School sports: Liam Mackie helps Scots Basketball to two wins in Paris

Published on 29/01/2013 02:59

BASKETBALL: Played three, won two. A January trip to Paris proved to be an ideal preparation for Scotland’s under-16s boys as they look ahead to the summer’s European Championships

Played three, won two. A January trip to Paris proved to be an ideal preparation for Scotland’s under-16s boys as they look ahead to the summer’s European Championships

First up was Paray Veille Poste, a club renowned in France for developing talented young players – but the young Scots hit form and led 38-21 at half-time and went on to score an impressive 70-46 victory.

Encouragingly, Scotland had a host of scorers – Liam Mackle finished the game as the top man with 12 points.

Next game on the list were Ris Orangis and, in a very tight match, Scotland sneaked 23-21 ahead at half-time.

Mackle continued to shine for Scotland and led the score and rebound list, while point guard Findlay Wood showed his leadership in directing a well-organised attacking line-up. The reward was a 55-38 victory.

Mackle was again top scorer with 16 points and he also added nine rebounds, while Scottish captain Sam Stott recorded the impressive stats – nine points, nine steals and seven rebounds.

In the final game, they faced an under-17 team attached to professional side Paris Levallois. The home line-up included two professional players.

It was a hard challenge for the young visitors, but the score was a close 40-35 in the French team’s favour at half-time.

The Scots hit back and led by a point (52-51) going into the final quarter but the Paris side eventually won 71-65.

Mackle stood out once more by scoring 23 points and adding five rebounds and four assists. A great three days for the East Lothian youngster.

Reflecting on the Tour, skipper Stott said “The Paris trip showed we’re now further on in our preparations than I thought we would be.

“We’re all still really working out what our role is for this team because we can’t all be the main scorers like we are at our clubs.”

Scotland’s head coach, Paul Boath, added: “The boys played some excellent basketball and worked hard.

“There’s still a lot for us to work on, we’ll continue to improve. With six months till the Euros, I’m very happy with the start we’ve made.”

SCOTTISH UNDER-16 NATIONAL SQUAD

Liam Mackle (North Berwick HS), Sam Stott (James Gillespie’s HS), Thomas Skinner (James Gillespie’s HS), Stewart Booth (Barrhead HS), Jon Faulds (Barrhead HS), Christopher Thomson (Grove Academy, Brendan Mullan (St Thomas of Aquin’s HS), Edvinas Leginas (Lornshill Academy), Findlay Wood (Firrhill HS), Ewan Laing (Baldragon HS), Ewan Lancaster (Stewarton Academy), Daniel Tran (Graeme HS), Rudi Farmer (James Gillespie’s HS), Craig McIntyre (Marr College).