Archive Mystics Reports
2007/2008 Season Reports
15 April 2008
Mystics Season Comes to an End
Semi-Final: Sheffield Hatters 88 - 63 Manchester Mystics
For Mike Arnfield's photos of the game, click here
The 2007-2008 Manchester Mystics season has officially come to an end after losing to the City of Sheffield Hatters 63-88 in the semi-final of the EBL Division One Women’s playoff game. Rehana Khalil led the Mystics with 22 points. Georgia Jones and Joanna Clayden each chipped in 10 points, while Charlotte Stoddart had 8 points to go along with 8 rebounds.
Despite the season ending with a loss, the Mystics have enjoyed one of their most successful seasons as they finished fourth in the league, and won their first-ever home playoff game to send them to the Final Four. The Mystics will look to continue this success into next season.
Thanks again to all our supporters for everything you have done this season!!!
Top Scorers:
Mystics: Rehana Khalil 22; Georgia Jones/Joanna Clayden 10
Hatters: Stephanie Gandy 26; Sarah Naylor 22; Erica McCoy 16
7 April 2008
Manchester Mystics 79 - 71 Nottingham Wildcats
For Mike Arnfield's photos of the game, click here
In the first year that England Basketball is hosting a Final Four, the Manchester Mystics will be a part of it. With the Mystics win in the Quarter Finals against the Nottingham Wildcats, 79-71, on Saturday afternoon, they have punched their ticket to the Final Four in Sheffield this weekend, 12/13 April.
On her 22nd birthday, Rehana Khalil led all scorers with 30 points, as she was determined to get the birthday present she asked for - a Mystics victory! Three other Mystics were in double figures, with Georgia Jones scoring 16, Megan Osmer with 13 and Joanna Clayden with 10. Charlotte Stoddart was also a big contributor with 9 points and a handful of rebounds.
The game was tight the whole way through, and the Mystics found themselves down by one point going into halftime. Outscored by five points in the third quarter, the Mystics found themselves down six points going into the fourth quarter. With the possible end of their season hanging in the balance, the Mystics stepped up, and completely took control in the fourth quarter, outscoring Nottingham 20-7.
The Mystics will face the Sheffield Hatters in a semi-final match-up at 12 noon on Saturday 12 April at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield. For tickets and more information about the Final Four go to www.englandbasketball.co.uk.
Top Scorers:
Mystics: Rehana Khalil 30, Georgia Jones 16, Megan Osmer 13
Wildcats: Jill Glessner 22, Nicole Woods 21, K Butters 11
2 April 2008
Manchester Mystics Looking Forward To Home Playoff Game
The fourth-seeded Manchester Mystics will host the fifth-seeded Nottingham Wildcats this Saturday in the quarter finals of the EBL Division One Women’s playoffs at the Amaechi Basketball Centre. The winner will move on to the Final Fours in Sheffield on 12/13 April. The match-up will be a good one, as the two sides split during the regular season, each winning their home match.
The Mystics win came in the beginning of December, when theybeat the Wildcats 82-70 with both squads at full strength. The Wildcats win came in mid-February, 63-51, with a key player missing on each of their rosters.
The Mystics head coach, Sergio Lara-Bercial, is looking forward to the match-up.
“We are very excited about the game against the Wildcats. After a very eventful season, we have clinched fourth place and secured a home QF game, which is a testament to how strong this group of players is and their determination to succeed."
"The Wildcats are a very balanced team with strengths in many areas and a great work ratio. A lot of their players have stepped up big time since Jill Glessner went down with a broken foot and that has even made them stronger"
"We have had our own share of injuries this year but the team reacted very well to losing Georgia Jones back in February. Everyone in the team understood they needed to give a little more to stay in contention, and proof of that is the fact that we won four very tough games without her. Now that Georgia is back we are even stronger"
"I think the game on Saturday will be a very close contest and that the "little things" will determine the final outcome since both teams are very evenly matched".
The Manchester Mystics will take on the Nottingham Wildcats at 4:00pm on Saturday 5 April at the Amaechi Basketball Centre in Manchester.
25 March 2008
Mystics Claim Fourth Place With Win Over UWIC!!
Manchester Mystics 65 - 47 UWIC Archers
With a little help from the Rhondda Rebels, the Manchester Mystics took sole possession of fourth place this weekend as they defeated UWIC 65-47 on Saturday night. With the Mystics win, and Rhondda’s win over Nottingham, the Mystics finished one game above Nottingham, and will now play their opening round playoff game at home, against Nottingham.
Joanna Clayden led the way with 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, with Rehana Khalil chipping in 20 points. In her first game back from breaking her hand in the February U18’s Cup Final, Georgia Jones had 9 points and 3 assists in 32 minutes of play.
The Mystics started off the first quarter hot, and at one point were up 19-4. However UWIC surged back in the second quarter and the Mystics went into half-time only up 8 points. In the third quarter, the Mystics would not be denied as they scored 20 points and held the Archers to only 6 points. In the final quarter the Mystics were outscored by 4 points but still won by 18 points.
The playoff game against the Nottingham Wildcats will be on Saturday 5th April with the time still to be determined.
Top Scorers:
Mystics: Joanna Clayden 24, Rehana Khalil 20, Georgia Jones 9
Archers : Val Doherty 13, Ilze Zekite 7, Trudie Hopgood & Ruth Murphy 6
19 March 2008
Mystics Hold On and Get Big Win at Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks Suns 61 - 63 Manchester Mystics
The Manchester Mystics escaped a close one last Saturday night as they beat Sevenoaks 63-61 in London. The game was a must-win game for the Mystics as they are still fighting to finish fourth in the league and secure home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Joanna Clayden led the way with 27 points, while Rehana Khalil scored 17 and Megan Osmer chipped in with 11 points.
The Mystics started out hot and jumped to a 19-7 lead at the end of the first quarter, but by halftime Sevenoaks had fought their way back into the game and were only down by 5 points. The second half was close all the way as the Mystics got outscored in both the third and fourth quarter. However the Mystics kept their composure and were able to come away with the win.
The Mystics next and final regular season home game will be this Saturday 22nd March at 4pm. The Mystics must win this game, if they want a chance to secure fourth place in the league!
Top Scorers:
Mystics: Joanna Clayden 27, Rehana Khalil 17, Megan Osmer 11
Suns: N Avery 19, K Lewis 15, A Deng 7
9 March 2008
Mystics Shut Down Acers!
Manchester Mystics 65 - 43 London Acers
For Mike Arnfield's photos of the game, click here
The Manchester Mystics defeated the London Heathrow Acers 65-43 over the weekend. With the win, the Mystics move into a tie with Nottingham Wildcats for fourth place in the league. Joanna Clayden had a team high 18 points with Rehana Khalil adding 14 points. Charlotte Stoddart had a huge game, scoring 13 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
The Mystics held the Acers to 43 points for the game, the lowest number of points scored against the Mystics all season in league play. The Mystics held the Acers to only 15 points in the first half and went into halftime with a 19 point lead. In the second half, the Acers picked up their scoring, but the Mystics stayed tough and went on to win by 18 points.
The Mystics have two more regular season games, and must win both of them if they want a chance at finishing fourth in the league, and securing home court advantage for the first round of the playoffs.
The Mystics last regular season home game will be Saturday March 22nd at 4pm against UWIC.
Top Scorers:
Mystics: Joanna Clayden 18, Rehana Khalil 14, Charlotte Stoddart 13
Acers: Patricia Da Silva 21, Jackie Codiga 6, Rebecca Lear 6
3 March 2008
Mystics Come Up Short in Rhondda
Rhondda Rebels 69 - 55 Manchester Mystics
The Manchester Mystics came up short against the league leaders, Rhondda Rebels, on St David's Day, in Wales, as they lost 55-69. Joanna Clayden had a team-high 21 points, with Rehana Khalil scoring 12 points, and Megan Osmer chipping in 10 points.
The Mystics hung with the Rebels and found themselves only down 6 after the first quarter. However, by half time, Rhondda's lead had grown to 17 points. In the second half the Mystics scrapped back, but just couldn't seem to get within single digits of the Rebels.
Rhondda shot 17 free throws while the Mystics only shot 9, and, the Mystics committed 23 turnovers while Rhondda only committed 17. The Mystics were also outrebounded by 6 and had fewer assists than the Rebels.
The Mystics will return home this Saturday for a big match-up with the London Heathrow Acers. Tip-off is at 4pm at the Amaechi Basketball Centre.
Top Scorers:
Manchester Mystics: Joanna Clayden 21; Megan Osmer 10; Rehana Khalil 12
Rhondda Rebels: Copeland 21; Brown 21; Congreaves 10
28 February 2008
Mystics Get Back on Track
Manchester Mystics 75 - 64 London Towers
The Manchester Mystics got back on track Saturday, as they defeated London Towers at home 75-64. Joanna Clayden had a game high 22 points with Rehana Khalil scoring 13 points. Both Kelsey Bardsley and Nicki Blakeway played big minutes and really stepped up and gave the Mystics a lift, as Bardsley scored 12 points and Blakeway scored 11.
The Mystics received 21 points off their bench as Towers managed to only score 6 points from theirs. The Mystics were outrebounded by 6, but had 9 more assists and 3 less turnovers than Towers.
The Mystics led the entire game, but could never really break the lead wide open as they only ended up winning by 11. Despite the final score, it was a good team win as the Mystics are still trying to figure out how to fill the shoes of Georgia Jones. The win puts the Mystics back into fifth place in the league, as they continue to fight for the fourth place spot, and a chance to play at home in the first round of the playoffs.
The Mystics will face Rhonda away this Saturday 1 March.
