Both Manchester Magic and Mystics U16s teams will be competing for silverware in the National Cup Finals – the oldest running basketball competition in England (since the 1930s).
The National Cup Finals take place in Manchester this weekend (21-22 January) at the National Basketball Performance Centre in the Belle Vue Sports Village.
The Mystics take on Ipswich Basketball Club in the under-16 girls’ final, which tips off at 11:00 on Saturday, 21 January.
The Magic take on London Lions in the under-16 boys’ final, which tips off at 13:15 on Saturday, 21 January.
Twelve teams will be in Manchester over the weekend to compete in Basketball England’s signature cup competition. The senior competition on the Sunday sees Derbyshire Trailblazers and Hemel Storm in the men’s senior cup final and Reading Rockets and Thames Valley Cavaliers in the women’s senior cup final.
Junior Sure Shot National Cup Finals – Saturday, 21 January
Under-16 Girls’ Sure Shot National Cup 11:00 Manchester Mystics vs Ipswich Basketball Club
Manchester Mystics were runners-up to GCA Haringey Angels in last year’s under-16’s girls’ competition, so they will be looking to put things right with another bite at the cherry.
The home team took out Manchester Mystics III (78-33), Leicester Riders Foundation (60-44), Milton Keynes Breakers (91-54) and Team Solent Kestrels (111-42) to reach the finals.
Head Coach Rob Fairley said: “We are delighted to have made it back to the finals this season, the National Cup is always an exciting event. The team will be raring to go and I am sure we will give a good account of ourselves, while ultimately enjoying the spectacle.
“This year we get to play the always formidable Ipswich. They play solid basketball and I’m sure the game itself will be a great experience for all involved.”
Under-16 Boys’ Sure Shot National Cup 13:15 Manchester Magic vs London Lions
It is the Northern Premier vs the Eastern Premier in the boys’ final.
Manchester Magic are amid a great season, with a 100% record (11-0), 33 points and the best defence in the league.
Last season, the Magic’s cup run was undone by the Islington Panthers in the semi-finals, who beat them 73-70. The Panthers would go on to win the cup.
This year, however, Magic started as they meant to go on, providing a series of sizable wins against Sheffield Sabres Elite Basketball Academy I (85-30), Leeds LDM (122-21), Newcastle Eagles (71-57), before sharpening their mentality against local rivals Manchester Giants (71-62) then City of Birmingham Rockets I (83-78).
Head Coach Adam Morris said, “The National Cup is always a special competition. Our cup run has been exciting with many challenging teams, and I’m delighted we will be a part of a final. We’re expecting a tough game and looking forward to the competition.”
Captain Jack Walton said, “We are delighted to reach the Sure Shot National Cup Final and are proud to represent Manchester Magic on such an exciting occasion. We have worked hard as a squad all season with everyone contributing and are keen to perform to the best of our ability. Let’s go Magic!”
