Under 16 Boys
The U16s closed off 2017 with a win against Southwark Pride permitting the talented Titans youngsters to sit at the top of the League over the holidays with 10 wins – 1 loss. Though returning with many mince-pies and quality street treats under their belts, and having not trained since mid-December, Titans U16s boys came out optimistically to face Croydon Cougars for their first game of 2018.
Titans remedied any holiday lag quickly by pulling ahead in the opening minutes of the game with fantastic defence, stopping Croydon from scoring for the first 5 minutes and in doing so Titans added 12 points to the scoreboard. The boys relied on their trusted pick and roll to keep scoring consistent throughout the 1st quarter which proved successful as they won the 1st quarter 18pts v 10pts, just shy of 20pts due to a couple missed free throws.
Not wanting to rest on their laurels, the U16 boys returned to the 2nd quarter hungry to showcase what they could serve-up as a team against the visitors. This mentality gave the Titans the upper hand by delivering 14 points against the Cougars within the first 5 minutes and closing out the 2nd quarter 41pts v 22pts thanks to a series of 3 point shots launched by Simeon Brown and David Akinndeju.
The momentum spilled over into the 3rd quarter with Titans maintaining a stronghold on the scoring against the Cougars. The Cougars however, dug deep and increased their scoring against the Titans with two 3 pointers in quick succession proving the Titans defence was beginning to slip. Titans regained composure and were able to lock down the 3rd quarter 68pts v 39pts.
Three minutes into the 4th quarter the Titans were able to score 8 points widening the gap on the scoreboard. An impressive delivery of 19 points from Samuel Olutu, 18 points from Iyanu Owete, 15 points from Tobi Ojo, and 14 points from Ryan Perphect propelled the Titans U16 boys to their first victory for 2018 with 93pts v 48pts against the Croydon Cougars.
Under 18s
Titans fell to another loss in the league as they went down at home against Richmond Knights. After a 15 v 16 opening period to the visitors, Richmond raced away to a double-digit half-time advantage James Aboaba poured in 21 points and Lanre Ayinla adding a further 18 points for the Titans but missed the mark with Richmond snatching the victory 85 v 74.
Senior Men
Hot off the heels of the U16 Boys victory, Titans Men were able to get the win against Essex Blades during their first game of 2018. Winning the 1st quarter 28 v 18 thanks to a series of 3 point shots and consistent scoring from the team. The 2nd quarter unveiled the weaknesses in Titans defence which allowed Essex to score 15pts against their 13 pts. Returning from the half time, Titans were determined to redeem themselves by serving up 19 points to The Blades 13 points in the 3rd quarter. Titans entered the 4th quarter with a 14 point lead and demonstrated that they weren’t leaving without the win by pulling together on defence and securing the victory against the Blades; 75 v 62. Top scorers for the game were; Ray Akpofure – 25pts, Luis Annan -15pts and Yassine Bouraidah – 12pts.
……Elsewhere in the Titans Community
News that Michael Akuboh (Scout for the Toronto Raptors) will be attending a Titans junior session this week, an event not to be missed.