Top Scorers:
Mystics: Joanna Clayden 22, Rehana Khalil 13, Kelsey Bardsley 12
Towers: M Durojaye 20, A Wanstall 17, K Runciman/S Morton 8
22 February 2008
Mystics Drop Third Straight Game
Nottingham Wildcats 63 - 51 Manchester Mystics
For the third straight weekend, the Mystics have not been able to come away with a victory, as they lost in Nottingham 63-51 last Saturday night. Both teams struggled to score at the start of the game, with the two teams only scoring a combined 15 points in the first quarter.
The Mystics trailed by 13 points going into halftime, and were never able to recover. Joanna Clayden had a team high 19 points, while Megan Osmer chipped in with 10 points and Rehana Khalil and Charlotte Stoddart each had 8 points.
The Mystics will look to end their three game skid at home on Saturday 23rd February at 7:30pm against the London Towers.
Top Scorers
Mystics: Joanna Clayden 19; Megan Osmer 10; Rehana Khalil/Charlotte Stoddart 8
Wildcats: J Deckerova 22; Kate Butters 19; N Woods 11
19 February 2008
Mystics Drop Tough Home Game to Sheffield
Manchester Mystics 74 - 89 Sheffield Hatters
For Mike Arnfield's photos of the game, click here
After the City of Sheffield Hatters arrived 45 minutes late due to traffic, the Manchester Mystics jumped on them, and scored 16 unanswered points. However, the mystics found it difficult to sustain this and Sheffield began to slowly chip away, with the Mystics just holding on to lead by 7 at half time.
Unfortunately, the third quarter would again be the Mystics nemesis, as they only managed to score 9 points, while allowing Sheffield to score 28 points. The fourth quarter scoring was even but the Mystics could not manage to make up for their lack of scoring in the previous quarter, and ended up losing by 15 points.
Georgia Jones led the way for the Mystics with 27 points, while hitting 7/11 three pointers. Joanna Clayden had 20 points while Rehana Khalil chipped in with 13 points. Sheffield's Stephanie Gandy scored a game high 37 points.
Top Scorers
Mystics: Georgia Jones 27; Joanna Clayden 20; Rehana Khalil 13
Hatters: Stephanie Gandy 37; Sarah Naylor 21; Lisa Hutchinson 12
5 February 2008
Mystics Lose on the Road
Team Northumbria 114 - 90 Manchester Mystics
The Manchester Mystics dropped a tough road game this weekend(2 February), as they lost 90-114 to Team Northumbria. The loss drops the Mystics to a tie for fourth place with Nottingham in the league standings. Joanna Clayden had a team high 30 points, with Rehana Khalil scoring 17 and Georgia Jones chipping in 14 points.
The Mystics played tough throughout the first half and were only down five points going into halftime. Still with the game in reach, the Mystics went into the third quarter down 11 points. Foul trouble for the Mystics and lights-out shooting from Northumbria, proved to be too much, as the game slipped out of reach in the fourth quarter.
The Mystics will try and bounce back against the City of Sheffield Hatters this Saturday February 9th at the Amaechi Basketball Centre.
Top Scorers
Mystics: Joanna Clayden 30; Rehana Khalil 17; Georgia Jones 14
Team Northumbria: L Hall 38; J Colbert 31;Z Vickers/L Calder 20
5 February 2008
Mystics Get Big Win in Double Overtime
Manchester Mystics 88 - 81** Solent Suns
The Manchester Mystics got a huge victory this weekend (26 January) as they defeated the Solent Suns 88-81 in double overtime. With the win, the Mystics move to third place in the league and have swept Solent in the regular season.
All five of the Mystics starters scored in double figures with Rehana Khalil leading the way with 25 points. Georgia Jones scored 19, Joanna Clayden 17 and Charlotte Stoddart and Megan Osmer 11 points each. Clayden also had a game high 15 rebounds with Stoddart and Osmer each grabbing 8 each.
The Mystics came out hot as they went on a 23-6 run to open the game, but Solent fought back and were only down nine points by halftime. The Mystics couldn't find their rhythm in the 3rd quarter as they only managed to score 9 points to Solent's 20 points.
Going into the fourth quarter, the Mystics were only down by two points, but after an and-one play and two lay-ups by Solent, the Mystics found themselves down by 8 points with less then five minutes to go in the game. Back-to-back three-pointers by Clayden and Khalil brought Manchester back, and a lay-up by Osmer tied the game at 63 all, with one minute to go in the game. Solent had a chance to go ahead but missed three free throws. The Mystics got off a three-point attempt at the buzzer but it was off the mark.
In overtime the Suns quickly scored the first two baskets, putting them up 67-63. But clutch free-throw shooting by Jones, Khalil and Osmer put the Mystics up 69-67. Solent tied the game with two free throws of their own and a lay-up attempt by the Mystics at the buzzer rattled out.
In the second overtime, the game was back and forth the whole way, as both teams doubled their scoring from the previous overtime. With less then a minute to go, a brilliant and-one move by Stoddart put the Mystics up for good as Jones hit four crucial free throws in the final seconds to seal the win for the Mystics!
Top Scorers
Mystics: Rehana Khalil 25; Georgia Jones 19; Joanna Clayden 17
Suns: Joann Overstreet 19; Caroline Turner 15; Katharina Wohlberg 14
25 January 2008
Mystics Get Big Win in Cardiff
UWIC Archers 55 - 68 Manchester Mystics
The Manchester Mystics got a big win over the weekend as they travelled to Cardiff to play the UWIC Archers. This win puts the Mystics back into fourth place in the league, after dropping a couple spots earlier in the month with the loss to the London Acers.
Joanna Clayden led all scorers with 21 points, with Rehana Khalil scoring 20 and Georgia Jones chipping in with 13 points. The Mystics led the entire game and in back-to-back weekends, again held their opponent to only 55 points. In a great overall team effort, the Mystics defence was a huge key in the win, and everyone who stepped on the floor contributed.
The Mystics are back at home on January 26th against the Solent Suns at 7:30pm.
Top Scorers:
Mystics: J Claydon 21, R Khalil 20, G Jones 13
Archers: J Hopgood 13, S Collins 12, I Zekite 8
13 January 2008
Mystics Get Back on Track
Manchester Mystics 67 - 55 Sevenoaks Suns
For Mike Arnfield's photos of the game, click here
The Manchester Mystics got back to their winning ways as they defeated Sevenoaks 67-55 on Saturday night at the Amaechi Basketball Centre. Joanna Clayden led all scorers with 24 points as Rehana Khalil scored 12 points and Lara Maestre chipped in with 8 points. Charlotte Stoddart pitched in by grabbing a game-high 9 rebounds.
Going into halftime, the Mystics were up 44-25 and looked as though they would cruise to an easy victory. Sevenoaks had other plans however as they mounted a 24-point third quarter to the Mystics 4-point effort.
Despite going into the fourth quarter down by one, the Mystics remained calm as they mounted a comeback of their own, holding Sevenoaks to just 6 points as they went on to win by 12 points.
The Mystics will be back at home again on January 26th against the Solent Suns at 7:30 pm.
Top Scorers:
Mystics: Joanna Clayden 24, Rehana Khalil 12, Lara Maestre 8
Suns: C Turner 14 A Deng 13 N Avery 10
7 January 2008
Mystics Lose Tough Game in London
London Heathrow Acers 68 - 60 Manchester Mystics
The Manchester Mystics didn't quite kick off the New Year how they would have liked, as they lost to the London Heathrow Acers 68-60 on Saturday. Rehana Khalil scored a game high 24 points, with Joanna Clayden scoring 18 points and Georgia Jones pitching in with 7 points.
Going into halftime down by 11, the Mystics rallied, and by the end of the third quarter were only down 6 points. However, Manchester was never able to bring it closer than within 4 points. The Mystics never led in game, and only outscored the Acers in the third quarter.
It was a disappointing game for Manchester, as they missed several open lay-ups and had some costly turnovers towards the end of the game. The Mystics will look to get back to their winning ways this Saturday, as they host the Sevenoaks Suns at 7:30 pm at the Amaechi Basketball Centre.
Top Scorers:
Mystics: Rehana Khalil 24, Joanna Clayden 18, Georgia Jones 7
Acers: P Da Silva 16; L Da Silva 15; B Lear 12
18 December 2007
Mystics Go Down Swinging
Manchester Mystics 62 - 86 Rhondda Rebels
Manchester Mystics lost a tough game at home, 62-86, to the Coca-Cola Rhondda Rebels on Saturday night. Despite losing by 24 points, the Mystics played better than the final score showed. Holding the Rebels to just 15 points in the third quarter, Manchester were able to bring the gap to within 6 points. However, Rhondda showed why they are undefeated, and ran away with the game in the 4th quarter.
Rehana Khalil's 3-point heroics kept the Mystics in the game throughout the first half, as she was 6-9 from the 3-point line and led the Mystics with a team high 27 points and 8 rebounds. However even Khalil's hot-shooting couldn't make up for the 26 turnovers made by Manchester throughout the contest.
Georgia Jones put up 16 points and Joanna Clayden chipped in with 10, while Megan Osmer grabbed a game high 9 rebounds. Kirby Copeland led all scores with 29 points for Rhondda.
All of the Mystics saw court time, while the younger players once again provided a much-needed lift when called upon.
Despite the loss, the Mystics will break for Christmas on a positive note, as they have had a fantastic start to the season. The first home game back will be Saturday January 12th against Sevenoaks.
17 December 2007
Mystics' players attend Levenshulme High School's 'Celebration of Women in Sport Conference'
Mystics' players Lara Maestre and Megan Osmer attended last week's 'Celebration of Women in Sport Conference' at Levenshulme High School for Girls, as guest speakers. The keynote speaker was Beth Tweedle, a renowned gymnast from Cheshire. She won Britain's first-ever World Gymnastics Championship gold medal in the uneven bars competition, and has won a National title every year since 2001.
