The newly-named KitKing Trophy for teams in Basketball England’s NBL Men's Division One is set to get under way this weekend. The competition will be organised by NBL1 Men's clubs in partnership with new naming rights holder Kitking.co.uk and is sanctioned by BE. It will see all 14 NBL1 clubs, plus invited Division Two sides Charnwood Riders and Oaklands Wolves, compete in four regional groups of four. KitKing have supplied winning team wear to NGBs, professional and grassroots clubs throughout the UK, Ireland, Europe and beyond since 1992. They are the UK’s leading teamwear specialist with 30 years’ experience across more than 25 sports, including basketball. KitKing.co.uk CEO Dips Patel said: “We are excited to partner with Basketball England’s NBL Division One clubs. The sponsorship will help to support the competition and we are looking forward to working with the clubs individually for their kit needs and to help them grow their merchandising offers to fans and members." “It’s a really exciting time for basketball in the UK as the sport continues to grow and we’re really happy to be able to support Basketball England’s D1 clubs through this partnership.” Tim Brown, BE Board member and chair of Men’s Division One group, said: “I would like to thank KitKing.co.uk for their support and we are really looking forward to taking the competition to new heights this season. It’s an exciting time for the D1 men’s clubs as they continue to grow and move the league forward as a group with Basketball England’s support.” The group stages of the competition will be played on 17/18th September 2022, 21st September 2022 and 24/25th September 2022. Kestrels will play host to Worthing Thunder at 4pm on Saturday 17th September 2022 at the Solent Sports Complex, followed by a trip to BA London Lions II on Sunday 18th September 2022 for a 4pm tip. The final group game will see TSK welcome Essex Rebels to the SSC at 4pm on Saturday 24th September 2022. The games will provide a curtain raiser to the Men’s NBL Division One season, which get under way on 15 October 2022. Playing each other once, the top two sides in each group will progress to the quarter-finals and semi- finals, with the final set to take place in late December.
NATIONAL TROPHY REBRANDS WITH KIT KING SPONSORSHIP
TSK ANNOUNCE LAUNCH OF KESTREL'S CITY LEAGUE
Team Solent Kestrels are excited to announce the launch of the Kestrels City League or the “KCL” as it will be more commonly referred to. The KCL will see U12 and U14 boys competitions across a 6 week rotation which will culminate in tournament play at the end of each cycle, with this Friday being the official launch night. This comes off the back of an in depth review into the clubs player pathway and provision for junior competition at the U12 and U14 age groups, where previously players in these age groups were able to attend “academy” training sessions but not access competitive playing opportunities as frequently as the programme would like. With a move to our new model we hope to maximise the competitive experience for our young Kestrels ballers where they will be able to play against one another every Friday evening. The format change will see 6 teams of 6 or 7 players compete in 4v4 cross court games that will contribute to an overall Kestrels City League standings. Each team will play one another 3 times to maximise the competition element, seeing teams play 15 games across 5 weeks, with the first week being a team selection process evening. Whilst we are keen to promote a more competitive outlet for our young players, we also recognise the vital nature of teaching and exploring the key fundamentals of the game, therefore each week our academy head coach will present new themes to the players. Within the timetable before competitive play begins on the night, the players will have an opportunity to warm up and practice these new themes in an effort to expose them to as many fundamental skills as possible. Players will represent in 6 different teams that have been split into; Kestrels North (Blue), Kestrels East (Red), Kestrels South (Yellow), Kestrels West (Purple), Kestrels Central (Green), Kestrels Central 2 (Orange). Each week a Player of the Week will be selected by the coaches to recognise things such as hard work, exemplary attitudes to learning, excellent interactions with team mates, amongst other criteria. At the end of each cycle there will also be an All-Star team selected, the Most Valuable Player and a Most Improved Player. TSK’s Director of Coaching Matt Guymon had this to say on the launch of the KCL, “We have seen the success of these community leagues in a number of clubs in recent years and felt it would compliment our club pathway. The KCL will link closely to our National League program which will allow for our coaches to talent ID and also track players progression. The KCL structure will allow players to learn via the games approach with different teaching themes introduced to the game each week. The plan is to not only develop players but to increase volunteers, coaches and provide referee’s and table officials a place to gain experience.” The KCL launches this Friday evening at the Solent Sports Complex, to register your interest for future cycles please email teamsolentkestrelsacademy@gmail.com
KESTRELS APPOINT BEN STANLEY AS NEW MEN'S HEAD COACH
Following a competitive recruitment process we are extremely excited to announce that Ben Stanley will be joining the #KestrelsFamily ahead of the 2022/2023 season, as Head Coach for the Men’s Programme. The role will see Coach Stanley lead the Solent University Men’s BUCS 1st team alongside Team Solent Kestrel’s Men’s Division 1 side. Ben is well known to the community in Southampton following his previous involvement with the club as a junior coach from 2009 to 2012. Ben re-joins the programme with a plethora of experience at various levels across the basketball pathway domestically. Since his time with the club he has gained national team experience as an assistant coach with the U18 (then England team) alongside regional performance coach roles both in the South and the East Midlands. However the bulk of Coach Stanley’s time has been spent with the Nottingham Hoods and Wildcats programmes, where he has coached at the BUCS, NBL D1 & D2 and academy levels. Ben would guide his Nottingham Hoods side last season to an impressive 4th place finish with an 18-8 record, leading them to the Cup and Trophy Quarter Finals, before going one better in the playoffs, eventually losing out to TSK at the semi-final stages. TSK Director of Coaching Matt Guymon added, “We are thrilled that Ben has returned to Southampton to lead this exciting new transition for the club. Ben has been a key part of our history and had a significant impact on basketball in the region. Ben has a wealth of experience at multiple levels, with a track record for player development and recruitment which is an integral part of our club model moving forward. I am looking forward to working with Ben to continue the development of our club pathway and educational partners.” The Merseyside native will now work with Programme Director of Coaching Matt Guymon, to assemble his roster ahead of the NBL Division 1 Men’s season, where the Kestrels Family can expect announcements in the coming weeks. “Ben fits our programme and the role we have here between our two partners perfectly. He has experience and fully understands the demands of student athletes at University and how important ‘Dual Career’ is to Solent University and the direction we’re heading in. He not only has proven experience at D1 but he clearly has an appetite to develop and work with Matt Guymon and the coaching team here and fully understands the demands and strategy we’ve set for the future.” commented Matt Bishop, Head of Sports Programmes Solent University/Kestrels Senior Management team. This appointment was always an important one for the club and whilst the search has taken time, we cannot wait to have Ben in place for the start of our new BUCS & NBL campaigns. Thank you to all our loyal fans for your patience and we hope you’ll join us in giving Ben a very warm welcome to the SSC in September.
