Woking seemed to relax early on which lead to Camberley evening up the score.  Again Woking regrouped and Stevens was fouled in the act of shooting , scored the basket and the resulting free throw, followed closely by a further basket from Hardiman. This  only galvanised the opposition who came back with a flourish to wipe out the seven point advantage of Woking and to take a one point lead with less than 30 seconds of the quarter remaining. At this point with 3 seconds to play in the half the Camberley Coach called a time out - his third of the half.  The referee had no choice but to give a technical foul for this transgression.  This awarded the Blackhawks two free throws plus possession.  Coach Parry had no hesitation in electing Helen Price to take the free throws. She calmly stepped up and slotted home both free throws.  Then, still with three seconds to play, Blackhawks inbounded to Beth Stevens who secured a basket right on the whistle. The score at this point was 24 – 21 in Blackhawks favour.

With everything to play for in the second half, Camberley went for broke from the start and some sloppy defensive work and silly turnovers, hit Woking hard and from a three point deficit, established a lead of six points. Despite a score from Makaturova, they increased this to eight points before Coach Parry called a time-out. This did the trick and with a new formation, Blackhawks steadied the boat and with scores from Montgomery, Mole and Molina it was back to only a two points difference. However with another turnover conceded, Camberley broke and scored right on the whistle to hold a slender four point advantage with a quarter to go.

Blackhawks started the final quarter with determination and scores from Montgomery and Mole eased the pressure as the lead was retaken. Again Camberley came back to score further baskets and with under a minute to play, held a three point lead. It was then that the spectators came to life as Montgomery hit another three pointer to even the scores with less than a minute left to play.  The Golden Eagles responded with two free throws to re-establish the lead with less than 20 seconds to play.  Coach Parry called the final time out with 16.6 second left changing the defence to press and lining up for one last play.  The plan seemed to be get a basket to force the game into overtime. 

The Blackhawks took the ball down the court measuring out every second to be played.  Cuenca passed the Ball to Mole who had come to a high position.  She brought the ball up to the shooting position which had the effect of drawing the Camberley defence to her - this left Montgomery open on the opposite side of the court. Instead of shooting Becky Mole launched the Exocet like pass straight over the desperate defence into the hands of Montgomery. From outside the 3 point line she launched an outrageous shot that went clean through the basket with 1.6 second left on the clock.  Camberley inbounded and tried to score but simply didn't have the time left.  Blackhawks had won the game 50-49.

Great jubilation from the players and spectators alike in a game where strong defences made scoring difficult. Every member of the squad played an invaluable part in securing the victory and maintaining the unbeaten run.  Well played one and all!

MVP: Beth Stevens with 17 MVP points. Top Scorer: Elaine Montgomery with 17 points.

Team: Helen Price (2), Katie Wright, Anabelle Hardiman (4), Tish Piwowarek, Elaine Montgomery (17), Vicky Martinez, Liliana Cuenca (2), Mitch Taylor, Daniela Makaturova (2), Beth Stevens (&), Pat Molina (8), Becky Mole (8)

 

Ladies Extend Winning Run against Phantoms

Date: 8th December 2009

Score: 69 - 36 (win)

Blackhawks Ladies extended their winning sequence for the season to ten matches with a comfortable victory over Farnborough Phantoms. All players of the match squad had good court time as Coach Parry tried out different combinations of players.  Straight from the tip-off, Stevens put away a good basket, swiftly followed by another. Good interchanges between all players enabled further scores by Wright, Molina and two more by Stevens ensured a wide margin being established as Phantoms, whilst looking threatening at times, were being well held by the defence. Before the end of the quarter, Cuenca and Martinez both found the basket and with Stevens and Makaturova doing well with rebounds a 12 point bridgehead was established by the end of the first period.  The second quarter was somewhat closer although Blackhawks continued to score at regular intervals up until the last couple of minutes, but their concentration in defence waned and turnovers increased which lead to a fight back by Phantoms that saw the Woking lead reduced by seven unanswered points. Wright was prominent in this quarter securing six good baskets, whilst Martinez was having her best game of the season.

