St Thomas More High School

Sixth Form Basketball Academy

The atmosphere was nothing short of electric for all those in attendance as the STM academy under 19 basketball side began their campaign in the prestigious South East Essex Colleges League with a season opener home game against the established Shoebury academy.

From the first minute of play it was clear to all that the STM home team had arrived on the basketball scene as a force to be reckoned with. To the shock and dismay of the Shoebury team, it was the home side who quickly took a commanding early lead through full court defence and high octane play. This lead would eventually remain for the entire game with the opposition falling behind at one stage by as many 14 points. Leaving them with no option but to use all their time-outs to stop and talk it over. There was no answer for them however to the strong defence, steal and fast break style which were employed by STM from start to finish. It was an outstanding performance from all the boys but especially Charles Aqua-Davis who virtually completely closed the lane on the defensive end, treating the cheering crowd to no less than 9 blocks. He would not stop there however and managed to provide the bulk of the scoring also with his inside/outside game. Driving hard to the hoop for countless spectacular athletic finishes as well as exhibiting his range from the outside many times.

Special mention also to Daniel Agbodza, Sim Blose and Andre Mostoles who displayed their true potential as guards with safe handles, esp Blose who late in the game took care of the ball whilst the frantic Shoebury side desperately fouled several times to stop the clock in an attempt to lead the game for the first time all match, in vein. Defensive effort, integral to the win, was shown by Archie Hoyi, Matteo Ngoma, Akin Akinyanju and Ed Ashcroft while Mo Sayyed and Harris Umoh came off the bench to both score lay ups and mid-range jumpers respectively. This convincing victory has certainly got the entire STM basketball season off to with a bang! Not least as the side was rich with year 11 talent that played a crucial role in defeating much older and experienced players. Well done to all! I am very proud of the team who played their hearts out from start to finish!


Players: AQUA-DAVIS, AGBODZA,HOYI,NGOMA, AKINYANJU, WILLIS,KATSERE (Sixth Form) and BLOSE, MOSTOLES,ASHCROFT,SAYYED,UMOH,HOBBS.

Coach: G.LETTIERI