As part of the Clubs community outreach programme, Rossendale Raptors voluntarily hosted the 2011/12 Rossendale Schools Year 9 boys basketball Tournament in partnership with Rossendale Schools Games Organiser Steve Holt. 

The tournament was hosted by Rossendale Leisure Trust at Haslingden Sports centre, the Raptors home court. Unfortunately due to some unforeseen circumstances, Fearns, Haslingden High Schools and Whitworth High
School were unable to enter a team on the day – so the tournament ended up as a three team round robin between All Saints, Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School and Alder Grange. 

All three schools have a good basketball background and some of the talent on display was very encouraging for the future of basketball in the valley. BRGS have historically been very strong in basketball both withinthe Valley and regionally and were some people’s pre-tournament favourites.

BRGS won the first game of the afternoon 24-6 against All Saints with some good play from Joe Mills, George Crabtree and Matt Fry in particular. All Saints competed well with good performances from Dixon Charlton, Alex Fearnly and Danny Flynn.

In the second game Alder Grange took on All Saints who were determined to reverse their fortunes. The game started off slowly with both teams struggling to score, but as the game progressed Alder Grange started to establish themselves as some of the All Saints players started to understandably tire as they were playing their second game back to back. Alder
Grange had several good players, including Chris Rigge, Aaron Phow and Josh Emmott who scored openly, particularly in the second half of the game. Alder Grange won the fixture 34-9 to set up a final game showdown against BRGS.

Both teams stepped up for the game and both teams struggled to score initially due to the excellent defending of both teams. The first half finished 4-2 to Alder Grange. In the second half BRGS quickly levelled through some good team play but it was Alder Grange who snatched the win 6-4 in the closing minutes to be crowned Rossendale Schools Year 9 basketball champions. It was a close and competitive final despite the low scoring. 

For more pictures from the tournament visit our Gallery