The conference also included speeches by former and current students and performances by the cheerleading team and PE classes. It was a great opportunity to get some exposure for the Mystics, and promote the girls sessions that are run at the Amaechi Basketball Centre.
14 December 2007
Mystics Top Towers
Saturday December 8th
After a long coach ride and a delayed start to the game, the Mystics still came out strong and defeated London Towers 74-43 on Saturday night. Rehana Khalil scored a game high 21 points, with Nicki Blakeway adding 10 points and Joanna Clayden and Lara Maestre chipping in 9 points each.
After a bit of slow start offensively, the Mystics really picked up the slack on the defensive end, and were able to get their offense going off of a couple turnovers by London, and went into halftime up 35-23. In the second half, Khalil provided some much needed scoring and the Mystics finished the game winning by 31 points. All of the Mystics saw action in the game, and the younger players especially made a big contribution towards the win.
With the win, the Mystics are now 4-1 in the league, and in third place overall, just below Rhondda and Sheffield. They continue to add to the best start ever in Mystics history, and look to put an upset on this season's resume, as they take on Rhondda this Saturday, 15th December, in their last game before Christmas break!
14 December 2007
Mystics Host Friendly with Team from Nigeria
December 4th, 2007
The Manchester Mystics hosted a friendly with the Queen of Rosary Basketball Team from Nigeria. The Mystics got off to a bit of a slow start, but really pulled away in the second quarter to end the half up 39-22. In the second half, the Mystics stepped-up and showed their maturity as they only allowed Queen of Rosary to score 17 points for the rest of the game, ending with a final score of 92-39. Megan Osmer led the Mystics with 23 points, and Georgia Jones with 14 and Rehana Khalil with 10 points were the other main scorers.
It was a great opportunity for the Mystics and the Queen of Rosary girls to see that basketball can bring people together from across the globe, and gave the Queen of Rosary team a chance to see another country. We wish the Queen of Rosary Girls the best of luck for the rest of their season!
4 December 2007
Mystics Back to Winning Ways!
After two consecutive losses to The City of Sheffield Hatters, the Mystics are back on track after an 82-70 win over the Nottingham Wildcats. Joanna Clayden had a team high 22 points, followed by Georgia Jones with 21 points and Rehana Khalil with 15 points. Charlotte Stoddart had a game high 10 rebounds, while Khalil also grabbed 7 rebounds of her own.
The start of the first quarter was back and forth, with the Wildcats getting 12 of their 22 points from the free throw line, while the Mystics only scored three points in the last four minutes of the quarter to leave them with 16 points.
The second quarter saw the Mystics pick up their defence as they held the Wildcats to 13 points and went into the locker room up 43-35, after a brilliant half-court shot at the buzzer by Amelia Reynolds!
The scoring was even throughout the third quarter, but the Mystics got a lift off their bench from Kelsey Bardsley who scored a key three-pointer, as well as a pair of free throws, to end the quarter with the Mystics up 59-52.
The fourth quarter was tight all the way through as Manchester was only up four points with 23 seconds left. Jones scored on consecutive possessions with a lay-up and then two free throws. The Mystics got two more layups in the remaining seconds to end the game winning by 12 points.
Nottingham was led by Jill Glessner with 22 points and 7 rebounds.
Top Scorers:
Mystics: Georgia Jones 20, Joanna Clayden 19, Rehana Khalil 17
Wildcats: Jill Glessner 22, Hannah Shaw 16, Kate Butters 15
4 December 2007
Mystics Division 2 move on to the Quarter Final in the National Trophy
The Mystics Division 2 team defeated Ellesmere Port 79-38 in the second round of the Women's National Trophy on Sunday afternoon, 25 November, at the Amaechi Basketball Centre. Three players scored in double figures for Manchester, as Paige Livingston led the way with a game high 18 points. In her first Div 2 game, Sandra Guadalix played well and scored 17 points and had 7 rebounds, and Amelia Reynolds chipped in 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Charlotte Stoddart contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds, while Lauren Quigley also had 7 points and five rebounds. The game got off to a slow start, with only a couple baskets scored in the opening minutes of the game, but the Mystics finally got going and went into halftime with a 41-16 lead.
The second half proved to be similar to the first half and, once the Mystics got rolling again, there was no looking back as they coasted into the next round of the National Trophy.
The Mystics will match up against Bury Blue Devils in the next round.
21 November 2007
Mystics Lose Their First League Match
The Mystics suffered their first league loss on Saturday, falling to The City of Sheffield Hatters 84-47. Manchester's offense was stagnant and Sheffield converted on several fast break opportunities, which led to a 38-18 halftime score. The Hatters did not look back in the second half, and the Mystics were never able to get within single digits of their opponents.
Georgia Jones was the only Manchester player who scored double figures, with 22 points, while Stephanie Gandy led Sheffield with 27 points.
The Mystics will travel back to Sheffield again this weekend, and look to perform much better as they look to move on in the National Cup.
Top Scorers:
Mystics: Georgia Jones 22 Charlotte Stoddart 9, Joanna Clayden 5
Hatters : S Gandy 27, S Naylor 23, H Naylor 16
12 November 2007
Mystics off to best ever start!
The Manchester Mystics are off to their best ever start with a 78-69 win over Team Northumbria this weekend. The win puts the Mystics to 2-0 in the league, which is the best start for the women in the Club's history. Once again it was a total team effort for the Mystics as 5 players were in double figures and they received 29 of their points off the bench, to Northumbria's 4 bench points.
Both Rehana Khalil and Lara Maestre had excellent performances for Manchester in their first games back from injury. Khalil was 3/3 from the 3-point line and led the team in scoring, while Maestre provided a spark off the bench with 5 points.
Georgia Jones and Charlotte Stoddart each had a double double for the Mystics, Jones with 11 points and 10 assists and Stoddart with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
J. Colbert led Team Northumbria with 31 points while only two other Northumbria players were in double figures.
Top Scorers:
Mystics: Rehana Khalil 19, Charlotte Stoddart 15, Georgia Jones/Megan Osmer 11
Team Northumbria : J Colbert 31, L Colbert 17, L Hall 12
9 November 2007
Mystics Victorious in First Cup Match
The Mystics easily defeated Bury Blue Devils on Wednesday night, 74-20, in the second round of the Cup. Bury had beaten Stockport in the first round, while the Mystics had a first round bye. Manchester led the game the entire way and never allowed the Blue Devils to score over double figures in any quarter.
Joanna Clayden scored a game high 17 points for the Mystics with Kristie Sheils chipping in 11, and Charlotte Stoddart grabbing a game high 8 rebounds. Manchester held Bury to 22% shooting from the floor and all 11 of the Mystics players saw significant court time, including Rehana Khalil and Lara Maestre, who are both gradually coming back from injury.
With the win, the Mystics will advance to the Quarter Final and meet up with the always-tough City of Sheffield Hatters on November 24th in Sheffield.
The Mystics' next home match is a league game on Sunday November 11th against Team Northumbria at 2pm.
Top Scorers:
Mystics: Joanna Clayden 17, Megan Osmer 12, Kristie Sheils 11
Blue Devils : Sarah Labrow 5, Lauren Wright 5, Michelle Rawlinson 4
2 November 2007
Mystics Kick off New Season with a WIN!
Solent Suns 68 - 75 Manchester Mystics
Manchester Mystics have started the 07-08 season on a high note, with a 75-68 win over the Solent Suns. In the first time that the Mystics have ever won their opening season game, it was a true team effort. Joanna Clayden shone in her Mystics debut scoring a game high 33 points. Georgia Jones continued her brilliant play from the Great Britain games this summer and added 28 points, going 10/10 from the free throw line. Megan Osmer chipped in 8 points whilst grabbing a team high 13 rebounds.
After being down 20-9 at the end of the first quarter, the Mystics fought their way back into the game and went into halftime down only three points at 35-38. Manchester never led during the game until Jones hit a pair of free throws with 1:30 remaining to put the Mystics up by 1. After that, there was no looking back, as a three pointer by Clayden, more free throws by Jones and key rebounds by Charlotte Stoddart sealed the win for the Mystics.
Solent were led by Caroline Turner with 24 points and newcomer Lori Drake with 18 points and 14 rebounds.
The Mystics next game will be on Wednesday November 7th at 8:30pm, against Bury in the Women's National Cup.
Top Scorers:
Mystics: Joanna Clayden 33, Georgia Jones 28, Megan Osmer 8
Suns: Turner 24, Drake 18, Cooper 8
Stats for this game can be found by clicking here.
Photos may appear on Cliff Fullbrook's website later.
9 October 2007
Unless someone comes forward to offer to write reports for the Mystics games, we may not have match reports this season.
However, all Division 1 stats can be found on Cliff Fullbrook's website on www.ebdiv1wmn.co.uk
2006/2007 Season Reports
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2005/2006 Season Reports
12 April 2006
Mystics Lose After a Fine Season
Rhondda Rebels 96 – 77 Manchester Mystics
This was the second leg of the Division 1 play-offs Semi-Final. The Mystics, having lost narrowly at home, travelled to South Wales, feeling that they had a chance of springing a surprise and beating the powerful home team, who were unbeaten in the regular season.
As they had done at home, the Mystics started strongly, and were down by only one point as the Rebels led at the end of the first quarter by 23-22. Despite the best efforts of the Mystics, led by Kristy Lavin, their Commonwealth games medallist, the Rebels exerted their strength and experience. Gradually they increased their lead to 10 at half-time and 22 at the start of the last quarter. In the end, the Rebels won comfortably, but the Mystics were not disgraced.
Coach Sergio Lara-Bercial should be able to keep most of his young squad together for next season, with maybe one or two new players.