BEV GUYMON MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT RECAPP 2022 (BGMT 22)
This past weekend saw the inaugural Bev Guymon Memorial Tournament take place at the Solent Sports Complex, as under 12 boys and girls and under 14 boys and girls teams from across the south of England battled it out for the first ever BGMT crown. With remembering Bev at the heart of the tournament set up, we feel at the club it is vitally important for us to continue her legacy and so many involved through-out the weekend were individuals who have the fondest of memories of Bev. Inspiring so many through her tireless work within the region and her inclusive attitude towards junior basketball, it was fantastic to welcome back so many familiar faces that Bev has had an impact on, to help to bring together an excellent first showing for her memorial tournament. The action got underway on Saturday as the Under 12 boys and girls sides took to the floor and in fitting fashion Bev’s beloved Team Solent Kestrels tipped off the opening game vs. Portsmouth White on the boys side of the competition. After a thoroughly competitive set of fixtures in Pool A, Milton Keynes Black would come out on top with a 3-0 record whilst London Elite were in dominant mood in Pool B, also navigating their way to a 3-0 record in group play. The Final would see both group toppers match up with each other for the U12 Boys crown and London Elite did not disappoint, as they were able to take a 45-20 victory, sealing their spot as Champions and Quentin McKelvey picking up MVP honours. The plate final saw both 2nd place finishers in the group phase match up, with Milton Keynes Red taking on Reading Rockets, MK would make light work of the Rockets side, running out 33-12 winners to secure the plate title. On the other side of Saturdays action the U12 Girls tournament saw Milton Keynes, Reading Rockets, TSK Black and TSK Red take the floor, to compete in a slightly revised competition format with a reduced number of teams. Each squad played everyone twice in a round robin group phase tournament with a strong Milton Keynes side coming out on top with a 6-0 record. There were a number of very competitive match ups across the day despite Milton Keynes not dropping a game and Mia Wilson was their star player, being crowned MVP. Sunday’s action got underway with the U14 Boys tournament with TSK taking on Portsmouth White, whilst Reading Rockets tipped off the action on court 2 against Portsmouth Blue. In Group A, Milton Keynes Red would clinch the top seed and book their spot in the final after winning all 3 of their group games, despite being pushed all the way by TSK and Plymouth Basketball Club who finished second and third respectively. Next door in Group B London Elite showed their class as they were convincing winners of their group, fending off challenges from Milton Keynes Black, Reading Rockets and Portsmouth Blue. London Elite would match up with Milton Keynes Red in the U14 Boys final, where Elite would prove too much for MK Red and secure the title with a 41-27 victory, London Elite’s Sam Scott was named MVP. In the plate final it was the battle of the second placed finishers, where Kestrels took on MK Black and would take a 45-21 victory. The U14 Girls boasted the most impressive line up as no less than 8 different teams took to the court to battle it out for the BGMT 22 title. Group A would be topped by home town side TSK who went 3 for 3, beating Bracknell Cobras, Brighton Cougars and Reading Rockets in group play. Whilst Group B winners Milton Keynes, handed big defeats to Bristol Met Mambas, Sevenoaks Suns and Susses Storm, to set up a final versus TSK. It was Milton Keynes who would secure the U14 Girls title as they won the final, 45-29, with Athena Thompson being named MVP for them. The plate final was contested by Bristol Met Mambas and Reading Rockets, who were runners up in their respective groups, with Bristol taking a 39-22 victory over the Rockets. The most important stat from the whole weekend however, was just how much has been raised for charity, with a fantastic raffle and so many generous donations. We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who donated a prize, it your generosity that has helped us to total an amazing £3727.82. The money will be divided between the Liver and Pancreatic R&D Cancer Charity and the Bev Guymon Legacy Fund. With the first one now in the books, we are pleased to be able to announce that next years tournament is already confirmed and we will be accepting expressions of interest for team wishing to enter next year, Saturday 20th May and Sunday 21st May 2023.
MATT GUYMON MOVES TO DIRECTOR OF COACHING ROLE WITHIN THE CLUB
As part of the ongoing developments and restructure at Team Solent Kestrels D1 Men’s Head Coach Matt Guymon will make a significant switch in roles, to take the lead on and oversee the clubs coaching strategy, being named Director of Coaching at TSK for the 2022-2023 season. The Kestrels club was initially founded by Matt’s parents Jimmy & Bev and he’s very much taken the reigns and a figurehead role in the club since Bev sadly lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2016. Matt has coached throughout his time at the club at all levels and has been instrumental in the development of many players through the programme. In the latter part of the club’s history and since merging with Solent University, Matt has led the Men’s D1 side to an unprecedented amount of success including multiple trophies and a record 4 consecutive NBL D1 League titles. A three time NBL D1 Coach of the Year, Guymon has mentored and supported many other coaches at the club along the way. It’s his attention to detail and the marginal gains that come from a professional attitude to both analysis and basketball tactics, that would see him regarded as one of the best coaches in the UK. It is however the right time in his career and his own passion & feelings towards the development of the clubs junior and senior pathways, for him to step away from the Men’s D1 squad as Head Coach and take this new role, helping to move the club forward. The committee are fully supportive of this move and feel there isn’t a better option for the club and the coaches within the programme to have Matt leading this, being able to share and impart all his experience and knowledge. This announcement runs in tandem with our recent acknowledgment and appreciation towards Coach Sylvain Donneaud’s time within the men’s programme and now leaves an extremely exciting opportunity for an aspiring individual to be part of something very special in the future on the south coast. A further post will be released shortly regarding a new Head Coaching role with the Club and University, however we are taking expressions of interest. If you are an individual that is interested in this role, please email Club Chairman Matt Bishop on - matthew.bishop@solent.ac.uk
INAUGURAL BEV GUYMON MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT THIS WEEKEND
This weekend sees the first ever Bev Guymon Memorial Tournament take place at the Solent Sports Complex, as Boys and Girls teams at the Under 12 and Under 14 age groups get set to compete. Bev, a legend of the game in the region, was always extremely passionate about providing experiences for young basketball players to compete and most importantly be involved in the game we all love so much. The BGMT aims to remember Bev in this way bringing the community back together with a celebration of youth basketball on the south coast. The action gets underway on Saturday morning in the Under 12 age group categories where on the boys side we will see these two groups; Group A Team Solent Kestrels, Portsmouth White, Reading Rockets, Milton Keynes. Group B Portsmouth Blue, Milton Keynes Red, Bracknell Cobras, London Elite. Whilst the Under 12 Girls group sees a more condensed field; Group A Team Solent Kestrels Black, Team Solent Kestrels Red, Milton Keynes, Reading Rockets. Sunday will see the Under 14 age group for both Boys and Girls take place with the following group stages; Boys Group A Team Solent Kestrels, Portsmouth White, Plymouth Basketball, Milton Keynes Red. Group B Reading Rockets, Milton Keynes Black, London Elite, Portsmouth Blue. Girls Group C Team Solent Kestrels, Reading Rockets, Bracknell Cobras, Brighton Cougars. Group D Milton Keynes, Sussex Storm, Sevenoaks Suns, Bristol Met Mambas. You can access the tournament schedule below. We look forward to welcoming as many of the Kestrels Family and wider basketball community this weekend, with plenty of basketball action across both days as well as a huge raffle with some amazing prizes, with all money raised going to Liver and Pancreatic R&D Cancer charity.
COACH SYLVAIN CALLS TIME ON COACHING ROLE WITH THE PROGRAMME
After an association with Solent University for over 13 years and with NBL programmes across Solent Uni & Team Solent Kestrels for over 15 years, Head Coach Sylvain Donneaud has called time on his long stint of coaching within the programme. Sylvain has been instrumental in the many successes that Solent University Men’s team have had within BUCS and has played a major role in developing one of the premier university offerings in the country. The programme has gone from strength to strength with Sylvain helping to install a culture of hard work and commitment to basketball on and off the court. His time at the University has seen several league wins within BUCS, promotions, national finals and in his final year a BUCS Premier League South Title. Alongside this he has led the NBL Division 2 side throughout his time within the programme, again with success in league wins and being represented in several National Finals including the National Playoff final this past year. Throughout his association with Solent University, he’s worked tirelessly to combine Head Coaching alongside associate lecturing on the Sports Coaching courses. However further to a new opportunity at the University as a permanent academic he is now unable to continue with the coaching role alongside his full time academic commitments. To lose someone like Sylvain is a great shame for the programme however it does open up an exciting new opportunity for us to recruit a new coach to the club pathway. We are now opening up expressions of interest for aspirational coaches who would be interested in hearing more about this opportunity. If you would like to express an interest or have an informal conversation, please contact Matt Bishop on matthew.bishop@solent.ac.uk. On behalf of everyone at Solent University and Team Solent Kestrels, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Coach Sylvain for his many years of dedication to basketball he will always be a member of the Kestrels Family and we hope he'll continuing to remain in contact with the club whilst he’s still involved at the University. Matt Bishop Head of Sports Programmes Solent Uni & TSK Chairman
CLUB STATEMENT - MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
There are some exciting years ahead for the club and I felt it important to make our future strategy and plans visible and clear to all those involved in basketball and who’ve been a supporter or had an association with the club. Firstly I think it’s important to say a sincere THANK YOU to the many people who’ve so far been involved and impacted us since our merger as Team Solent Kestrels in 2015. From players, coaches, support staff, our many sponsors and community fans, the journey so far has been an incredible experience and I strongly believe we’ve managed to showcase and develop the great sport of basketball within the Solent area and within the NBL leagues. We’ve achieved many things on and off the court and I hope we’ve helped to put basketball on the map in the UK. Over the past 6 months and on the back of a very difficult 2 years battling with covid-19 the club have been in consultation and have carried out an in depth review of our programmes, from top to bottom. We strongly feel now is the right time to re-shape our strategy and plan for the next 4/5 years and feel it the right time to continue to try to take positive steps forward and to develop our players, coaches and the wider community in Southampton. One thing that remains key for us is our junior programme and our partnership and pathway for players through the programme to Itchen College and Solent University, it is this platform and structure that we feel we need to re-focus and strive for future growth with. We have a thriving junior programme and our numbers have been growing within our ‘Mini Ballers’ and also within our junior academies which will give us a steady flow of talent in the future. We have great strength at EABL & WEABL levels at Itchen College and also at BUCS Premier League level at Solent University with the men’s and ladies both being represented at the highest level. We will continue to prioritise these programmes and invest in these players / teams which will help to support and continue our well-respected programme within the NBL Division 1 (Men’s & Ladies). We believe that by nurturing and investing in the youth programme and working hard on the institutional links between our partners we’ll be able to grow these programmes which in turn will improve our offer within the NBL senior leagues and have aspirations to see ourselves continuing with competitive programmes at all levels as above. Over the summer we will be working hard at the finer details of how to achieve our plans and what processes and individuals we need to make our plan a reality and we will communicate any updates and specific changes as and when it’s appropriate. In the meantime if you have any queries or further info required please feel free to get in contact.