Blackhawks ensured that there was to be no permanent comeback by Phantoms in the third quarter where they produced some fast flowing basketball turning defence into attack to turn the screws on a tiring Phantoms side. Scores from Makaturova and more successful baskets from Stevens, followed by a three pointer by Montgomery, established a 34 point advantage for Woking which was maintained to the end of that quarter. Price, Wright, Cuenca, and Martinez also found the basket. The only downside to the match came in the final period as Woking took their foot off the gas which lead to a series of silly turnovers by a number of the players resulting in Phantoms stealing the quarter by a single point. Woking eventually ran out victors by 69 – 36.

The next game is away  at 1.15pm on Sunday 13th December against the only other unbeaten Team in the League, Camberley Golden Eagles. Support for the fixture would be welcomed as this will be the last game before the mid-season break.

MVP and Top Scorer: Beth Stevens with 37 MVP points and 20 points scored

Team:  Team: Helen Price (4), Katie Wright (18), Adie Blanchard, Tish Piwowarek, Elaine Montgomery (5), Liliana Cuenca (6), Vicky Martinez (8), Daniela Makaturova (4), Beth Stevens (20), Pat Molina (4)

 

Ladies Sparkle against Diamonds

Date: 1st December 2009

Score: 56 – 44 (win)

Blackhawks Ladies won a tight game with the Diamonds following an outstanding fourth quarter performance.  The opening exchanges were even after Wright twice found the basket early on. A succession of poor decisions on passes were made by Blackhawks that were capitalized on by a quick breaking Diamonds team.  It was not long before Woking fell behind by four points but following some smart work by Makoni and a tightening up in defence, meant that at the end of the quarter, Blackhawks only trailed by 2 points. Scorers were Montgomery, Stevens and Cuenca. The second period was slightly better for Blackhawks and by midway through the quarter, had created sufficient chances to regain the lead which they held on to until the end of the period. Makoni and Stevens were prominent in picking up the rebounds, whilst there were some good steals notably by Montgomery and Molina.  Going into the second half with only a three point lead was going to test Blackhawks to the full.

The third period was again a close fought affair with fewer opportunities to score as both defences got on top. Early on, Diamonds overhauled Woking and from three points up, the home team now found themselves behind by the same score and it was only late on that Molina, with two free throws and Makoni with a couple of late baskets, put Blackhawks back in from by four points. The final quarter proved to be the telling one as everyone of the Blackhawks team raised their games and tempo and comfortably beat the opposition to the ball and with a smart passing game, scored regularly as more and more opportunities opened up.  Wright, Montgomery, Makoni, Cuenca and Stevens all scored and the defence limited scoring chances for Diamonds.  The final score was 56 – 44 in favour of Blackhawks but every playaer knew that they had been a close encounter.

MVP and Top Scorer: Mara Makoni with 25.3 MVP points and 20 points scored.

Team: Katie Wright (14), Adie Blanchard, Tish Piwowarek, Elaine Montgomery (4), Liliana Cuenca (6),  Daniela Makaturova, Beth Stevens (10), Pat Molina (2), Mara Makoni (20)  

 

Blackhawks hit the Bullseye with victory over Aldworth Darts

Date: 23rd November 2009

Score: 59 – 35 (win)

Another victory was secured by the Blackhawks Ladies away at Aldworth Darts.  Straight from the tip-off, Cuenca was able to put away  a good basket following an excellent jump by Makoni. Further scores by Molina, Wright and Makoni established a commanding lead by the end of the first period which was won by 17 points to 8.  Defensively, Cuenca and Piworarek were crowding out the opposition’s danger players enabling few opportunities for the home side to score and resulting in good steals.  The second quarter was a different affair with both defences well on top. Darts were able to stifle the play of Makoni and Molina and scoring opportunities were sparse for both sides. The main highlight of this quarter was one brilliant pass by Cuenca that  found Stevens free who was able to slot the basket home. Other scores by Makaturova, Molina and Wright meant that Woking had increased their lead to ten points by the end of the first half.

