In their last match before the Christmas break, Bognor Amazons were up against Brighton South Down Suns - a team who had won all their games - but beat them 60-35.
Amazons knew a win against Suns them would put them in an excellent position in the league at the halfway stage. The first quarter started with the teams trading baskets. An early three-pointer from Suns’ Rooney put Amazons on the back foot and encouraged them to spread their zone defence to the far corners.
With three minutes left, Amazons upped their intensity and ended the quarter scoring 12 unanswered points to finish 18-10 up. Some inspiring coaching from Suns’ coach/captain Mason, a former international who has represented England and GB at junior and senior levels, helped them during the second quarter, with baskets going in at both ends.
Amazons allowed Suns to scrape back some points and beat them in that quarter. But Amazons led 27-22 at the halfway stage. Suns re-emerged with man-to-man defence. This gave Amazons a chance to run some set plays and gain easy baskets and Suns struggled.
With fouls kept to a minimum both teams were working hard but Amazons stretched the lead at the end of the third quarter to 45-27. Amazons started the fourth quarter with a three-pointer from Lowe as the hosts showed their visitors they were serious about challenging for top spot.
A slow start from the Suns allowed Amazons to get more points under their belt and as the time ticked away there was nothing more that Suns could do to stop a great team effort from Amazons.
AMAZONS: Wilson 16, Lowe 10, Smith 8, Vitanyi 6, Barlow 6, Phillips 4, Van Der Ouderaa 4, Thorne 2, Campbell 2, Stapely 2 (MVP), Ritchie. Amazons’ next home game is on Tuesday, January 22, at 7pm at The Arena, Bognor. There’s free entry so go and show your support.