In the two years they have been in Division 1 they have become a much better balanced team, well organised and positive in their approach and have had an excellent season. They should get even better in the future.
Top scorers: Mystics: Kristy Lavin 15, Rehana Khalil 15, Georgia Jones 14
Rebels: Rosalee Mason 29, Gillian d’Hondt 25, Andrea Congreaves 14
3 April 2006
Mystics Defy Rebels' Stars
Manchester Mystics 59 - 63 Rhondda Rebels
In the first of potentially three games between the teams who finished first and fourth in the Women's Division 1, it looked like a lost cause for the Mystics. The Rebels were not only unbeaten in the Division, they had already beaten the Mystics by big margins home and away. Four of their starters had been in the England Bronze Medal squad at the Commonwealth Games.
In the first quarter, the young Mystics were somewhat overawed and let the Rebels gain a 7-point advantage at the break. After that they gained in confidence and their tough defence and strong running made their opponents work very hard for every point. By half-time they had narrowed the gap to 27-28 and all was to play for.
The Welsh girls came out strongly after the break and quickly extended their lead, with Rosalee Mason and Gillian d'Hondt using their height and strength well. For the Mystics, their England team-mate Kristy Lavin was scoring heavily and the ever-dependable Georgia Jones was handling the ball with her usual quiet confidence. Then, with the score at 32-43, Rehana Khalil, who had had a rather nervous game until then, scored two quick three-point attempts and brought the gap to 5 points. This fired up the Mystics and they scented a possible win and from then on the game was very close.
To be fair, the Rebels always looked to have too much firepower for them, but the Manchester women did themselves proud in making such a close game of it. Coach Sergio Lara-Bercial was delighted with his team's performance and was by no means pessimistic for their chances in the away leg, or legs. Next week the Mystics travel away to Cardiff for the first away game. Only if we win this, does the series go to a third game.
Mystics: Kristy Lavin 18, Liga Bergvalde/Rehana Khalil 11, Charlene Ward 5
Rebels: Gillian d'Hondt/Rosalee Mason 17, Missy Lender 10, Sally Kasnica 6
14 February 2006
Mystics Coast to an Easy Win
Manchester Mystics 101 - 38 Stockport Lapwings
For Andrew Beckett's photos of the game: Click here
This was a very one-sided game, effectively over by the end of the first quarter. The Mystics showed little sign of the hard game they had had less than 24 hours before, as they defended energetically and broke quickly against a side who could do everything except shoot the ball.
Kristy Lavin dominated the game whenever she was on court and Georgia Jones gave a controlled display of point guard play. Despite having plenty of height, the Lapwings gave up far too many rebounds, 54 to the Mystics’ 27. Only D. Cinite, coming off the bench, had respectable numbers and the Mystics took full advantage. By half-time, they were 67-17 ahead and the second half was a formality.
Not surprisingly, they relaxed a little in the third quarter and the visitors cut the deficit by a few points. Verity Peets played better as the game went on, perhaps as her confidence improved and all the players who came off the bench did well. This was the Mystics last home game of the regular fixtures, but they are challenging for a play-off place, which could extend their season.
Top Scorers: Mystics: Kristy Lavin 28, Georgia Jones 16, Verity Pets 16.
Lapwings: D. Cinite 21, O Kavaliauskaite16, CJ Cronshaw 4.
24 January 2006
Double Joy for Mystics
Solent Stars 57 - 72 Manchester Mystics
The Mystics had a long journey to Solent on Sunday after their win on Saturday at ABC. This was abviously going to be a crucial game with Solent 4th in the table and Mystics 5th. Our girls played extremely well against very good opposition and came out on top by 72-57, with young Georgia Jones not only controlling the game from the point guard position, but also leading all scorers with 25 points.
This means that Mystics have now beaten Solent twice, and now are in 4th position in the League table, in a very solid position to clinch a play-off spot. They have a tough run-in, with only one more home game in the regular season, against Stockport on Sunday 12 February at 5:00pm.
Top Scorers: Mystics: Georgia Jones 25, Kristy Lavin 21, Rehana Khalil 12
Stars: Ayres 18; Rarnai 18; Gamman 10
The Under 16 and Under 14 Mystics also had a good weekend with wins for both teams:
| U16 Girls | Manchester |
94
- 50 |
Stockport |
| U14 Girls | Manchester |
45
- 14 |
Bury |
| U14 Girls | Manchester |
53 - 30 |
Barrow |
22 January 2006
Brief Match Report
Manchester Mystics 63 - 43 Brixton Topcats
The Mystics started much more confidently than the Topcats and a long 3 pointer by Rehana Khalil ended the first quarter with a lead for them of 22-9.
Coach Sergio Lara-Bercial was able to rest some of his starters in the second quarter and still managed to keep a comfortable lead to half-time. The Topcats top scorer, Impuri, was proving the main threat, playing energetically under both baskets. Khalil again ended the half with a nice drive to make the score 37- 23. The second half was similar, with the Topcats unable to match the Mystics in overall shooting. Verity Peets had one of her best rebounding games for the Mystics, with 14 and Georgia Jones had 7 assists. Both had 11 points. The Topcats were credited with only 3 assists in total, which tells us something about why they lost.
Mystics: Kristy Lavin 13, Verity Peets 11, Georgia Jones 11
Topcats: P Impuri 20, C Payne 6, A Charles 5
15 January 2006
Mystics Win at a Stroll
Manchester Mystics 82 - 37 London Towers
From the start, the Mystics asserted their authority scoring freely from open play and from the line. The Towers did most things right apart from putting the ball in the basket and this continued throughout the game. Going into the second quarter, the Mystics were 31-12 ahead and moving well. Kristy Lavin was scoring strongly, Verity Peets was working nicely and Georgia Jones was firmly in charge.
With the game beyond the Towers reach by half-time, as they faced a deficit of 22-50, Mystics coach Sergio Lara-Bercial could give his younger, less experienced players plenty of court time and it was they who saw out most of the second half. They all acquitted themselves well and most got on the score sheet.
The Towers tried hard to the end and made plenty of good scoring opportunities without making many count. When the Mystics first five came back on court they sealed what had become an easy win.
Their next home game is on Saturday 21 January against Brixton, with an earlier tip-off time of 4.00 p.m. All are welcome.
Mystics: Liga Bergvalde 21, Kristy Lavin 17, Verity Peets 16
Towers: Gill Ferry 8, Laura Perry 7, Kellie Runciman 7
8 January 2006
Manchester Mystics 60 - 92 Rhondda Rebels
For Andrew Beckett's photos of the game: Click here
Last season, the Mystics were the only team to beat the Rebels in domestic competition, but a repeat of this result never looked likely. Right from the start, the Rebels exerted their strength and experience to unsettle their younger rivals and move into a 10 point lead at the end of the first quarter.
Throughout the game, the Mystics found themselves hurrying their shots from inside and outside and their final percentages were much below their usual standard. The second quarter was the best for the Mystics, as they defended strongly and were well led by Rehana Khalil's example. With the deficit at half time only 13 points, all did not look lost.
In the third quarter, the Rebels turned on the power and almost blew the Mystics away, winning it by 22-7, but the Manchester women kept trying hard and restored their composure towards the end of the game. They were not in any way disgraced and they can look forward to the rest of the season with confidence.
Mystics: Rehana Khalil 18, Liga Bergvalde 13, Verity Peets 10
Rebels: L Koehn 33, R Mason 18, G D'Hondt 13
13 December 2005
HEARTBREAK FOR MYSTICS AFTER LAST SECOND DEFEAT
Nottingham 67 - 66 Mystics
It wasn't to be third time lucky for the young Mystics in the third clash with the Nottingham Wildcats this season.
On the past two occasions, the Mystics had lost to the Midlands outfit by 15 points (League) and 8 points (Cup QF) respectively. However, a refreshed and invigorated Mystics took on the Wildcats with a strong belief that they could turn the tables and upset the Cup Semi-finalists who currently occupy 2nd place in the league.
Proceedings started very well for the Mystics who built an early lead (10-2) through some strong full court defence, huge rebounding efforts from all players and some excellent shooting and inside play by Liga, Verity and Kristy. This trend continued for the rest of the quarter and only the 11 times Nottingham went to the free throw line in this period prevented the Manchester girls from finishing this quarter with a double digit lead. They had to settle for a nice 20-14 score.
In the second quarter, the Mystics continued their good defensive form and also played well through a very aggressive Nottingham zone defence, getting to the foul line on 10 occasions. However an unusual lack of accuracy (5/10) from the foul line, again prevented the Mystics from taking the lead into double digits for a 37-29 half-time tally.
After the interval an energised Nottingham came out of the changing rooms very much determined to change the trend of the game and lead by England pointguard Jo Sargeant, managed to cut down the difference and even edge in front of the Mystics after a 9-0 run (44-42). A huge 3 from Rehana managed to wake the Mystics out of their sleep and from then on an exchange of baskets took the game to a 48-48 at the end of the third.
The Wildcats started the last period strong, getting a 5 point lead. The Mystics however quickly evened things out with a 6-0 run (56-55). At this point the Manchester squad seemed to be in control and able to manage a 4 point lead that they took into the last minute of the game (63-59). Then disaster struck in the shape of a few "youth sins" mistakes. The Wildcats punished the Mystics heavily. After a Wildcat defensive rebound, the Mystics fouled Jessica Kemp under her own basket to give her two free-throws which she converted (63-61). The Manchester girls missed the next shot and a defensive misfortune allowed the "hot-hand" of Jo Sarjant and uncontested 3 point shot to put the Wildcats up by 1 (63-64 with 43 seconds to go). After a time-out the Mystics came back on the attack and with nerves of steel Verity made 2 free throws (65-64 with 30 seconds to go). Nottingham missed their next shot and Rehana grabbed the subsequent rebound and was put on the line for 2. One in, one out (66-64) and, with 12 seconds to go, another lapse in concentration allowed 17 year old Laura Burton a huge 3 pointer which she converted to give Nottingham the final lead (66-67). Still the Mystics had a last shot for the game but unfortunately it didn't drop.