TSK APPOINT CHRIS MAYES AS DIRECTOR OF BASKETBALL
Team Solent Kestrels are excited to announce the arrival of another new addition to the programme, in Chris Mayes who will take on the Director of Basketball role with the club over the coming season. For some who have been part of the Kestrels Family for over 12 years, will be familiar with Chris, as he spent two seasons with the club coaching our U18 junior boys teams back in 2007-2009. Chris brings with him a plethora of experience from around the continent but would start his journey with the Worthing Thunder during their BBL days. All before joining what was back then, Solent Kestrels, whilst studying for his degree at the University of Chichester, in fact Chris coached very familiar faces such Louie Kirkman, Chris Evans and current assistant coach Jack O’Keeffe. After a brief stint with the Worcester Wolves/University of Worcester programme Chris would make the jump to the esteemed Canarias Basketball Academy joining Director, Rob Orellana, as the programme would go from strength to strength developing numerous professional and DI college prospects. Mayes’ journey continued in Prague before moving into an assistant coach role with professional Belgian side Verviers-Pepinster, after some time at academy level in Holland he would return to Belgium with two different professional sides in Liege Basket and Leuven Bears. Along side his time in Belgium he would also assistant coach the Armenian U20 national team through European qualification/championships. Over the last few seasons Chris has split his time between Holland and Spain, with Heroes Den Bosch (Holland), Club Bàsquet TerrAlfàs (Spain) and BC Triple Threat (Holland). Chris added this on returning to the club, “I am really excited to be back with the club after coaching here back in 2007. TSK has a special and unique pathway with fantastic infrastructure which I feel can really thrive over the coming years, seeing how the club has grown since I was last involved is fantastic. It feels somewhat like coming back home with the relationships that I still have with so many people at the club and I am really looking forward to continuing to grow areas of the pathway and make an impact where I can.” Mayes will serve as Director of Basketball and will look to mentor and provide direction for our coaching network as well as shape our player pathway, starting from our schools programme up. He will also join Coach Guymon’s coaching staff at both the D1 and Academy level. TSK GM James Matthews was extremely pleased to welcome Chris back, “I am so pleased to have Chris back at the Club. We have been trying to get him back here with us for sometime now. He’s a good friend and a great coach as well as a basketball brain with a wealth of experience of the sport around Europe. He will be an important part in helping us to realise our vision for the entire Kestrels programme and I’m looking forward to the impact he will have.”
CLUB STATEMENT; SPECTATORS RETURN
See below club statement from our Chairman Matt Bishop on our plans to phase spectators back into our home games; Further to the recent government announcements and guidance supported by DCMS & Basketball England we’re now in a much stronger position to finally welcome our #KestrelsFamily back to the SSC for some NBL action. It’s been a tough time for everyone which we understand, and we can assure you that the players are as excited as you are to have you back courtside cheering them on! We do however have to still make full consideration for the safety of everyone involved and work with our facility to ensure we have measures in place to make the venue as safe as it possibly can be, as well as putting in a process for fans to purchase tickets as we are still under quite limited restrictions. So with this in mind, the first match we will be welcoming fans back into the complex is on Saturday 9th January where TSK Men’s team will welcome Thames Valley Cavaliers. Rest assured that both this weekends games (last home games before the Christmas break) will be ‘LIVE Streamed’ as normal. May we take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you again in the new year. Stay safe now.
It is with great regret that further to recent announcements by the Government on Saturday 31st October and now Basketball England today, the TSK Committee can confirm that all JUNIOR and D2 SENIOR basketball activities will cease from Thursday 5thNovember until January 2021. This includes all ‘Academy’ sessions and all ‘NBL’ team matches & training across the whole club (including U18). This decision is in line with Government & DCMS guidance and is affecting all sports governed by Sport England, below elite / professional levels. We know this will come as a huge disappointment to you all, as it has to us, however we are living through unprecedented times and through a global pandemic. The health and safety of our players, coaches and support staff and all associated families is the most important factor. Please follow the Government’s advice & guidance, stay at home where you can & stay safe. The club will be in touch with all members and will endeavour to keep communication strong through this second lockdown period. We will act appropriately when the time is right and when we are allowed to return to play; hopefully early in January 2021. Thank you & Best Wishes to all - TSK Committee
BASKETBALL ACTIVITY SUSPENDED
BASKETBALL RETURNS WITH L LYNCH TROPHY
After a 7 month hiatus, basketball is back Kestrels Family! It was announced earlier this week that the NBL season will get underway this weekend with the return of the National Trophy competition, named after sponsors L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage, the L Lynch National Trophy. The competition will see all 14 teams from NBL D1 take part with the addition of EABL sides Charnwood College and Myerscough College. The format will see 4 groups with 4 teams in each pool, playing each other once, with the winners from each group advancing to the semi finals later in the season. The twist however is that one team from each pool will be the host venue for the duration of the group stage and will play host to the 3 rounds of back to back games over the next three weekends. Group 1 - Barking Abbey London Lions, Essex Rebels, Team Solent Kestrels*, Worthing Thunder Group 2 - Hemel Storm, Oaklands Wolves* (Formerly Essex Leopards), Reading Rockets, Thames Valley Cavaliers Group 3 - Charnwood College Riders, Leicester Warriors, Loughborough Riders*, McDonald’s Nottingham Hoods Group 4 - Bradford Dragons, Derby Trailblazers, Myerscough College*, Team Newcastle University *Denotes group venue hosts TSK will play hosts to the competition in their group as basketball returns to the Solent Sports Complex, where all 6 group games will be available via live stream on Basketball England’s Youtube. (As well as all other groups games). With no fans currently able to attend live basketball fixtures this will no doubt provide the British basketball community and the Kestrels Family with their early season fix. Kestrels see themselves grouped with familiar cross coast rivals, Worthing Thunder, who will unquestionably provide a stern test in the final round of games for Coach Guymon’s side. Whilst D1 new comers Essex Rebels will be TSK’s second match up as they boast a balanced roster with D1 experience and import signings. However up first is the task of a young but very talented Barking Abbey side, led by one of the countries best coaches in James Vear. Group 1 schedule @ the SSC; Sunday 11th October 2020 Team Solent Kestrels vs. Barking Abbey London Lions - 12pm Worthing Thunder vs. Essex Rebels - 3pm Sunday 18th October 2020 Worthing Thunder vs. Barking Abbey London Lions - 12pm Essex Rebels vs. Team Solent Kestrels - 3pm Sunday 25th October 2020 Essex Rebels vs. Barking Abbey London Lions - 12pm Worthing Thunder vs. Team Solent Kestrels - 3pm TSK Head Coach Matt Guymon expressed his excitement ahead of Sunday’s clash with Barking Abbey; “We are all incredibly excited to be back on the floor after 7 months away. I would like to say a big thank you to the division 1 representative group and L Lynch for making this possible under the most difficult of circumstances, we can’t wait for the Kestrels Family to be able to see the team back in action.” Kestrels chairman and Head of Sports Programmes at Solent University, Matt Bishop also weighed in on what it means for the programme to welcome Group 1 to the SSC; “We’re extremely pleased to be hosting the South Coast Hub of the ‘L Lynch Trophy’ here at Solent Universities Sports Complex. A huge amount of work has gone into getting this competition underway in such challenging circumstances and I’d like to thank all the other D1 teams, BE and the sponsors L Lynch for making this happen. I look forward to welcoming our opposition(s) this Sunday for what I’m sure will be some extremely competitive basketball. Our games will all be live streamed by our student crew, Sonar TV, so please tune in and show your support for D1 basketball.” All live stream information will be available across all social media platforms on game day.
