Week in and week out the Lancashire Spinners continue to affirm its commitment to developing youth players.
A trio of teenagers – Kyle Carey, George Darling and Zion Tordoff – combined for 37 points against the Kent Crusaders in a 69-56 win on Saturday at Castle Leisure Centre.
“It’s rewarding seeings the young guys step up and find confidence in themselves. Watching them grow is why I coach.” said Lancashire coach Neal Hopkins.
Tordoff scored on three consecutive possessions in the fourth quarter to open up a 64-48 lead, whilst Darling’s 10 first half points played a key role in building a double-digit advantage at the break.
“I was a little nervy to start with,” said the Spinners 16-year-old forward Tordoff. “I started to find my role on how to help the team as the game went on. That made me feel much more comfortable and I was able to knock down my shots.”
The Spinners (23-11, 14-10), whose largest deficit was two points, led by as many as 22 in the third quarter and received massive contributions from the bench.
Carey tied for a team-high 13 points with George Darling, Tordoff added 11 and six rebounds, and Steven Vaughan had nine and 12.
A 10-2 Crusaders run to start the fourth quarter, which cut the lead to 14, put pressure on Lancashire. But the hosts used an 8-3 spurt to take control and improve to 14-6 at home.
Devonte Elliot scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to pace Kent (5-27, 2-21). Dean Wanliss also finished with a double-double (12 and 10).
OH MY DARLING
Darling made his first start of the season in place of Carey, who had started nine straight dating back to Jan. 24.
“George has had some ups and downs this year, especially being sideline for over two months. He’s worked hard and we have built hum up to this point where I feel he can start. He certainly grabbed his opportunity and should take huge confidence in what he did,” said Hopkins.
NOTES
Lancashire scored 16 points off nine Kent turnovers. … The Spinners outrebounded Kent 57-42, including 19-14 at the offensive end. … But they were outscored 32-20 in the paint. … Vaughan set a season-high for rebounds. … Three made free throws matches the fewest an opponent has converted against the Spinners since Sept. 20 versus the University of Chester. … Every player that featured for Lancashire scored at least a point. … Steven Gayle did not play.
Allen Gunn
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