Just a reminder that trials start this week and all players are expected to be returning to training. 

The Under 14s will be led by Sam Betts, Under 16s by Matt Fenton, Under 18s by Mark Hinton and Men by James Vear.

The schedule is:

From 1 August – 28 August

Monday
7:00-8:30 Under 14/16
8:30-10:00 Under 18/Men

Wednesday
9:00-10:30 16+ Scrimmage

Thursday
7:00-9:00 Under 14/16
9:00-10:30 Under 18/Men (Showcourt from 9:00)

From 29 August through season

Monday
7:00-8:30 Under 14
8:30-10:30 Men
9:00-10:30 Under 18

Tuesday
7:00-8:30 Under 14
7:30-9:00 Under 16
9:00-10:30 Under 18

Wednesday
9:00-10:30 Men

Thursday
7:00-8:30 Under 16
8:30-10:30 Men

Saturday
9:00-11:00 Community sessions
11:00-1:00 Under 16
1:00-3:00 Under 14
3:00-5:00 Under 18

Medway Park is preparing to host its first international basketball event.

The England U16 boys’ team will be contesting a three-match series against the Belgium U16s at Medway’s centre of sporting excellence between Friday, 16 July and Sunday, 18 July.

The series will also feature free community coaching and tournaments and open spectator admission to allow the people of Medway to see the international basketball stars of the future in action.

The series begins on Friday with training sessions and a coaching clinic from 2pm-4pm, when aspiring local players will get a chance to rub shoulders with the international players and members of Medway’s own national league basketball team, Medway Park Crusaders.

The first of the test matches begins follows at 5pm on Friday in the new sports hall at Medway Park, when there will be the obligatory half-time free-throw challenges and other spectator entertainment laid on to complete the basketball experience.

On Saturday, Medway Park Crusaders are organising a community invitational tournament from 3.30pm-6.30pm. The internationals return to the court for the second match of the series at 7.30pm, when again there will be free crowd entertainment laid on throughout the event.

The teams’ final day at Medway Park is on Sunday, when they will take part in final training sessions ahead of the third and final test match at 2pm.

England U16 Boys’ Head Coach Simon Fisher said: “It is with a sense of pride that I will be bringing this year’s England U16 team to Medway for the three-game international series.

“Over the last couple of years, Belgium and ourselves have enjoyed a positive relationship with internationals between the two teams in preparation for the European Championships.

“It is with delight that we can welcome them to England to experience the beautiful hospitality afforded by the Medway Park Crusaders Club.”

There is no fee for watching the matches so non-centre members only need pay the £1.50 centre admission charge.

Anyone who participates in any of the community and schools sessions will get free admission to the centre and matches.

To reserve a place in the Friday coaching clinic, contact Medway Council’s Sports Development Team on 01634 334352 or email sportsdevteam@medway.gov.uk.

For more information about Medway Park Crusaders visit www.medwayparkcrusaders.co.uk.

For more information about Medway Park (formerly the Black Lion Leisure Centre) visit www.medwaypark.com.

Ryan Richards was selected with the 49th pick in the NBA draft last night. The Crusaders want to pass on their huge congratulations for such a fantastic achievement.

www.hoopsfix.com/2010/06/ryan-richards-drafted-49th-by-san-antonio-spurs/

For those that have yet to hear about it, Disraeli Lufadeju of the Under 18, the Elite Academy and the Men put a dunk on Burleigh’s big man in the England Schools Final 4 bronze medal game:

Ryan is currently at the NBA Draft Combine and turneds some heads on Day One. See ESPN’s report here: ESPN Video

The Crusaders Basketball Academies, based at The Canterbury High School, have both qualified for the England Schools national final fours on the 8th and 9th May. They currently are the only school to have had two boys team qualify for the finals.

The 6th Form Academy progressed with comprehensive victories over TASIS and Peter Symonds College, before upsetting national favourite Barking Abbey. A 26 point victory over Filton College in the quarterfinal meant they advanced to their third national semi-final this season (British Colleges Elite League and Cup).

The Year 9s are yet to be tested this season as they progressed with huge victories over Cardinal Newman, Woking, Plymstock and a 50 point victory over Aylesbury Grammar in the quarterfinals.

The new calendar on the website now has up to date training information. It will be regularly updated and is best source of information for up to date information on training.

Crusaders U14’s season came crashing to and end with an empathatic 111-61 defeat to a very talented, athletic Ipswich team. For the first time this season, Crusaders were smaller than their opposition with their starting 3 big me standing 6ft 9, 6 ft 5 and 6ft 3.

We started off very slowly and the speed of the ipswich team, especially in transition killed crusaders. Despite 2 time outs and some chages in personel we couldnt contain England intenational Robbie Makka, espcially in the post. Our first points from Kyle Vincett after 4 minutes coupled with further points from Liam Carpenter and Dave Coachman were highlight in a poor first 1/4 display.

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