BBL TROPHY SEMI FINAL FIRST LEG CONFIRMED
Team Solent Kestrels are excited to announce the confirmed and now scheduled date for the first leg of the BBL Trophy Semi Final, Wednesday 12th February 2020 - 7:30pm. They’ll welcome BBL outfit Bristol Flyers to the Solent Sports Complex as they look to get off to winning start in the two legged match up. With TSK having reached the final of the National Cup, a packed February schedule and the BBL International break looming mid Feb, it slightly delayed the process in announcing the fixture, so we would like to thank the Kestrels Family for your patience. Bristol come into the semi final after knocking off Leicester Riders in the opening round of the competition 95-82 and the Flyers then received a bye in the quarter final, where they were due to play, the now defunct, London City Royals. Kestrels route to the semi’s started in the capital with a 92-82 upset victory over the London Lions, which set up a quarter final tie with fellow NBL D1 side Worthing Thunder. Kestrels saw off a strong Thunder performance at the Thunderdome to advance 94-81 and make history, becoming the first NBL team to reach to the semi final stages of the competition. TSK Head Coach Matt Guymon expressed his excitement ahead of a huge clash for the club; “Everyone at the club is really looking forward to hosting our first ever BBL game, it’s a huge achievement for the team to have progressed as far as we have done in the competition. Bristol are a fantastic organisation with an excellent Coach in Andreas and have a very tough roster, who will pose us a lot of threats. However we are playing some great basketball and hope to use that momentum and rise to the challenge.” Tickets for next Wednesday’s clash are available to purchase on game night on the door and doors will open from 6:30pm, unfortunately no pre booking options will be available. Regular ticket prices apply.
NEXT STOP ITALY FOR ITCHEN POINT GUARD ŽYDELIS
Itchen College Basketball Academy senior point guard, Titas Žydelis, has put pen to paper on a one year deal with Italian side ASD Carovigno Basket for the 2019-20 season. Titas will travel to Italy later this month to join up with his new side for their pre season preparations. The Lithuanian point guard made the switch from London based Newham Youngbloods this past season, where he would take the reins of Coach Guymon’s Itchen side in the EABL. Despite being just 5’9, Titas was able to show his tenacity on the defensive end with his quick hands and his ability to make plays off the bounce through-out this season, proving that he was able to make the jump from the ABL. Žydelis was excited and in thankful mood when he signed his first professional contract; “It’s been a difficult journey for me but through-out this whole year my coaches and team mates at Itchen have really helped to be the person and player I am today. I want to thank everyone for all their support this year, especially Matt Guymon and Jack O’Keeffe for their continued belief in me, which has created a really strong bond between us. My family, who have always supported me in all that I do and of course everyone at Itchen College behind the scenes for their continued support. I am very excited and thankful to be part of this great organisation, ASD Carovigno Basket and I can’t wait to get started with my new team.” Titas posted averages of 6.7ppg, 4.3apg, 3.2rpg and 1.9 spg this season, as he featured in every game for the programme. Itchen Head Coach Matt Guymon also added; “We are so happy for Titas that he has an opportunity to continue to develop his game at the next level. He is a guy that loves the game and has been a huge character, both on and off the floor, at our programme this season with his energy and enthusiasm. We wish him all the success in his next step and can’t wait to see what this next season has in store.” Everyone at the programme would like to extend their congratulations to Titas and we are all excited to keep an eye on his progress next season in Italy. 2019 Highlights - https://youtu.be/e4BPTDpe92o
ITCHEN GUARD RHYS SUNDIMALT SIGNS WITH FSU SELFOSS
Itchen College Basketball Academy are excited to announce senior guard Rhys Sundimalt has signed with Icelandic side FSU Selfoss Karfa for the 2019-20 season. Rhys, who started his basketball journey with the Kennington Generals programme in London before moving onto City of London Academy, spent last season with Itchen College where he really had a break out season with the programme. The 6’2 guard solidified himself as one of the best shooters in the country at the junior level, whilst showcasing the expansion in his game throughout the EABL season. With an expanded role and a lead guard for the programme, Sundimalt posted averages of 12.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.7apg & 2.0 spg, all while shooting 37.6% from the three. This would earn him a call up to the prestigious Hoopsfix AllStar Classic game as well as the inaugural 3 point contest, which he would go onto to win convincingly with an excellent sharpshooting display. Itchen Head Coach Matt Guymon added; “This is a fantastic opportunity for Rhys to further his basketball career under a great coach & club. Rhys has a bright future ahead of him and this breakout year in the EABL is just the beginning for him. We look forward to tracking his progress this season.” Selfoss are a second division club in Iceland and compete in Division 1, underneath the Icelandic top tier “Dominos League” with a strong junior programme they will look to be competitive under new head coach, former GB International Chris Caird. Rhys will make the move later this week as he begins his journey in Iceland. Rhys was excited upon taking this next step; “I would like to thank my family for their continuous support in what I love doing, I also want to thank everyone involved at Itchen College Basketball Academy from my coaches to my team-mates, their support this season has been unbelievable in helping me to mature and develop myself both on and off the court. I can’t wait for this new opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting started with Selfoss Karfa Basketball Club, Coach Chris and my team mates.” We want to extend our congratulations to Rhys and can’t wait to watch him in action in Iceland.
NATIONAL TEAM DUTY AWAITS FOR TWO YOUNG KESTRELS
Team Solent Kestrels are extremely proud to announce U16 stand out guard Rory Urquhart-Hawkins has been selected to represent Great Britain at the U16 European Championships in Podgorica, Montenegro. After being named in the original squad selected in December, Rory has made it into the final 12 who will compete for promotion to Div. A, starting this Thursday, when they open up their campaign against Finland. After getting his first experience of national team basketball last year with the U15 England team in Copenhagen, the 2018-19 season has seen Urquhart-Hawkins lead the charge for the U16 Kestrels, whilst also featuring at the U18 level. Rory has been in camp now with the squad for the past 3 weeks, where Coach Vear has ramped up their preparations for the tournament. With the squad travelling to Montenegro on Sunday, they will have some time to get acclimatised before completing their final preparations ahead of Thursdays opener. “It means a lot to be able to represent my country at the European Championships, I’m really happy I was able to do my family and the club proud in being selected. I have to thank all my coaches and in particular my mum for all their support in helping me to develop to this point, I can’t wait to get started with the squad in Montenegro.” Commented an excited Urquhart-Hawkins. With GB in group D alongside, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Romania and Slovakia, Kestrels will boast one player in either side of the competition, as Jeremy Sochan will feature for Poland in Group A, in his second European Championships. The pair played together last summer for England U15’s side however would go their separate ways, as Sochan opted to play for Poland a year young at the Euro’s. Jeremy then went on to enjoy a break out year at Itchen College and with TSK, solidifying himself as one of the best junior players in the country. Before heading stateside to La Lumiere in Indiana later this year, the 6’8 wing will hope to lead his Mothers native Poland back to Division A. The squads preparations have been on going since October, where they have faced Czech Republic, Greece, Israel, Lithuania amongst others, in a bid to ensure they are ready to go come Thursday. Jeremy added; “I am honoured to represent my country at the euros. We have prepped really well and put a lot of hours in for these next two weeks, I think we’ve built great team chemistry and we have given ourselves the best opportunity to go far in the tournament.” Everyone here at the programme is extremely proud of both young Kestrels and will be watching eagerly to see if a meeting awaits in the knock out stages. Stay tuned to the TSK/Itchen social media channels for updates through out the championships.
