Season just keeps getting better for Warriors
THE Bangor City Warriors’ U16 boys capped off a remarkable season in style, claiming playoff glory with a hard-fought victory in the Basketball NI U16C Final.
The Warriors took on Ballymena Grizzlies at Lisburn Racquets on Sunday 29 in a top-of-the-table clash that lived up to expectations, with first facing second in a fiercely competitive contest.
Bangor made a strong start in a fast-paced opening quarter, with Alex Patterson and Blake Compton both contributing five points to edge the Warriors into a narrow 12–11 lead.
Momentum continued into the second quarter, with Compton adding seven more points and Nico Smyth-Fuentes chipping in with six. However, Ballymena stayed close, leaving Bangor just ahead at 29–28 at the break.
The game turned decisively in the third quarter as Smyth-Fuentes stepped up with an outstanding 10-point contribution, helping the Warriors open up a 45–38 advantage heading into the final period.
In the closing quarter, both sides battled hard, but Bangor held their nerve. Compton added another seven points, while Smyth-Fuentes contributed four more. A key moment came in the final minute when, with Bangor leading by four, Compton calmly sank two crucial free throws to stretch the lead and seal the result.
This proved decisive, as Bangor held on to secure a 58–52 victory.
The win completes a superb campaign for the Warriors, who add the playoff title to their league success.
Top scorers were Nico Smyth-Fuentes with 22 points, Blake Compton with 19 and Alex Patterson with nine, with Compton named Finals MVP for his standout performance.
