The club are very confident that they will make the area proud. Lions have some of the best guards in the region while the big men are getting stronger and better all the time.
Lions U15 outfit train every Wednesday at Macmillan Academy in Middlesbrough from 6-8pm. New players are welcome to contact Game Time for further information about playing. The Lions currently have players from all over the area and representing many schools from Redcar to Darlington.
Lions have a fairly large squad with over 15 players available for selection. A few of the younger players will be gaining valuable experience from being involved in the team and although their court time may be limited, when it comes to their time to shine they will be stronger and more experienced players. The fact that a squad of only 12 can be selected for each game will ensure competition for places is strong and hopefully bring out the best in every player.
The team will be picked on merit and players have three training sessions a week to prove their worth of a place in the next game.
The previous season has been one of dramatic improvements for many of the squad, none more so than the rise of Alan Slasor. Alan is one of the most dedicated and consistent players at the club and is now starting to make his mark in more senior sessions. Many have noted the massive boost of confidence of Alan top scoring in the recent celebrity game in which he won a competition to participate on the celebrity team and finished the game with 29pts. Dan Brown and Philip Findlay were the two most explosive players in the Tees Schools League last season and will provide a threat from all over the court.
One of the most exciting players in the league will possibly be Lions' Patrick O'Connor who at 12 years old, is one of the younger members but will be one of the key players for the team. Patrick has a wealth of natural talent and his technique is better than most seniors.
Lions will be looking to make their mark in the U15 League and while expectations are not to win the Championship, although the team mentality will be to win every game, the club is aiming for a mid table finish, which by any standards for a new club would be a worthy success. The exposure of Lions players on the National League will also bring the attention of Area Performance and England Coaches.
Late into the season, David Budd, from Redcar Mariners junior development joined the Middlesbrough Lions and has made an explosive contribution. Big men Shane Beadle, Daniel Chirnside and James Parkin have done very well all season.
For 2008/09 Fixture List click here.
For training times click on the training link of game-time.co.uk or contact section to contact the club.
© Game Time
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Lions
U15 squad is the first National League team for the
club and they will play in the North East Division
against basketball powerhouses such as Newcastle
Eagles and Sheffield Sharks. The majority of Lions
stars will also be a year younger than their
opponents with some players such as Patrick O'Connor
and Oliver Clark only 12 years old.