Proving that age is no barrier to successful performance, no less than eight GB Maxis were in action for their club sides yesterday at the National Play-off Finals – and all coming away with winners medals!
First past the post were NBL 3 side Teeside Lions, featuring our 6’7″ power forward SIMAN STEWART (35+) and shooting guard ANTHONY REED (GB Maxis S &C coach) defeating Worcester Wolves 65-56. That gold medal performance was followed up in the next game, as Sheffield Hatters WNBL Div 2 defeated Manchester Mystics 84-64. Sheffield featuring a stellar line up of GB Maxis players: LISA RICHES (35+), SARAH COONEY (35+), STEPHANIE GANDY (40+) ANN JAMIESON (50+), and KATIE CROWLEY (inj. 40+) and coach GARNET GAYLE (GB Maxis M50+)! There are special congratulations also for Lisa Riches who was awarded game MVP accolade! 



The winners’ awards were presented on behalf of Basketball England by two of their Directors, Russell Bell and Sadie Mason MBE (GB Maxis 50+ hat off, but nevertheless delighted for her fellow squad members). Notable stats:
Siman Stewart: 13 points, 7 rebounds
Lisa Riches: 25 pts, 11 rebounds, 8 assists
Steph Gandy: 23 pts, 8 rebounds, 7 assists
Sarah Cooney: 22 pts, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, which included playing a strong defensive role against Mystics main offensive threat – the lightning quick Charli Wroe, some 20 years her junior!









So, huge congratulations to our GB Maxis on their performances yesterday. You can read more aboout the finals weekend on Basketball England’s website.
Image credit: Luke Simcock