HOMEGROWN HUGHES HEADS STATESIDE
Itchen College Basketball Academy and Team Solent Kestrels wing, Matt Hughes, has committed to Jamestown Community College for the 2019-20 season. The home grown Kestrels talent, who hails from Southampton, will travel to New York later this month where he will begin his college career with the Jayhawks. Matt has been with the programme from the age of 9 years old and has developed his game year on year, to be recognised amongst the best junior players in the country. This is backed up by the fact he is 5th in the EABL all time leading scorers list (613 points), whilst his adjusted efficiency and efficiency rating are number 1 all time in the EABL. Having started as a young inexperienced player with the programme, Hughes will serve as a prime example to all of our junior athletes, aspiring to reach the next level. Matt has also made back to back appearances at the prestigious Hoopsfix All-star Classic, as well as attending the Deng Top 50 camp last summer. After predominantly operating as a stretch 4, Matt has seen his game expand this past season as he made the transition to the perimeter, adding a much improved three ball to his game. He shot the three at 42% this past season, with no less than 27 makes, and was able to showcase his ability off the dribble also. Posting season averages of 17.7ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.9 apg and 1.3 spg. The 6’5 swingman weighed in on his new opportunity, whilst reflecting back on his journey. “I’d like to thank my family who have supported me throughout my basketball journey. None more so than my mum and dad who have been right by my side every step of the way and I can’t thank them enough. I’d like to thank my coaches at Itchen College for the past three years, in particular Matt Guymon and Jack O’Keeffe, who have both helped me immensely on and off the court with my development. I would also like to mention Sylvain Donneaud who coached our D3 team this year to the playoff final, despite dealing with his own personal family issues. I’m extremely happy to announce I will be attending Jamestown Community College, I’m looking forward to getting started and can’t wait to see what the new season has in store for me and my team mates.” Itchen College Head Coach Matt Guymon added; “We are so pleased for Matt and this opportunity to continue his basketball/academic career in the U.S.A. Matt has made a huge impact during his time with us at Itchen, becoming one of top scorers in the EABL. We look forward to watching his progress over the next few years, where I am sure he will continue to be a success.” Everyone here at the programme would like to extend their congratulations to Matt on this fantastic opportunity and we look forward to what’s next.
YOUNG ITCHEN & TSK PROSPECT JEREMY SOCHAN COMMITS TO LA LU
Itchen College Basketball Academy and Team Solent Kestrels Basketball Club are extremely proud to announce Jeremy Sochan has committed to US powerhouse La Lumiere High School in Indiana. The decision for the young Itchen star comes after visiting a number of top programmes in the states this past February, with a plethora of other schools and coaches also showing interest. Sochan, originally from Southampton, made the move from Milton Keynes back to the south coast this past season where he has been influential at both the U19 EABL level (Itchen) and D1 Men’s (TSK). At just 15 years old he was able to make a huge impact in the EABL South Conference, as one of the best players at that level, leading to a much larger role with the Team Solent Kestrels Men’s side as the season progressed. Through-out the EABL regular season Jeremy posted averages of 17.8 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 3.9 apg, 2.4 spg & 2.1 bpg, whilst spear heading a talented Itchen roster to a second placed finish in the South Conference and a Final Four appearance. Jeremy will join up with the previously #1 ranked high school in the US later this year as he enrols for school in the new academic year, where he will be amongst a number of already nationally ranked level hoopers. Whilst the now 6’8 stand out, picked up EABL Player of the Week on two occasions and All-EABL South Conference First Team awards, more recently he has been recognised as the youngest player to be named to the prestigious Hoopsfix All-Star Classic underclassmen game. Having represented his Mothers native country, Poland, in last years European Championships, Sochan will look to lead his squad this time round at the U16 level in Montenegro, in their quest for promotion to Division A before he attends La Lumiere. Jeremy commented on his commitment; “It’s been a long journey for me so far, I want to take this opportunity to thank my family, the coaching staff at Itchen, my previous coaches, all of my team mates and everyone who has helped me to this point, I am very grateful for all the support. The next chapter of my journey will begin in Indiana and I want to thank the coaching staff and everyone at La Lumiere, who have made this a reality for me.” Itchen College Head Coach, Matt Guymon was proud of how far Jeremy has come this season and added this; "Everyone here at the programme is so proud of Jeremy's development over the last year, he has taken his game to another level and been a big time contributor for us across the club and academy. This is a fantastic opportunity for Jeremy to establish himself at the next level and a situation where he will be able to continue to make strides with the development of his game. La Lumiere has a fantastic reputation for nurturing talent and providing first class exit routes for its players and we are excited to watch Jeremy thrive during his time there." You can catch Jeremy's Mid Season highlights here; https://youtu.be/V-as4kLMcPc with his End of Season tape on the way soon.
TSK CLEAN UP A NUMBER OF END OF SEASON AWARDS
Team Solent Kestrels are proud to announce an abundance of end of season awards as both the Men’s and Women’s D1 teams are recognised in various categories. D1 Men’s play caller Matt Guymon has been named the Coach of the Year, whilst both TSK’s Americans Herm Senor II and Travis Charles make the team of the year selections. To round out the D1 Men’s award, the social media team for all Men’s content have been named the “Best Social Media”. On the Women’s side Kestrels’ American guard Geena Gomez is this seasons Player of the Year as she led the side to a 3rd place finish and semi final cup and playoff appearances, with Club stalwart Cliff Fullbrook picking up the Secretary of the Year for the D1 Women’s side. After leading his side to a 22-4 finish in NBL D1, which was enough to be crowned league champions, Coach Matt Guymon picks up the Coach of the Year award for the first time as a D1 coach and caps off a successful season after being named the EABL South Conference Coach of the Year also. Coach Guymon also guided his side to a National Cup Final appearance and will hope to make it a league and playoff double next weekend, (28th April 2019) when TSK face off with Worthing Thunder in the Final. Matt commented this on his award; “This award always signifies so much more than one person. Firstly I want to thank our fantastic club/sponsors/fans for giving us the resources & support for us to perform at the highest level. Secondly I want to thank our incredible team who have given everything for us to be successful this season. Finally I want to thank our coaching staff Jack O’Keeffe & Adam Sewell who without none of our success would be possible.” Both Herm Senor II and Travis Charles make the Team of the Year after two MVP calibre showings this season for TSK. Herm, in his second year out of Quincy University, showed why he is amongst the leagues most influential guards as he took the reigns of Coach Guymon’s side, whilst Travis, in his rookie season out of University at Albany, was the most dominant inside force the league had to offer with a number of 30 point + showings. Herm posted averages of 18.1 ppg, 7.3 apg (1st), 4.8 rpg, and 3.0 spg, as he provided a little bit of everything for TSK. Whilst his partner on the inside, after joining up with the squad just 5 games into the season, was dominant from the get go averaging 23.7 ppg (3rd), 9.0 rpg (10th), 2.7 apg and 26.0 EFF (4th), all whilst shooting 62.4% from the field. Herm Senor II had this to say on his selection; "As always individual accomplishments come with having a good team and that shows for both Travis and I. We did a great job of playing together through adversity this year and it is showing here at the end of the season. It’s great to be recognised but now it’s time to focus on our goal of winning the playoff finals!” Travis also weighed in with his thoughts on the award; “If it wasn’t for my team mates and my coach Matt Guymon, I wouldn’t have been put in this position, so I have to thank them. I give God all the glory for my abilities. I want to thank the Kestrels Family for their support all season long they have been great from the moment I arrived. I also have to thank the Coaching Staff Coach Jack O’Keeffe and Coach Adam Sewell.” Geena Gomez, in her first season out of San Diego State, was as tough as they came in WNBL D1 this season, earning the Player of the Year award. Geena ran the show for Coach CJ Lee’s side and showed her ability to score the ball in a number of ways posting averages of 21.4 ppg 4.3 apg and 2.4 spg. Gomez was also the WNBL Player of the Week on a number of occasions through out the regular season and was named in the Team of the Year alongside the MVP award. Geena added this on receiving the award; “I am very honored to receive the award and really happy that I could contribute to the success of the team this year! A huge thank you to CJ and the team for allowing me to come in and have the role that had. They’re a big reason why this is possible!” Kestrels Women’s Secretary and Club legend, Cliff Fullbrook has been recognised as the WNBL D1 Secretary of the Year and is a much deserved award for a guy that pours his heart and soul into the club and particularly the Women’s game. Cliff, alongside his full time job takes on any and every challenge here at the club from Statting games to organising fixtures and liaising with the Governing Body. Everyone in the Kestrels Family would like to extend their thanks and congratulations to Cliff on a well deserved award! TSK D1 Women’s Head Coach CJ Lee gave his thoughts; “Cliff is one of the most passionate people I know. Yes, those of you who know him may think he hides it well… but for the last 11 seasons he has been by my side, statting, driving, always supporting, organising, and assisting me with post and pre-game analysis. Every success I’ve ever had in our club is thanks in part to Cliff’s support. He has been a loyal servant to our club, basketball and the women’s game for many years and I hope you still have a few more left in you!” To round off the impressive haul of accolades from this past season, TSK’s Social Media team, have been voted the best social media for NBL D1. The clubs online profile over the past few seasons has grown dramatically across a number of social media platforms, as well as the club website, with fresh, regular and quality content from all across the programme. This season in particular has seen the club take things to new heights with the addition of post game interviews, mini-movies and improved game highlight packages. TSK’s lead of social media and communications Jack O’Keeffe had this to say; “I am so glad that our work online has been recognised as there a number of key contributors to what we have tried to do across our social media platforms. Firstly I’d like to thank Benjy Kirkman, who has come on board this year and taken our video edits to a completely new level, he is fantastic at what he does and has elevated our content drastically. Also club photographers, in particular Luke Simcock and Nick Guise-Smith from Mirror Box Studios, who produce outstanding images for us to use on a regular basis and without this our content would be minimal. Most importantly the Kestrels Family for engaging, sharing, liking and championing our content, with your continued support we hope to carry on improving everything we do online!”
