Having already won the Division 3 North Title of the England Basketball League Rossendale Raptors had secured promotion to division 2. On Saturday, they faced Hackney Heat in a playoff competition to establish the best teams from the North and the South. Sadly, the Raptors season came to an abrupt end on Saturday as they lost the playoff quarter final to Hackney.
The Raptors started well and led after the end of the first quarter. Steven Gayle and Aitor Estrada played excellently in the first period although a furious last three minutes from Hackney significantly reduced their arrears.
The physical fitness and strength of the Hackney team as an ongoing struggle for the Raptors as the lead changed hands multiple times during the second quarter and early part of the third. Hackney stretched their lead to 11 with some excellent three point shooting before Mark Rangeley and Conor Porter tied the game up with an 11-0 run of their own.
In the fourth quarter Hackney made some tough shots, defended well and ran out deserved winners despite a close and nervy finish. The final score was 107-98. After the game the Raptors were presented with their League trophy and winners medals, and celebrated their last game as the Rossendale Raptors as league champions. Next season the Raptors will be renamed the Lancashire Spinners. For more details you can visit the Raptors website, or the Lancashire Spinners new site.
Coach Ken Masser commented; “ It’s been a wonderful season. We’ve played some brilliant basketball, enjoyed some fantastic games and have achieved a wonderful feat in gaining the right to apply for promotion to Division 2. I’m so grateful for Lisa and Paul Spann at ISSL who have sponsored the team this season and for all our other sponsors and supporters including CSG and HD Signs. I’m delighted Jake Berry MP was able to come and present the league trophy to us and for all the fans who have supported us this season. I’m confident we’ll continue to be successful as the Lancashire Spinners and that the Rossendale Raptors will continue to provide excellent community programmes in the Valley. The future of basketball in the area and across East Lancashire is very bright.”