The third quarter was the telling one for Blackhawks as they put the foot down on the pedal and completely overwhelmed the opposition with fast breaks, accurate passing, good interceptions and steals that lead to a flurry of early baskets by Molina, Makoni, and Wright.  Meanwhile the defence, especially Cuenca continued to put pressure on the opposition at all times. The lead had increased to 29 points before a late rally by the Darts reduced the deficit by 5 at the end of the quarter. The final quarter was an even affair as a relaxed Blackhawks Team played down the clock and continued to defend well with excellent rebounding by Makoni and Stevens. Further baskets by Makoni, Wright and Makatuova ensured that the quarter ended 10 points apiece resulting in a comfortable victory for Blackhawks.  Every member of the squad deserves praise for the effort and commitment shown during the game and each one contributed to an excellent win that maintains their 100% playing record this season.

MVPs:  Katie Wright with 24, Mara Makoni with 23.5 and Beth Stevens with 20 MVP points. 

Top Scorer:      Katie Wright with 20 points.

Team: Helen Price, Katie Wright (20), Tish Piwowarek,  Liliana Cuenca (2), Vicky Martinez, Danielle Makaturova (5), Beth Stevens (9), Pat Molina (7), Mara Makoni (16)

 

Blackhawks Win Tense Encounter with Wildcats

Date: 14th November 2009

Score: 52 – 48 (win)

The League Table indicated that this match against Woodley Wildcats should be no difficulty to a rampant, unbeaten Blackhawks side.  However, the match turned out to be an extremely close and tense affair with little between the two teams in each quarter.  Early on in the first quarter, Woking established a 12 – 5 advantage through scores from Makoni, Wright and two three pointers from Montgomery.  Woodley stormed back into contention with some powerful play and quick breaks that Blackhawks defence could not counter and it was a late basket by Molina that resulted in Woking carrying forward a one point advantage to the second quarter.  Wildcats looked to be the better team in this period and always seemed to threaten Woking with swift interchanges and power play inside the key. It was down to good rebounding by Makoni and Molina that kept the score down, and again Blackhawks were thankful that Montgomery had her long range shooting boots on as she netted a further two three pointers and the quarter finished even with nine points apiece.   

The second half play followed the same pattern as the first with both Teams giving everything to keep out the opposition. An early basket to Wildcats put them into a slender lead but a Makoni riposte, followed by two free throws by Montgomery, and further baskets by Cuenca and Molina established a four point advantage to Blackhawks, but again back came Wildcats until Makoni had an inspired spell under the basket to claim a further three baskets that seemed to have taken the pressure off Blackhawks. A further three pointer by Montgomery enabled Woking to go into the final quarter with just a four point advantage.  Again the final quarter was a tense affair with both sides trading baskets and fouls. Wright took advantage with two good free throws and a superb follow up and score by Molina maintained the slight advantage to Blackhawks.  Conscious  of time, Coach Parry called a time out and asked the Team to play down the clock which they did effectively and late scores by Wright, Makoni and Cuenca, after Wildcats had brought the scores back to 48 all, secured the victory for a relieved Woking Team.

MVP:              Pat Molina with 18.8 MVP points. 

Top Scorer:      Mara Makoni with 18 points.

Team: Helen Price, Katie Wright (8), Adie Blanchard, Tish Piwowarek, Elaine Montgomery (17), Liliana Cuenca (3), Vicky Martinez, Danielle Makaturova, Beth Stevens, Pat Molina (6), Mara Makoni (18)

 

Blackhawks Grind Out 6th Win of the Season, against Finches

Date: 1st November 2009

Score: 38 - 46 (win)

This was never going to be easy having only six players available, all of