Taunton Tigers U16 boys had their best win to date with a 27 point victory over Dorset Storm who had previously the week before had a big win against Bath. Tigers went into the game with only 8 players, giving coaches Carter and Assistant Scarborough potential headaches with player rotation if the team fell into foul trouble which had happened in the previous couple of games.
The 1st quarter was an edgy affair with both teams trying to work each other out. Tigers started the better with Elliot Pym finally recognising his undoubted talent driving hard to the hoop and getting to the charity line. The storm came back strong towards the end of the quarter to close the gap to a point.
An alternation to the defensive strategy by the Tigers coaches, for the start of the second quarter was to change the outcome of the game. Tiger's big men Pym, Mark Schroeder, and Joe De Silva did an excellent job in boxing out, rebounding and forcing the Storm to take difficult shots. The Tigers were then able to push the ball quicker on the fast break with the guards starting to influence the game more and more. Captain George Scarborough was able to find his grove after a quiet word from Coach Carter urging him to relax and enjoy the game. The Tigers took a 10 point lead into the half.
In the 2nd half Tigers finally cut loose with Jack Murphy cashing in from the outside and also forcing the storm guards into turning the ball over with some excellent defensive pressure. Murphy ended up being top scorer with 22 points to his name. He was ably supported by Tigers most consistent player so far this season, Ed Surtees whose ability to beat his player off the dribble is becoming more of a threat with each game.
Special mention must go to guards Sol Hardy and Steve Knight who contributed immensely on defence, and who show more confidence and maturity each time they step on court. An all round excellent win against potentially sticky opponents, players coming back into the team must now have to fight hard to get their places back.