Despite the loss and the unfortunate way in which it happened after a great effort for 39 minutes this team has a lot to be proud of and a great future ahead of them. That was an excellent try girls. Let's bounce back and move it forward!!
Bring on Rhondda!! Saturday 7th January at 7.30pm at the Amaechi Centre
Mystics: Bergvalde 23, Lavin 14, Jones 13
Wildcats: Sarjant 20, Kemp 15, Butters 9
UNDER 14s CONTINUE TO WIN AND IMPROVE THEIR GAME
For the second week in succession the Under 14 Mystics had a National League mini-tournament. After a win versus Barrow and a loss to Stockport 1 last week, the Mystics troupe travelled to Bury to face the She Devils and Stockport 2.
In the first game the young Mystics played a very solid game with some great offence and a very organised defence that saw them walk out victorious 52-25.
In their second game, the Manchester girls faced a depleted Bury squad who, although missing some key players, still put up a good fight. The Mystics showed that the foundation of a great team is being laid down with some very good ball movement, work ethic and commitment to training.
Well done girls, the future is yours!!
Mystics Players: Becky, Rosie, Tracey, Amelia W, Rowena, Amelia R, Nicolette, Esi, Anjia, Natalie, Kristel, Aimee and Ashley
6 December 2005
Mystics keep up their good run!!
Manchester Mystics 77 - 64 London Acers
For Andrew Beckett's photos of the game: Click here
The Mystics entertained a very reinvigorated London Heathrow Acers team on Saturday night at the Amaechi Centre.
Coach Sergio was happy to have Kristy Lavin back after 4 weeks of absence due to a stress fracture on one of her toes. All the girls were also very supportive of her in her first game back and all contributed to ease her way back into the squad and to full fitness as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Marta Gonzalez sprained her ankle after only 38 seconds on court and will be out for a few games. Marta, everyone is thinking of you and wishing you well.
The game opened with the team scoring two 3 pointers by Liga and Rehana who are continuing their good run of shooting form. After that the battle settled into an exchange of baskets between the two teams with Lear and Abbott dominating the paint at both ends for the Acers and getting many easy points in high percentage areas.
A series of defensive changes and a more spirited second quarter saw the Mystics build up a 9 point lead going into half time. This lead was extended to 16 points in the third quarter through some great attacking play by Liga and Verity, well supported by all the Mystics guards.
The Acers attempted a comeback in the last quarter when they got back to within 7 points. Coach Sergio called a time out to calm everyone's nerves and after that the Mystics regained their composure to finish strongly 77-64.
Next Sunday, the Mystics travel to Nottingham for what should be a very entertaining game and a good chance for the girls to clinch a play-off spot if the result goes their way.
Next home game will take place on January 7th at 7.30 versus undefeated Rhondda Rebels. Remember they were also undefeated when they last came to the ABC, but went away with their only loss of the season... We hope to see you there supporting your team!!
Mystics: Liga Bergvalde (27 points and 10 rebounds), Verity Peets (16 points and 6 rebounds), Georgia Jones (13 points and 4 assists)
Acers: Abbott 29, Lear 17, Cloke 11
22 November 2005
Manchester Mystics 85 - 20 Doncaster Panthers
For Andrew Beckett's photos of the game: Click here
14 November 2005
MYSTICS SURVIVE TO BRING WIN HOME
STOCKPORT LAPWINGS 92 - 97 MANCHESTER MYSTICS
Forget winning or losing, the Greater Manchester derby game between the Mystics and Stockport was a testament to how the women's game can be as entertaining and spectacular as the men's. The two squads provided the most exciting game of the year so far and possibly one of the most enticing and attractive clashes of recent English basketball history.
Stockport presented a very different and strengthened squad to last season's with 4 new foreign imports amongst their ranks. On their part, the Mystics, still missing Kristy Lavin, Louise Barnes and Molly Lafferty and, with Jennie Fields having dropped out due to her University commitments, resorted to their junior players to complete an already very young squad. All in all, 5 out of 9 players in the squad for this game are still eligible to play Junior basketball.
The Lapwings dominated the first few minutes of the game with some great shooting from outside the arc by Lithuanian Orinta and Canadian Dickenson, with good post work and offensive rebounding by Latvian Cinite. This strong start allowed them to take a 7 point lead which the Mystics managed to answer through Rehana's very accurate 3 pointers and Verity's and Liga's hard work inside.
From this point on, the game became an extraordinary exchange of baskets between the two teams with all players in both teams contributing highly. On the Mystics side, special mention should go to Natalie McKenley who played very strong defence and also contributed with 6 crucial points at this stage to reach the half-time mark 48-47 to the Lapwings.
After the break, the dynamics of the game didn't change and Stockport kept leading the way, their lead moving between 1 and 7 points at various stages of the second half. At this point, the Mystics chances were severely damaged by both Rehana and Verity picking up their 4th personal foul. The young Mystics bench however, came to the rescue again with Charlotte Stoddart, Jamie Curtis and Emma Macready giving the team plenty of good minutes.
With 6 minutes to go the Mystics still found themselves trailing by 7. It was then that magically the Mystics Pandora's Box got open by threes from Georgia, Rehana and Liga and a courageous and commanding inside play demonstration by Verity Peets. All of a sudden, with 1' 30" to go the Mystics were leading by 5 points, to everyone's astonishment. The girls played this last 90 seconds smartly and held their own from the free throw line to walk away victorious 97-92.
Bring it on!!!
Mystics: Rehana Khalil 22, Verity Peets 21, Liga Bergvalde 18. Team 3pt Shooting 9/18 (50%) Team Free Throw Shooting 22/26 (85%)
Stockport: Cinite 26, Kavaliauskite 23, Lavilla 15
7 November 2005
YOUNG MYSTICS BRAVE IN DEFEAT
Sunday Cup game: Nottingham Wildcats 64 - 56 Manchester Mystics
A real tough weekend for the ever-younger Mystics, in the absence of many main line players such as Kristy Lavin, Jennie Fields, Louise Barnes and also Natalie McKenley on Sunday. It was always going to be a real tough battle against two of the strongest teams in the Division (Sheffield and Nottingham) but overall, the girls and coaching staff can be really proud of their competitiveness during the weekend and extremely pleased with how every player in the squad dug deep to find that extra bit of game they could use to make up for the shortage of players.
Saturday night at the Amaechi Centre saw a great first half from the Mystics leading 31-26 at half-time through a strong defence and some great game direction from Rehana and Georgia, and inspired shooting from Liga Bergvalde who really blossomed over the weekend into the major force we always knew she could be. Unfortunately, the Mystics machine ran out of steam in the second half, with Sheffield stepping up their game led by England guards Lisa Hutchinson and Katie Crowley. Despite a poor offensive 3rd quarter, the Mystics were still in with a chance at the end of the third when they trailed by 7 points. Fatigue caught up with the team and, in the end, Sheffield ran away with it, 67-49. Liga top-scored with 27 (including 5 three pointers) while Georgia and Rehana contributed with 9 and 8 points respectively.
Sunday took the Mystics to the Quarter Finals of the Cup at Nottingham's Jesse Boot Arena. After a 16-point defeat to the Wildcats in the opening game of the season the Mystics approached the game in a much more confident way, despite the missing players and the loss to Sheffield less than 24 hours before.
A closely-fought battle throughout the entire game which saw the Mystics move between +2 and -5 at various stages in what to date might have been the best team-effort this year. Unfortunately, in another twist of fortune, Molly Lafferty sprained her ankle badly early in the second quarter. However, both Jamie Curtis (age 17) and Charlotte Stoddart (age 15) came off the bench to make outstanding contributions with strong defensive and rebounding efforts and a swift 9 points combined between the two youngsters.
The always on-the-limit defensive pressure from Nottingham took its toll on our young guards and despite playing a very good game the Wildcats took an 11 point lead in the 4th quarter they would never surrender. A last brave effort from the girls brought the game within 5 points in the last minute but Nottingham held their own from the free throw line to finish victorious 64-56.
All in all, a great weekend for learning and discovering that everyone in this team has something to offer against even the toughest of opponents.
Well done and move on!!!
6 November 2005
Manchester Mystics 49 - 67 Sheffield Hatters
For Andrew Beckett's photos of the game: Click here
The Mystics started confidently, defending strongly and moving the ball nicely and ended the first quarter 15-11 in front. It was a similar story in the second, with Liga Bergvalde leading the team well with some good shooting. The Hatters drew level at one stage, but two 3 pointers from Bergvalde meant the Mystics took a 5 point lead to the interval.
It was a different story in the second half. Gradually, the Hatters asserted their strength and experience, controlling the boards and shooting well. Lisa Hutchinson finished the game with 18 rebounds and Stephanie Gandy shot 21 points and had 9 rebounds. By threequarter time they had a 7 point lead and in the last quarter, the Mystics held them to a few points until the last 5 minutes.
The Mystics are a new team and are improving all the time and they will take some valuable lessons from this loss.
Mystics: Liga Bergvalde 27, Georgia Jones 9, Rehana Khalil 8
Hatters: Stephanie Gandy 21, Katie Crowley 13, Karolina Zagorna 10
16 October 2005
Manchester Mystics 69 - 53 Solent Stars
For Andrew Beckett's photos of the game: Click here
11 October 2005
Mystics Come Out on Top
Brixton Topcats 46 - 56 Manchester Mystics (League)
Manchester Mystics 89 - 45 Team Northumbria (Cup Round 2)
A short Mystics squad, plagued by injuries and sickness, travelled to Battersea Youth Centre with only one objective in mind after last week's disastrous 7 and a half hours trip to Crystal Palace, which ended with no game. The team arrived there at 4pm for a 6pm tip-off and decisively went for a nice stroll down the Thames.
