U19 Boys Nord Anglia Basketball Tournament in Bratislava

The squad have been in great for this year progressing well in the district competitions and developing greatly through a number of friendly matches and tournaments. Up against the favourites from Madrid was always going to be a challenge but a last second ‘buzzer beater’ from Diego Rejman Rodriguez finishing of an expertly drawn up play from coach Tomek secured a victory that sent expectations and confidence through the roof.

Backing up a great start with comfortable wins against Bratislava and Champittet meant the first day saw TBS in a strong position heading into the final day of competition. After a long wait at the beginning of the day and carrying a few niggles from the fierce competition, Budapest were the opponents. Despite their physical presence, the TBS showed good composure and focus to see off their challenge and claim a 4^th win from 4 matches.

This was by far one of the highest standard tournaments I’ve visited as a coach or teacher and going into the final game, any one of 3 teams could have claimed the overall 1^st place trophy dependent on the outcome. A game of tension, nerve and end to end chances against Prague was impossible to draw your eyes away from. The lead changed hands frequently as the game progressed leaving TBS 1 point down with 12 seconds to play. The baseline pass found TBS hands and the play unfolded as planned. With 1 second to play, the shot was released and arched towards the basket only to fall agonizingly short. The End outcome was a tournament victory for Madrid and a well deserved 2^nd place for TBS. The most pleasing aspect of the whole weekend was the character of the students.

Their conduct throughout was exemplary with teachers and principles from other schools noting their polite, sportsmanlike qualities. True gentlemen athletes! Congratulations to the whole squad and thanks to Coach Tomek.

Louis Fearn

Director of Sport

Captains report

Team Warsaw tried their best in every single match, the coach on the sideline; the 3 players on the bench; the 5 players on the court. This led our team to second place, only 1 point away from getting first place, which was frustrating given the focus we had placed on preparing for this tournament! Although we were unable to win it all, we had a great experience that we will remember for a long while. This two-day tournament wasn’t just about winning (for the most of us), it was much more meaningful than just playing basketball. For some it was about meeting players they’ve become friends with from previous tournaments or getting to know their teammates better. For others it  was making new bonds with new people or building the confidence they lacked. 

The atmosphere when we played our games was amazing, whether the spectators were supporting us or our opponents. We played 5 extremely well-organized games, every time a new team, a new experience awaited. In the end, It didn’t matter whether the team won or lost,everyone left with a smile on their face.  

Szymon Goralczuk (Captain) 

Year 11