ITCHEN DUO SELECTED FOR ALL SOUTH CONFERENCE EABL TEAMS
Itchen College Basketball Academy stand outs Jeremy Sochan and Peter Turay have been named to the All EABL South Conference 1st & 2nd Team respectively for the 2018-19 season. The awards recognise the top 10 players from each conference based on their contributions for the season, as voted for by coaches across the conference. Sochan joined the Itchen programme this year, as he made the move down from Milton Keynes to his boy hood home in Southampton, where he has made an immediate impact and featured for the Team Solent Kestrels Division 1 Men’s side at the age of 15. Having represented the Polish national team this past summer, he has relished the opportunity to step up a level domestically and lead Coach Guymon’s side in scoring this season (17.8 ppg). He also led the team in rebounding (11.7 rpg), assists (3.9 apg), steals (2.4 spg) and blocks (2.1 bpg) showing his all round game. This included two player of the week performances also, in victories on the road over CoLA (25 points and 17 rebounds) and Barking Abbey (31 points and 15 rebounds). Jeremy added this on his 1st Team selection; “I’ve come a really long way this season with the development in my game, I’m so grateful to the coaching staff who have challenged me on a daily basis. I appreciate the recognition and I hope that with my continued hard work I can continue to make big strides with my game. I also want to thank my team mates for pushing me everyday in practice without that I wouldn’t have made the improvements in my game. ” Peter Turay also joined Itchen for his “prep” year this season as he made the move from the well established City of London Academy/Southwark Pride programme. Much like Sochan the 6’7 big man, who has since signed a full athletic scholarship to Lamar Community College, hit the ground running early in the season establishing himself as one of the most dominant forces in the conference. Turay was also named Player of the Week for his performance against Alec Reed in week 7, behind a 33 point, 18 rebound performance. His stats this season were also worthy of the nod for the 2nd team as he posted, 16.2 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.4 spg and shooting 64.5% from the field. He added; “Thanks to all the coaching staff that work everyday to help me improve my game, I feel I have been able to do that consistently this year. I’m happy that I had enough of an impact to help my team to second place in the conference and feel we have had a successful season.” Itchen College Head Coach Matt Guymon was proud of both players on their selection and added this; “We are extremely proud of both Jeremy and Peter on being named to the All EABL South Conference teams, they have represented our academy well both on and off of the floor. They have both made great progress with their development this season and I can't wait to see them excel at the next level." Everyone at Itchen Sixth Form College and Team Solent Kestrels would like to extend their congratulations to both Jeremy and Peter and we are all excited to see how much more than can develop! EABL Release; http://www.eabl.org/2019/03/eabl-all-1st-and-all-2nd-teams-announced/
MATT GUYMON NAMED EABL SOUTH CONFERENCE COACH OF THE YEAR
Itchen College Basketball Academy and Team Solent Kestrels are proud to announce, Head Coach Matt Guymon, has been named the EABL South Conference Coach of the Year for the 2018-19 season. It comes off the back of leading his squad to the Final Four with a regular season record of 15-3, which was enough for a 2nd place finish in the South Conference of the Elite Academy Basketball League. With arguably some of the best coaches in the country in the EABL, it is an award that is held in high regard and this will now be the third time Coach Guymon has received this award. He was named the Coach of the Year in back to back years for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons, where he led Itchen to the Elite Eight and Final Four respectively. Coach Guymon gave us his thoughts on being named COTY; “This has been the most competitive season I can remember in the South Conference with incredible coaching, players and programs battling it out each week. This is a great honour to be chosen for this award. Firstly, I want to thank the players who have been a pleasure to coach, leaving everything on the floor this season for our programme. Finally, I want to thank Jack O’Keeffe for his tireless efforts to raise the standards of our players and programme, without him our success wouldn’t be possible.” Itchen navigated their way through a loaded South Conference only dropping 3 games in the regular season, whilst totalling 15 wins, including a number of tough come from behind and road victories. Despite handing North #3 seed Derby a double digit loss in the EABL Playoffs, at the Elite Eight stage, Coach Guymon’s team came up short last week in Loughborough as they fell to Charnwood College (North #1 seed). It is still all to play for however in the AoC Premier Cup as Itchen will face New City College in the quarter finals stage on Wednesday. From everyone at Team Solent Kestrels and Itchen College Basketball Academy we want to extend our congratulations on this well deserved achievement. EABL RELEASE; http://www.eabl.org/2019/03/eabl-coach-of-the-year-awards-announced/
JUNIOR KESTRELS DUO NAMED TO U15 ENGLAND SQUADS
Team Solent Kestrels are proud to announce that both Lucy Tucker-Blackford and Zak Missouri have been selected for the initial England U14/15 squads. Basketball England released the respective boys and girls squad lists on Friday morning, where both Kestrels players have been recognised amongst some of the best up and coming young talents in the country. Missouri and Tucker-Blackford were both key figures in the South boys and girls squads, who came 2nd and 3rd at the U15 Regional Development Tournament back in early September. They have both continued to make great strides with their development under the guidance of Team Solent Kestrels club coaches, Khalid Missouri and Vicky Milner, at the U16 National League level. Missouri has also feature a number of times for the U18 Mens side this season, making the step up with Coach Jack O’Keeffe’s side. Zak commented; “I am honoured to have been selected for my country, I just want to thank the club, Coach Jack and Coach Khalid as well as all my teammates for pushing me so hard without them this wouldn't be possible!” The TSK U16 Boys PG narrowly missed out on the U15 Squad last season, where he made the final camp along with team mates George Clark and Rory Urquhart-Hawkins but wasn’t named to the final 12. He was the only player to make it to the final stage a year young after leading his U14 TSK side to a National Championship, so will be looking to stake his claim for a spot in the final roster this time round. However for Lucy it is her first call up to the National team set up after impressing at the RDT and with Team Solent Kestrels girls sides, she will be keen to show her talents at the first camp in the Easter break. “I am really happy and proud to be recognised as one of the top U15 girls in the country. I know I have a lot of hard work ahead of me, but I am excited about that. I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the girls that have been selected and hopefully making some new teammates.” Added Lucy on her selection. The first camp will take place at the National Basketball Performance centre in Manchester at the beginning of April half term, before the Girls squad will play in a tournament in Nottingham whilst the Boys will travel to Paris for the Lions Cup on Easter weekend. The squads will meet up again in Manchester during May half term, before they’ll conclude their programme later in the summer at the Copenhagen Invitational Tournament in June. We also caught up with Coach Vicky Milner and Coach Jack O’Keeffe who had this to say; “Really pleased for Lucy, she has a real passion for the game which shines through when she is training and playing. She has worked hard on her game in training and outside of the regular training sessions, developing her shot and ball handling abilities. We wish her the best of luck in the training camps.” Whilst Coach O’Keeffe was extremely proud of Zak’s recognition; “This opportunity for Zak is the result of his dedication to constantly improving his game. I know first hand that he works tirelessly to develop his skill set both in season and through-out the off season. Rarely do you come across young athletes who love the game as much as he does and not just that, he loves the process of finding ways to be better. Everyone here at the club are extremely proud of his achievements and the deserved recognition he has received.” Again all at TSK would like to extend their congratulations to both of our young athletes and we wish them all the success for the camps and future selection.