The game was very far from a stroll down the river. A very strong and rugged Brixton squad made life very hard for the young Mystics in every inch of the basketball court. A great defensive display from the whole Manchester squad kept the Topcats to a low 46 score which allowed the Mystics to walk out triumphant 56-46. This was a very important win since, as Solent found out 2 weeks ago when they lost 47-43 at Brixton, this end of the woods is a real tough place to play at.
England guard, Kristy Lavin, top scored for the Mystics with 17 points, while Rehana Khalil added 16 including 3 three-pointers at vital times in the game. Liga Bergvalde made a big impact on the boards and also contributed 11 points. Other strong performers on the night were Verity Peets, Georgia Jones, Molly Lafferty and Jennie Fields who all contributed massively to win the game.
After returning close to 2am on Sunday morning, the girls were back in action on Sunday afternoon for the second round of the Women's National Cup against Northumbria Tyne and Wear. The Mystics presented a very young squad with 3 more junior players to add to the usual suspects Georgia and Verity. The team was quickly in charge of affairs storming to a 29-16 lead in the first quarter with some good defensive play and a lighting quick fastbreak.
The Manchester girls quickly extended the lead when they outscored Northumbria 21-7 in the second quarter, with already strong contributions from Under 16 players Siobhan Collins, Charlotte Stoddart who scored a 3 pointer seconds after coming off the bench and Under 18 player Jessica Tensel who showed great defensive work ethic and team spirit.
In the end the Mystics ran away to an 89-45 victory that sees them into the next round of the cup against Nottingham on 6th November. The girls will be up for that one. Verity Peets and Liga Bergvalde got 18 points and 7 rebounds apiece, while Kristy added 17 and 11 boards. However another strong team performance that yielded 85% success from the free throw line and a total 19 assists.This was a great team performance.
Next week, another tough game against Solent, who you will remember beat the Mystics in the quarter final play-off last year in overtime. We will need all the support we can get on the night: Saturday 15th October 7.30 tip-off at the Amaechi Centre in Whalley Range. All tickets £1
26 September 2005
Mystics Lose Close Game
Manchester Mystics 64 - 79 Nottingham Wildcats
For Andrew Beckett's photos of the game: Click here
This was a closer game than the final score suggests. It was only in the last quarter that the Wildcats used their height, strength and experience to draw away from a young Mystics team who had held their opponents for most of the game.
Both teams were well organised in attack and defence, with some of the Mystics showing the benefits of a summer spent in hard practice. Rehana Khalil was almost unrecognisable from last season, shooting and moving the ball much more confidently. She had 8 and Georgia Jones had 7 rebounds, not bad for two guards. Newcomer Liga Bergvalde looked competent but not outstanding and Kristy Lavin had a sound game on her return to Manchester.
For the Wildcats, Jessica Kemp had an excellent game, the game's best rebounder and joint top scorer, but it was a fine team effort and the Mystics did well to give them such a tough game. On the evidence of this game, the Mystics should do well in this league, as their players grow in strength and experience.
Mystics: Rehana Khalil 15, Kristy Lavin 14, Liga Bergvalde 14
Wildcats: Emma Pass 22, Jessica emp 22, Kate Butters 15
4 April 2005
Mystics Cruise to an Easy Win
Manchester Mystics 74 - 51 Spelthorne Acers
In their last game of the regular season, the Mystics were gifted an easy win by the Londoners. Both teams found it hard to score from open play, but the Acers could find only 4 points in the first quarter to the Mystics' 23. Jade Lucas had gone to bench after a few minutes on 2 fouls and Deanna Smith had done most of the scoring. When Jade did return, she played another 15 minutes without giving away another foul and scored 13 points.
From then on, the game was quite even in terms of scoring, but the Mystics were always in control. The Acers were well organised and defended well, but they never got nearer than 17 points behind. At half-time, they trailed by 19-39 and by 54-31 at the end of the third quarter. With both teams scoring 20 points in the last session, the final score reflected the Acers' disastrous start.
Playing without Rehana Khalil and Julia Demirer, the Mystics again depended on Deanna Smith for her 23 points and her 13 rebounds and 7 assists, but all the team played with great spirit. Charlene Ward was very effective under the baskets, especially in the latter stages of the game and ended with 13 points and 9 rebounds.
Coming on early for Lucas and having plenty of minutes, Georgia Jones was her usual safe pair of hands and scored 7 points and took 5 rebounds. Overall, this was a pleasing performance and should give the Mystics confidence for the first round of the play-offs. Since they finished 5th in the league, they have to travel to Solent this weekend and they can expect no favours there.
Mystics: Deanna Smith: 23 Jade Lucas: 13 Charlene Ward: 13 Georgia Jones: 7 Natalie McKinley: 6
Acers: C. Ayres: 18 B. Lear:15 R. Murphy: 7
21 March 2005
Mystics Subdue Rebels
Manchester Mystics 87 - 68 Rhondda Rebels
This was a game about pride and determination, since the result hardly affected the end of season standings of the two teams. The Rebels, a squad of talented imports, who had beaten all domestic opposition this season and carried the Welsh flag into European competition, were expected to walk all over their young opponents.
After four minutes the score was 3 each, but then the Mystics went on a run and got a 9 point lead which they were never to lose. Most of the scoring had been done by Deanna Smith, but the Mystics guards were collecting fouls at an alarming rate.
Led by Silvia Gottardi and using the height and skill of Missy Lender, the Rebels constantly threatened to take over the game, but each time they scored, the Mystics countered at once, usually through Smith, who had an astonishing game, ending with 44 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Julia Demirer, now fitting in better with her teammates, Charlene Ward and Verity Peets worked well under both baskets and the Mystics were 50-37 to the good at half-time.
Bringing only 7 players and using only 6, the Rebels showed little sign of fatigue in the second half, winning the third quarter 17-14, but the Mystics started the last quarter still 10 points ahead. It was a tense time for them and their coach, Sergio Lara-Bercial, when, with 8 minutes still to go, he had four of his team on 4 fouls. But his young players did him proud. Young Georgia Jones did an excellent job bringing the ball up, moving it well and keeping possession when it mattered, even though she did not figure much in the stats and all the others played strong defence.
With 8 minutes to go, an extremely long 3 from Smith seemed to finish off any serious resistance from Rhonnda and the Mystics ran out comfortable winners. This clear victory over such a strong team sends out a disturbing message to the Mystics' opponents in the play-offs. Their last regular season game is at home on Saturday 2nd April. Tip-off is at 7.30 p.m. and the visitors are Spelthorne. All are welcome.
Mystics: Deanna Smith: 44, Charlene Ward: 16, Julia Demirer: 13
Rhondda: Missy Lender: 24, Latoya Kincaid: 17, Silvia Gottardi: 14
8 March 2005
One-Sided Mystics Victory
Manchester Mystics 97 - 34 Doncaster Panthers
Both these teams were similar, with very young players and some import assistance, but their performance was quite different on the night. The Panthers managed only one basket from open play in the first quarter, when the Doncaster coaches chose not to play Helen Naylor. When she came on, the Mystics were 15-4 ahead and coasting.
Her presence immediately transformed the game and the second quarter was a close- run thing. Despite strong Mystics defence and some sparkling scoring from Jade Lucas and Deanna Smith, the Panthers got within 10 points, before falling behind again, to finish the half 22-36 down.
The Mystics started the second half strongly and, again mainly in Naylor's absence, built up an unassailable lead of 63-29 going into the last quarter.
Coach Sergio Lara-Bercial kept Deanna Smith and Julia Demirer on the bench for the rest of the game and his young side ran furiously at a now dispirited Doncaster team, scoring at will and preventing their opponents from even taking shots. They scored 34 points in the last quarter, exactly the same number as the Panthers had managed in the whole game. The Mystics had all played well and all had 13 minutes or more, but there will be sterner tests before the end of the season, notably when they entertain high-flyers Rhondda in their next home game.
This is on Sunday, 20th March at the Amaechi Basketball Centre. Tip-off is at 5.00p.m. and all are welcome.
Mystics: Deanna Smith: 24, Jade Lucas: 16, Verity Peets: 13, Rehana Khalil: 12, Julia Demirer: 9, Charlene Ward: 8, Natalie McKinley: 7.
1 March 2005
Mystics lose a BIG battle but hopes are still intact for Play-Offs
Solent Stars are currently the tallest team in the division with up to four players standing at 6'2" or over. In an attempt to counter this height advantage and the 3-2 zone defence played by the Stars, the Mystics deployed an up-tempo game which seemed to pay dividends in the first quarter, when the Manchester team got a 17-7 lead through a hard working full court press. However, some sloppy play allowed Solent an easy comeback to end the quarter 19-17 to the Mystics.
Our girls kept working hard but, when the well-drilled Solent team started to find their inside players, the tables turned, and Solent pulled away to end the first half up by ten points (39-29).
The Mystics regained their good shooting form at the beginning of the 3rd quarter, getting to within four points of the Stars, with some good inside play from Verity Peets and inspired shooting from Deanna Smith.
Solent Stars came back in style though, with very accurate outside shooting and a tough defence. After a great fight in this 3rd quarter, the Mystics found themselves still trailing by 11 points.
The start of the final period saw the Mystics make an effort to cut the lead to just 7 points before Solent pulled away yet again, to win the game by 73-62.
All in all, a very exciting game where the girls had a good chance to learn a few tricks of the trade. Congratulations to Solent on a great performance.
