OHSWEKEN— Six Nations U14 Rising Stars basketball coach Matt King is extremely excited about his team’s potential.
Approximately a month after making franchise history by playing their first ever exhibition game; Six Nations once again took to the Dajoh: Youth and Elders Centre basketball court where on Monday, December 16th they dropped a 66-23 decision against the Haldimand Huskies.
“I saw big improvement,” King said. “We moved the ball much better and I saw more signs of teamwork.”
King, whose team lost that franchise first game against Norfolk also went on to add, “The process will take a few years. For the first year, I’m not concerned about scores.”
Throughout the opening quarter Six Nations U14 Rising Stars had chances but couldn’t capitalize as they fell behind 14-2 before rallying with three of the next five points to trail 16-5 heading to the second quarter.
Among those talented Six Nations players who had several offensive opportunities was Dayton Martin who processed great speed and pin- point passing skills.
“This is my first year playing in a real league,” Martin said. In terms of the positives from their game against Haldimand, Martin responded, “We ran hard, we moved the ball and driving to the net.”
In the second quarter, Haldimand’s offence was heating up as they erupted for 12 straight points which put them firmly in control at 28-5.
Once again Six Nations had chances but ran into some tough luck as they only mustered three points and went into halftime trailing by a 38-8 score.
“It’s real competitive,” Martin said. “It’s good to have fun. They are a tough team, They’re good at driving to the net.”
In the fourth, Six Nations finished strong as they matched Haldimand basket for basket with 14 points in what was an exhibition of skill and athleticism from two great teams.