ITCHEN STAND OUT PETER TURAY COMMITS TO LAMAR CC
Itchen College Basketball Academy are both extremely excited and proud to announce that 6’7 Forward Peter Turay III has committed to Lamar Community College for the 2019/20 season. Peter signed his National Letter of Intent as he accepted his full athletic scholarship to the Colorado based Junior College, earlier this week. Turay, who is currently averaging 18.2 ppg, 9.5 rpg & 1.5 apg all while shooting 67.1% from the floor, is in the midst of a breakout senior year in the EABL, where he has established himself as one of the more dominant big men in the country. Posting 7 double doubles in 13 games, Peter has shown his constant improvement on both ends of the floor so far this season, including a huge 33 point and 18 rebound effort against Alec Reed Academy, which would secure him his first EABL Player of the Week accolade. Turay hails from Carshalton, South London and begun his basketball journey with the very well established Southwark Pride/City of London Academy programme, under the guidance of both Coach Jackson Gibbons and Sterling Muschett. He is one of a number of both boys and girls athletes to graduate their fantastic programme and move onto the college level in the states. Upon graduating from CoLA in 2018, Peter made the move to the South Coast where he has featured for both Itchen College in the EABL and Team Solent Kestrels in NBL D1. Director of Basketball for CoLA, Coach Jackson Gibbons; “Everyone at CoLA is massively happy for Peter and his achievement in going to Lamar, he’s a very talented young man with great character and this proves that his hard work has paid off and made the journey worth it.” Peter will join up with his team mates in the states at the beginning of next season and will be joining a side, in the Lamar Runnin Lopes, who are consistently developing young talent and pushing them to the next level. Their latest example being, Jubrile Belo, former Barking Abbey and GB U20 big man who will move onto Montana State University in NCAA D1. Peter added this on committing to Lamar; “Firstly I want to thank god for my family and the coaches that work hard daily to help me get where I am. In particular I would like to thank Coaches Jackson Gibbons, Sterling Muschett, Matt Guymon and Jack O’Keeffe for their belief in me and constantly pushing me to improve my game. Finally I’d like to thank the Coaching Staff at Lamar for their hard work in making this next opportunity a reality for me and I can’t wait to get started with them next season.” Head Coach at Itchen College Matt Guymon also added; “Peter has come in and made a real impact for our programme this season, his work ethic in both individual and team sessions has been rewarded with this fantastic opportunity for him at the next level. Lamar are getting a very high character guy in Peter, who will no doubt be a great addition to their programme. We are all extremely proud of Peter and look forward to watching him develop his game in the states.” Check out Peter’s highlights from the first half of the season here; https://youtu.be/-xmA1PrdAzU
KESTRELS TO FEATURE IN THIS YEARS BBL TROPHY COMPETITION
Team Solent Kestrels are excited to announce that the club has been invited to take part in this years BBL Trophy competition. The knockout format competition will see Kestrels in the hat with all 12 BBL franchises, with the inclusion of the Wales National team, Scottish National League side St. Mirren West College and our South Coast NBL D1 counterparts Worthing Thunder. The trophy has a history of inviting the top teams in NBL D1 from the previous season as well as a team from the Scottish National League each season. Last year saw Loughborough Student Riders take Reading Rockets’ spot in the competition where they saw off Sony Centre Falkirk Fury in the 1st round before running London Lions mightily close in the Quarter Finals. Team Northumbria also featured in last years competition but BBL side Worcester Wolves proved too strong for them in round 1. TSK Head Coach Matt Guymon spoke of his excitement at the clubs inclusion in this years competition; “This is such an exciting opportunity for our club which shows our continued growth as a program. We have gone from strength to strength both on and off the floor over the past few seasons and are ultimately looking forward to testing ourselves against the highest level of competition in the country. We would also like to thank the BBL for extended us an invite and recognising our recent rise as a club.” Kestrels will learn who their opposition will be this Wednesday, as the draw is completed live on the BBL’s Facebook page (link below). The draw itself will see a bracket format used, so teams will be aware of their route through the competition. The first round fixtures are set for the weekend of 21st/23rd December and all information regarding the tie will be communicated in due course. Teams who reach the quarter finals will play in the new year over the weekend of 11th January 2019 with the semi finals taking place over two legs beginning on the weekend of the 8th February 2019. There will be no change with the finals venue, with the Emirates Arena in Glasgow playing host to the eventual finalists on Sunday 10th March 2019. Wednesdays draw will kick off with the BBL Cup ties being drawn from 3pm, followed by the BBL Trophy bracket draw at 3:30pm, you can tune in here; https://www.facebook.com/BBLofficial/ With this seasons fixtures being finalised in the coming weeks, player signings being confirmed and pre season fixtures arranged ensure you stay up to date with everything Team Solent Kestrels by following us on all social media platforms, links to all are below! Facebook - Team Solent Kestrels Twitter - @SolentKestrels Instagram - @solent_kestrels YouTube - Team Solent Kestrels #KestrelsFamily
FORWARD DUO TO COMPETE AT HOOPSFIX ALLSTAR CLASSIC 2018
Itchen College & Team Solent Kestrels forward duo Ashley Briggs and Matt Hughes will head to the capital this weekend where they’ll match up amongst the top junior talent in the country at the 2018 Hoopsfix All Star Classic. Briggs will return for his 3rd appearance in the showcase, this time in the Class of 2018 category whilst Matt Hughes makes his first appearance after a break out year in the EABL in the underclassmen game. After a year hiatus the Hoopsfix All-Star Classic makes its return behind the relentless British Basketball advocate, Mr Hoopsfix himself Sam Neter. The showcase allows for the best young talent in the country to match up in an All-Star format and go head to head on the big stage. This year the athletes that will be returning to their respective programmes will compete in the Underclassmen game at 2pm on Saturday whilst Seniors who will/have graduate(d) go at it in the Class of 2018 game at 4pm. The Classic remains at one of the Mecca’s of British hoops the Brixton Rec Centre. Briggs who represent Team Black commented this on his 3rd selection; "HASC is always something I look forward to and I am really excited it has returned this summer. Of course it's an honour to be selected for the event and I thank everyone who had a hand in that process. Having the opportunity to play against the top players in the country in one game doesn't happen very often and it's just great to be a part of it all. Whilst Matt Hughes also representing Team Black (Underclassmen) weighed in on his first time selection; “For me personally it’s a great honour to be selected and even recognised amongst the top players in the country. To play with and against some of the best players in the country is a rare occasion and I am really looking forward to the game and the experience as a whole. With so much hard work behind the scenes and from all the sponsors that have helped to make it such a great event we encourage our whole basketball community to follow the action this Saturday by heading over to the Hoopsfix social media pages where you’ll be able to catch all the action as it happens! For more information visit; www.hoopsfixallstarclassic.com #KestrelsFamily #HASC18
ITCHEN/TSK U19 ASH BRIGGS COMMITS LAKE REGION STATE ROYALS
Itchen College and Team Solent Kestrels forward Ashley Briggs has committed to Lake Region State College for the 2018/19 season and will make his move to the North Dakota junior college at the end of the summer on an athletic scholarship. Ashley will follow in former Itchen/TSK big man Harvey Barr’s footsteps and as one Itchen alumni moves on from Lake Region (Harvey Barr graduated from LRSC and will move to a NCAA school) another joins the Royals. The 6’8 big man who hails from Hythe in the south of Hampshire, joined Kestrels aged 13 and has featured for the club through every junior age group since, resulting in a call up for the Division 1 Men’s team last season whilst featuring more regularly this season for the Division 3 Men’s Kestrels side. Briggs also spent his last three season at Itchen College Basketball Academy under the guidance of Matt Guymon and his coaching staff where he has made huge strides in improving his game and his body. Ash earned himself a call up to the England U16 national team during the summer of 2015 where he represented the country at the European Championship Division A facing some of europe’s top young talent and he was again featured in the U18 selection process for the England/GB over the next two summers. He led the U18 Team Solent Kestrels team to the playoff quarter finals last season before taking Itchen College to the elite eight in the EABL playoffs this season after a 3rd place finish in the East Conference. His performances this year saw him land two EABL player of the week awards and with averages of 14.2ppg, 8.5rpg, 2.7apg & 1.3spg landed him a spot on the All EABL East Conference 2nd team. After signing his letter of intent surrounded by his team mates earlier this week Briggs had this to say; “I’m really happy that I am able to further my education and basketball career at Lake Region State College next year. I have been in contact with Coach Marshall for a while now and I feel as though it will be a great fit for me to come in and make an impact right away. I want to say a massive thank you to Team Solent Kestrels/Itchen College and all the coaching staff that have helped me to develop over the years. Also my family for their continued belief and support they have shown me. Whilst this is a massive decision for me I know I have made the right one and I can’t wait to get started.” TSK & Itchen College Basketball Academy Head Coach Matt Guymon was extremely proud of Ash and had this to say; “This is a great opportunity for Ash at a good junior college level. As they have had players from the UK before it should help him make a quick transition to American culture & style of basketball. We are very proud of what Ash has achieved over the last 3 years with us, and we hope this is just the start of what he can accomplish both in basketball & academically.” Everyone here within the Kestrels Family would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ash on achieving his scholarship and we can’t wait to see how he represents once he touches down on American soil next season. You can check out Ash’s highlights from the 2016-17 season here; https://youtu.be/KclXOuCKYno And keep your eyes peeled to our social media channels for his new highlight mix in the coming days!