The Mystics are in action again this weekend at ABC on Sunday 6 March, when they will play Doncaster at 5:00pm. All are welcome.
13 February 2005
Mystics Win at a Stroll
Manchester Mystics 90 - 47 Brixton Lady Topcats
The Topcats arrived late and with a weakened team and never really got into this game. To their credit, they kept going for all four quarters, but they were simply outclassed, especially in shooting.
The main interest for the home fans was how the Mystics new player, Julia Demirer, would fit into coach Sergio Lara-Bercial's plans. The answer was - very well, as she showed her strengths in every part of the court. Her statistics of 21 points and 12 rebounds were most impressive in her first game and she fitted in well in defence and offence.
Deanna Smith was again the main motivator of the team. This time her 3 from 7 from 3 point range added to her team's superiority. All the rest of the Mystics had plenty of court time and all contributed well. For the Topcats, A. Batimba was outstanding, with 16 points.
The Mystics keep their 4th position in the league, but their remaining fixtures will be tough. Their next home game is against Doncaster on Sunday, 6th March at the Amaechi Basketball Centre. Tip-off 5.00p.m.
Mystics: Deanna Smith: 26, Julia Demirer: 21, Charlene Ward: 10, Jade Lucas: 9, Jenny Fields: 8, Rehana Khalil: 8
8 February 2005
Reality Check for Mystics
Rhondda 102 - 74 Manchester Mystics
The Mystics travelled to Rhondda hoping to give the undefeated Welsh Squad a good run for their money. Although the final score 102-74 reflects the world that separates both squads, the Mystics played with a lot of spirit and never gave up on a very tough match. On paper, both squads could not be more different.
Rhondda's legion of imports (up to 6) made their experience count at every level of the game, outplaying the young Mystics in every department apart from that of courage and determination. Deanna Smith led the team, not only as far as scoring goes, but also ensuring that the team kept working and developing with every play of the game.
The Mystics opened the game with some very good team play that kept them in contention (19-14 to Rhondda) but with about a minute to go, a couple of quick turnovers saw Rhondda extend that lead to 25-15 at the end of the quarter. A bad start to the second quarter meant that Rhondda extended that lead going into half-time up by 23 points (33-56).
However, the second half saw a much more focused Mystics team. The girls made it a lot harder for the Welsh squad to find the basket (46 for the half) and also improved on their own scoring (41 for the last 2 quarters). Overall, Rhondda's control of the boards at both ends, the ease with which they ran their fast break, and soft turnovers were the biggest factors in this defeat. A lot to learn from this game, but a lot of positives to take from it as well.
Just keep swimming...
Sergio Lara-Bercial
Mystics: Deanna Smith: 34, Verity Peets: 14
Rhondda: Robert: 33, Gottardi: 25
Mystics play their next home game this Saturday, 12 February, at ABC at 5:00pm against Brixton.
30 January 2005
Mystics Double Delight
Manchester Mystics 65 - 55 PAWS London Capitals
This was a tense and intriguing game. The Mystics had beaten their opponents comfortably in November and their first double victory of the Div. 1 season was on the cards. But their star player, Deanna Smith, was carrying an injury, which might have kept her out of the game. She warmed up but did not start. Without her, her young team-mates gave an excellent account of themselves, defending strongly and scoring steadily. The score kept remarkably close throughout. From the free throw line, the Mystics again distinguished themselves, hitting 68% against a mere 33% by the Capitals and they also comfortably out-rebounded them.
At half-time the scores were level at 33-33, with the Mystics having weathered some real pressure, being 6 points down at one stage.
It had been an all round team effort, with Verity Peets catching the eye with sound work under the baskets and Jade Lucas moving the ball quickly and well and, in the third quarter, the game continued in the same way, with B. Dang and A. Shaaban causing the Mystics problems at each end.
With a minute to go in the third quarter, Mystics coach, Sergio Lara-Bercial, brought on Deanna Smith, confident she could secure the win. The quarter ended 47-45 to the London women.
Smith opened the last quarter brightly and then the game ground to a surprising halt. For 4 minutes neither side could score, the scores were level, 54-54, with 2 minutes to go and it looked as if Lara-Bercial's gamble had failed. But, using all her skill and experience, Smith orchestrated the last 2 minutes and the Mystics scored 11 points against 1 in reply. She ended with the amazing figures of 13 points and 9 rebounds in 11 minutes and the coach knew he had played it just right. The Mystics now have two very difficult away games and return to the Amaechi Basketball Centre on Saturday, 12th February to play Brixton.
Mystics: Verity Peets: 16 Deanna Smith: 13 Charlene Ward: 10 Jade Lucas: 10
PAWS: B.Dang: 17 A. Shaaban: 12 A. Delextrat: 12
24 January 2005
Mystics Proud in Defeat
Manchester Mystic 70 - 83 Nottingham Wildcats
For Tom Platt's pictures of this game click here
For Gu's pictures of this game click here
The Mystics started confidently and moved steadily into a 16-6 lead after 8 minutes. In the few seconds when Deanna Smith was rested, the Wildcats made the score 16-13 by the end of the quarter.
After the break, the Nottingham scoring machine got into gear and from then on their shooting from open play, at 58%, was hard to beat. The Mystics matched them in vigorous defence and rebounding, but by half-time, were 38-35 down.
After half-time, Georgia Jones was available, having taken part in an excellent Under 18 Cup win at Ellesmere Port, and gave the team a useful option. The pattern was the same in the third quarter, with the only difference between the teams the open field shooting. The Wildcats crept steadily ahead, to go into the last quarter 59-50 in front. In the first minute of the last quarter, disaster struck the Mystics. Their talismanic top scorer, Deanna Smith, was fouled, fell awkwardly and had to leave the game with an ankle injury. Far from giving up, the rest of the team stepped up, led by a dynamic performance by young Verity Peets and Jade Lucas. They got the Mystics back to within 7 points with 2 minutes to go and Georgia Jones and Jade Lucas made 6 free throws in the last minute, but the Wildcats kept going and ran out comfortable winners. The Mystics had lost, but had done their reputation no harm at all. Their next home game is against Brixton on the 12th February at 5.pm.
Mystics: Verity Peets: 15 Jade Lucas: 15 Deanna Smith: 11 Charlene Ward: 11
11 January 2005
Mystics Win Again on the Road
Spelthorne Acers 73 - 81 Manchester Mystics
The Mystics travelled down to London to meet the fancied Acers on Saturday, but came away with a well-deserved win that keeps them in contention for a play-off place. They moved into a narrow lead in the first quarter and managed to hold on to it for the rest of the game. When the Londoners forsook their usual zone defence and played a vigorous full-court press, the young Mystics kept their composure and their lead. Coach Sergio Lara-Bercial was pleased with his team's performance against a taller and more experienced opponent. It was a good all-round effort, but Deanna Smith contributed a game-high 31 points, having played her usual unselfish game.
Two of the team, Verity Peets and Jamie Curtis, had just returned from an Under 18 international tournament, where they had represented England, with Lara-Bercial as the new coach of this team.
Mystics: Deanna Smith 31, Charlene Ward 16, Verity Peets 14, Jade Lucas 12
13 December 2004
Mystics Surge to Victory
Manchester Mystics 87 - 78 Solent Stars
Unbeaten in the League this season, the Stars started full of confidence, looking fit, determined and well organised. Against a hesitant Manchester team, who looked as if they were still feeling the effects of last week's disappointing loss, they moved smoothly into a lead of 26-13 after 8 minutes. Their centre, Zsussa Tarnai, Was proving difficult to stop, as she did for all the game and the Stars definitely looked in control of the boards. Then, after coach Lara-Bercial had called a crucial time-out, the Mystics started to fight back.
Good work by Verity Peets and Deanna Smith reduced the deficit to 8 points by the end of the quarter. Significantly, the Stars did not score in the last 3 minutes of the quarter.
As the Mystics got into their normal hard running, close marking game, they pegged the Stars back, negating their height advantage by constant hustling. Jade Lucas, who had an excellent all-round game, scored a long 3 pointer with just 20 seconds of the half left. By half-time the deficit was just one point at 45-46.
The Mystics started the second half brightly and moved into a small lead. Then the Stars last their influential guard, Maria Tobar, with what looked like a nosebleed and they lost some of their cohesion. The Mystics were now driving to the basket, getting the fouls and scoring from the line. This also meant that the Stars were getting into foul trouble and this had a vital effect on the outcome of the game. By the end of the third quarter, the Mystics had fought their way into a 2-point lead, but the Stars were still looking confident. Oddly enough, they were out-rebounded in the game as a whole by 56-54.
By the time Tobar was back on court, with 6 minutes to go, the Stars had a 7-point lead and looked to be heading for the win they clearly expected. But the constant hustling by their young opponents was getting to them and, after some dynamic moves, especially from Deanna Smith and Jade Lucas, the Mystics managed to turn a 7-point deficit into 74-74 in the last minute of normal time.
It was now that the Stars' foul trouble hit them. Some of their strongest players could only sit on the bench and watch, as the Mystics outscored their team 13-4 in the 5 minutes of overtime. One reason for their victory was their much improved (over last week) free throws. Only coincidence, but their margin of victory was exactly the same as their free throw superiority, 9 points. Despite some very close marking, Deanna Smith again had great numbers, 35 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. But it had been a team effort and a good reward for a huge amount of hard practice. The Stars showed they have the firepower to worry any team and they will continue to win games, but it was the Mystics' night.
Mystics: Deanna Smith: 35, Jade Lucas: 18, Verity Peets: 15
5 December 2004
No Disgrace in Defeat for Mystics
Manchester Mystics 55 - 78 Sheffield Hatters
This was always going to be a real test for the young Mystics team. The Hatters have been a top team in the top Division of English women's basketball for some years, with a powerful and very experienced squad. But the Mystics passed the test by competing fiercely throughout and still being well in contention with one quarter to go.