ITCHEN FORWARD DUO NAMED TO EABL ALL CONFERENCE 2ND TEAM
Itchen College Basketball Academy & Team Solent Kestrels Forward duo, Ashley Briggs and Matt Hughes, have been named to the East Conference All EABL 2nd Team for the 2017-18 season. The 1st and 2nd teams were voted for by coaches across the league and the accolade considers them amongst the top 10 players in their respective conference. The pair have both grown up in the Team Solent Kestrels junior set up, from the U14 age group right through to the U19 academy at Itchen College. Both were pivotal figures in the academies success this season, leading the squad to it’s 5th playoff appearance in a row finishing the season with a 9-5 record to clinch the 3rd seed in the East. Ash, a former England/GB international, has been a stand out homegrown prospect over the last 3 seasons at Itchen, and this year saw him lead the line for a relatively inexperienced group in his senior year, picking up two EABL player of the week awards. Despite a huge 28 point, 14 rebound performance in the Elite 8 at Charnwood, Briggs and his Itchen squad were unable to overcome the East Midlands academy. With averages of 14.2ppg, 8.5rpg, 2.7apg and 1.3spg the 6’8 forward showed how he has expanded his game doing a little bit of everything including shooting over 40% from the 3 point line, finishing 9th in overall player efficiency and 10th in FT % (71.4%). Briggs had this to say on his selection; “Of course I’m extremely happy to have been selected for the team. We worked so hard as a group this season to get on the same page and managed to do that just at the right time. I can’t thank the coaching staff and my team mates enough for the support they have shown me through out the year and my time at the academy. Also I want to give a big shout out to my team mate Matt Hughes for making the 2nd team this year too. Ash will now pursue his options both in the United States and with Universities in the UK as he moves on from the academy well prepared for the next level. Much like his front court partner Matt Hughes has been monumental this season contributing big time for both club and academy, with several 40+ point games in U18 NBL action and a number of 20+ points performances in the EABL. Whilst Matt is only a 2nd year he posted averages of 19.7ppg, 11.4rpg, 1.9apg and 1.7spg leaving him 2nd in the league for points per game, 4th in efficiency rating and 4th in rebounding. Again another example of the home grown talent continuously moving through the pathway at TSK and Itchen College. Hughes came up big down the stretch during regular season play, posting a monster double double in a down to the wire victory over JMA with 16 points and 19 rebounds. Whilst just two weeks later, he put up 31 points and 9 rebounds in an overtime victory at Barking Abbey to hand them their first loss in almost two seasons. The 6’5 forward will return to Itchen for a third year of study and will feature for the TSK men’s side next season. Matt was overjoyed at his selection and commented; “I’m really grateful to be selected and ultimately make the team. The coaches here at Itchen have been putting a lot of work in with me and the team this year and I was happy to give back to them with my performances. I couldn't have done it without the continuous support from my teammates so I owe a great deal to them.” Itchen College Basketball Academy’s Head Coach Matt Guymon also weighed in on the selection of his forward duo and was extremely proud of their achievements; “ This is a fantastic achievement for Ash & Matt which is testament to the hard work they have put in over the last few seasons. They were both instrumental in our success this year, consistently leading the way in a number of statistical categories and influential in getting us over the line when we needed it most. For our programme this means a great deal, knowing that they both started with Solent Kestrels when they were U14 and have been able to develop into top EABL performers along our player pathway."
TEAM SOLENT KESTRELS JUNIORS MAKE U15/16 ENGLAND SQUADS
Team Solent Kestrels junior duo Faye Endean and Jack Wiseman have been selected in the initial 34 player England U15/16 squads following successful performances at last weekends U15 Regional Development Tournament in Manchester. The pair will join up with the mens and women’s squad this December for National Team Training Camp in Manchester, after representing the South region in the RDT. “I’m really excited to be selected for the U15/16 England squad this, regionals was another excellent experience especially beating last years winners. I cannot wait for the first training camp in December.” Explained Faye. Faye who was part of the England U15 squad last year, played a huge part for both the U14 & U16 TSK’s girls teams last season with several large scoring outputs and will continue to lead the line for both squads again this coming season. Wiseman who has shown a great deal of development through our U14 National League team over the past two seasons with Coach Matt Birch and Coach Khalid Missouri, will now make the step up to U16 level and will also look to feature for the U18 team as the season progresses. Head of Team Solent Kestrels Junior girls basketball, Vicky Milner expressed just how proud the club are of Faye’s development; “Everyone here at TSK are really proud of Faye for being selected for the U15/U16 England squad for the second year in a row. She has worked hard the past year in practice as well as going above and beyond outside of team training. Faye has recognised aspects of her game that need improving and has put in a lot of individual work, that hard work has paid off and she can very proud of herself. I am sure she will continue to put the extra work in and aim to make the final team this time around, something that we as a club will support in every aspect.” Jack’s U16 Head Coach Jack O’Keeffe was also full of praise for Jack’s selection; “We are all extremely proud of Jack for being named to the initial U15/16 England squad. Jack has shown fantastic commitment to developing his game over the past two seasons and I have no doubt he will continue to work on skill set through out the season. Credit to the coaching staff at Kestrels for the work they have down with Jack to this point. Jack has an innate competitive nature that has helped him develop thus far and I look forward to seeing how much more he will develop over the coming season.” Jack was extremely grateful of the opportunity and had this to say; “I want to thank all of my club coaches who have helped me develop as well as the regional coaching staff this summer. I’ really looking forward to the challenge of competing with the best players in the country at the first training camp in December and I know that the hard work really starts now for me.” Team Solent Kestrels boys players Stan Mellstrom (U16 Premier) and Rory-Urquhart Hawkins (U14/16 Premier) also represented the South Region at the tournament, with Stan finishing 2nd overall in the National Shooting Test. TSK girls contingent of Caitlin Collier, Charlotte Finn, Georgia Taylor and Katie Hopper all joined Faye on the South U15 side as well.
MIRROR BOX STUDIOS CONTINUE PARTNERSHIP WITH KESTRELS FOR 2017-18 SEASON
Itchen College & Team Solent Kestrels forward duo Ashley Briggs and Matt Hughes will head to the capital this weekend where they’ll match up amongst the top junior talent in the country at the 2018 Hoopsfix All Star Classic. Briggs will return for his 3rd appearance in the showcase, this time in the Class of 2018 category whilst Matt Hughes makes his first appearance after a break out year in the EABL in the underclassmen game. After a year hiatus the Hoopsfix All-Star Classic makes its return behind the relentless British Basketball advocate, Mr Hoopsfix himself Sam Neter. The showcase allows for the best young talent in the country to match up in an All-Star format and go head to head on the big stage. This year the athletes that will be returning to their respective programmes will compete in the Underclassmen game at 2pm on Saturday whilst Seniors who will/have graduate(d) go at it in the Class of 2018 game at 4pm. The Classic remains at one of the Mecca’s of British hoops the Brixton Rec Centre. Briggs who represent Team Black commented this on his 3rd selection; "HASC is always something I look forward to and I am really excited it has returned this summer. Of course it's an honour to be selected for the event and I thank everyone who had a hand in that process. Having the opportunity to play against the top players in the country in one game doesn't happen very often and it's just great to be a part of it all. Whilst Matt Hughes also representing Team Black (Underclassmen) weighed in on his first time selection; “For me personally it’s a great honour to be selected and even recognised amongst the top players in the country. To play with and against some of the best players in the country is a rare occasion and I am really looking forward to the game and the experience as a whole. With so much hard work behind the scenes and from all the sponsors that have helped to make it such a great event we encourage our whole basketball community to follow the action this Saturday by heading over to the Hoopsfix social media pages where you’ll be able to catch all the action as it happens! For more information visit; www.hoopsfixallstarclassic.com #KestrelsFamily #HASC18