Opening brightly, the Mystics went into an early lead, but the Hatters soon had their inside game working, using their size and experience to control their own basket and keeping the ball well. Only two good scores by Deanna Smith and Jamie Curtis brought the Mystics back into 13-17 contention at the end of the quarter.
In the second quarter, the Hatters forged ahead, helped by some nervous shooting by the Mystics, often forced into rushed shots with the seconds running down. Their energetic defence was restricting the Hatters' score however, but they reached half-time 25-37 down.
Even the Mystics' free throw percentage had been much lower than usual, at 40%, but it improved to 70% in the second, as they finally got their game under way, winning the third quarter 18-13. Jade Lucas started to shoot well and Deanna Smith survived multiple marking to keep the Mystics in the game. She fought valiantly to help her teammates, until fouled out very near the end. Verity Peets was the game's top rebounder, with 13, but her shooting let her down. All the team tried hard and the main difference in the two teams was in shooting accuracy.
In the last quarter, the Hatters' superior strength and experience told, but the Mystics never gave up. Rehana Khalil summed up the Mystics' spirit when she rounded off the match with a long three right on the buzzer. All the team had played well. They were fit, organised and determined and it is clear that they can only get better. The home fans in the large crowd were not disappointed by the result. On the contrary, they were delighted to see their young team competing so well at this level. Their next game is on Saturday, 11th December, at the Amaechi Centre. Tip-off 7.30 p.m. Their opponents are Solent Stars.
Mystics: Deanna Smith: 17, Jade Lucas: 13, Charlene Ward: 6
Hatters: Andrea Kagie: 25, Leandra Little/Katie Crowley: 10
30 November 2004
Mystics Continue Winning Run
Brixton 70 - 89 Manchester Mystics
This game did not start too well for the Mystics. Heavy traffic in London meant their coach arrived at the venue a mere 15 minutes before tip-off time. In spite of this, they started well, but the opposition coach called an early time-out and the Londoners at once tightened up their game and were soon 5 points ahead of the Mystics. But, after a technical foul was called on the Brixton coach, his team were shaken and the Mystics gained in confidence. They forged ahead and they were 9 points in front at half-time.
The young Manchester team withstood the pressure of a noisy, hostile crowd and they all played well. Coaches often say that free throws win games and on this occasion the Mystics shot 26 of 31 from the line, or 84%, the sign of long hours spent profitably in the gym. Despite being closely marked all game, Deanna Smith still managed to score 37 points and led the team brilliantly. The whole squad of 12 players had court time and contributed to the win.
The Mystics have now won all their League games and are near the top of the table. This is a good start, but the harder League challenges start this weekend, when the opponents are Sheffield Hatters.
Mystics: Deanna Smith: 37, Jade Lucas: 18
22 November 2004
Overwhelming Win for Mystics
Manchester Mystics 87 - 40 Stockport Lapwings
Both these teams were in last year's Division 2 and have won the right to be in Division 1 this season. In previous meetings this year, the Lapwings won the first fairly easily and just lost the second. Such is the improvement the Mystics have made, that at times their superiority in this game was embarrassing. They opened quickly and confidently, and by the time the Lapwings scored first, in the 6th minute, they had 19 points on the board. Their new Australian star, Deanna Smith, was everywhere, rebounding, scoring from inside and out and feeding the ball to her team-mates. Charlene Ward was one beneficiary of her unselfish play, as was Verity Peets and the whole team played tough defence.
The Mystics ended the first half 54-19 in front and the Stockport camp probably thought it could not get any worse, but it did. In the third quarter, their team could manage only 2 points in reply to 25 by the Mystics and the game was well and truly over. Apart from their shooting in open play, the Lapwings were not playing too badly and they never gave up, but for them it was just one of those games when nothing goes right.
When Sergio Lara-Bercial, the Mystics coach, put his bench on for the last quarter, there was some relief for the Lapwings and they scored 17 points to the Mystics' 8. These came mainly from the free throw line, with Janka Deckerova prominent. For the Mystics, Smith finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists, excellent numbers in any class of basketball, with only 30 minutes on court and without a hint of selfish play. The Lapwings will recover from this shock defeat and, on the evidence of this game, the basketball fans of the Manchester area should get down to the Amaechi Basketball Centre for a real treat. The next home game there is this Saturday, when the Magic entertain the Reading Rockets at 7.30 p.m. On Dec. 4th, the Mystics play the Sheffield Hatters at home. Recently they lost to them narrowly in Sheffield, so it should be a thriller.
Mystics: Deanna Smith: 31, Charlene Ward: 22, Verity Peets: 11
16 November 2004
Mystics Stamp on Paws
PAWS London: 61 - 90 Manchester Mystics
For their first Division 1 National League game, the Mystics travelled to London at the weekend, not really knowing what to expect at the Capital City Academy, where they were to play another newly promoted squad, PAWS London.
They had to contend with a long journey, a hostile crowd and a new level of competition, but they passed all the tests with flying colours. A very focussed team effort saw the Mystics take an early lead through a very hardworking full-court press. This defensive intensity provoked many errors by the London side and gave the Mystics the chance to run the floor and get some quick scores on the break.
After the Mystics coach changed their defence to a 2-1-2 zone, the Mystics adapted well and moved the ball well to go in at half-time 44-26 ahead.
From then on, the Mystics cruised to a comfortable win, with Deanna Smith again posting massive numbers with 40 points in the game, backed by a very creditable 21 by Verity Peets. But it had been an excellent all-round team effort which brought them a resounding victory on their first long road trip in the top flight. Their next home game is on Saturday, 20th November at the Amaechi Basketball Centre, tip-off 7.30. A Division 1 League game, their opponents are Stockport Lapwings and all are welcome.
Mystics: Deanna Smith: 40, Verity Peets: 21, Jade Lucas/Jenny Fields: 7
9 November 2004
Bright Start For Mystics
Sheffield Hatters 87 - 75 Manchester Mystics
Starting with a group of young players, the Manchester Mystics entered the EBL National Women's League last season, and had a good first season in the 2nd Division. In the fight to make the 1st Division this autumn, they have been successful and are now in the highest women's league. To get this far is a great achievement, but now they have to consolidate their position. At the weekend they were drawn against Sheffield Hatters in the Quarter Final of the National Cup, as hard a test as they could have had.
Their opponents are one of the top teams in the country. Last season they won the League Play-off, and 12 months ago beat the Mystics by 60 points. 4 weeks ago the gap was 36 points. And yet this was a game the Mystics came very near to winning. That is the scale of the improvement this team, average age 18.4, has made.
After a fairly even first half, the Mystics made some careless mistakes in a poor third quarter, which left them 19 points down at one time. But they played tough defence and reduced the gap to 5 points by the end of the quarter. With three junior players on court for much of the game, coach Sergio Lara-Bercial was delighted with his team's performance, especially in the last few minutes of the game, as their youth and fitness told in their favour.
With 3 minutes to go, the Hatters were in front by only 3 points, but experience told, as they made their free throws to win by a clear margin. Newcomer Deanna Smith was the star of the game for the Mystics, with an astonishing 41 points and an excellent all-round game.
Supporters will be able to watch this exciting young team on Saturday, 20th Nov. at the Amaechi Basketball Centre, when their opponents are local rivals Stockport Lapwings. Tip-off is 7.30 p.m. and all are welcome.
Mystics: Deanna Smith 42, Georgia Jones 11, Jenny Fields 7.
31 October 2004
Manchester Mystics 90 - 32 Black Country Bears
A magnificent performance on Saturday evening by the Mystics has gained entry to Women's Division 1 basketball for the first time ever in Manchester. Aussie star, Deanna Smith, led all scorers with 37 points as the Mystics demolished the Black Country Bears by 90 - 32.
The Mystics will now lock horns with all the big-time Clubs from Division 1. A combination of the rapidly improving youngsters and International star Deanna, will make the Mystics a force to be reckoned with and any team coming to ABC will know they have a real fight on their hands.
The final line-up of Division 1 Women' teams is:
| Manchester Mystics | Brixton Topcats |
| Stockport Lapwings | Solent Stars |
| Sheffield Hatters | Rhondda Rebels |
| Doncaster Panthers | Paws London Capitals |
| Nottingham Wildcats | Spelthorne Acers |
24 October 2004
Mystics in Play-offs
This Saturday sees the Manchester Mystics make their bid to be part of Division 1 of the Women's National League. Having finished in 3rd place in the Northern Section of the qualifying leagues, they meet the team who were 3rd in the Midlands section, the Black Country Bears. If they win, they are in Division 1.
Tip-off is at 7.30 p.m. and there is a nominal entrance fee at the Amaechi Basketball Centre.
19 October 2004
New Star Shines for Mystics
Manchester Mystics won two crucial games over the weekend. The women's team of the Manchester Club are playing in the Senior National League Division 1/2 and are desperately keen to obtain Division 1 status once the cut is made. Their win, 76-67 against Northumbria Tyne and Wear on Saturday means they now play the team which finished 3rd in the Midlands section and a win will ensure Div.1 status for the rest of the season. They were greatly helped on Saturday by their new Australian signing Deanna Smith, who scored 34 points. Deanna has come from playing with Adelaide Lightning in the top Australian women's league and was on the fringes of selection for the national team which won the silver medal at the Olympics this year.
She showed her excellent all-round skills to the home fans on Sunday evening, when she led the Mystics to another win, this time against local rivals, Stockport Lapwings, in a Cup game. She scored 32 points in the 63-58 victory.
Coach Sergio Lara-Bercial is delighted to welcome such a talented player to his squad and is very optimistic about the progress they can now make.
