If you want a last chance to try to play for the top development Club in England, then read on.....

Just turn up on the day; you do not need to register before this. Please be on time. No charge.

Boys selected will join the National League squad which will play in the Under 13 National League in September 2008.

All Trials will be at the Amaechi Basketball Centre,Whalley Range High School, Wilbraham Road, Whalley Range M16 8GW Telephone: 0161-881-0090

For further details contact Joe Forber 01625-527867 or 07790-686496(M) or email: mmagic@tesco.net

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Kornel Tober. Kornel died on May 3, 2008 at the age of 78.  He was a founder member of our Club and our most fervent supporter. Kornel has been an ever present in the Manchester Basketball scene for over 55 years from the very beginning of basketball at the Y.M.C.A. in the early 1950’s, until the present day.

Kornel was still to be seen, in very recent days, to be on the floor at ABC helping our players to improve their game.
 
His wisdom, both in life and in basketball, was a great support to many Club members who approached him for advice and counsel.

We shall all miss him.

The funeral arrangements are St Annes Church, Chester Road, Stretford, Manchester, M32 8LF  12:30pm on Tuesday 13th May.

After the excellent season enjoyed by both Magic and Mystics Senior teams, due reward has been given to 3 members of the Club for their outstanding contributions towards our success:

If you want a chance to play for the top development Club in England, then read on.....

Just turn up on the day; you do not need to register before this. Please be on time.

Selections will be made in preparation for teams representing the Magic for the 200 8/2009 Season.

All Trials will be at the Amaechi Basketball Centre,Whalley Range High School, Wilbraham Road, Whalley Range M16 8GW Telephone: 0161-881-0090

For further details contact Joe Forber 01625-527867 or 07790-686496(M) or email: mmagic@tesco.net

Despite the Mystics falling to Sheffield in the National Championships Semi-Final, there was some good news during the weekend for the Mystics. Georgia Jones was presented with the Under 18 Player of the Year award - fully deserved for her performances for the Mystics and Great Britain. She has been an outstanding representative of our Club, on and off the floor, and we can all be proud of her achievements. Georgia is considering several options for next season which will become clearer in the next few weeks.

More news to follow.

Andrew Lovedale has been instrumental in 2 amazing performances by Davidson College (North Carolina) in the NCAA Tournament. Davidson are now in the Sweet Sixteen, with the ambition and confidence to go much further.

The first round saw them defeat the highly-rated Gonzaga by 82 - 76, with Andrew producing a sterling performance with 12 points and 13 rebounds in 29 minutes of action.

The team remained underdogs in the last 32 as they came up against the second-seeded Georgetown who made the Final Four last year. Despite being 17 points down at one stage, a brilliant come-back enabled them to win by 74 - 70. Andrew's 11 points and rugged rebounding were a major factor in the victory.

Davidson now go to Detroit, knowing that 2 more victories will get them to the Final Four. They meet the Wisconsin Badgers on Friday 28 March.

Andrew is being recognised nationally for his performances so far and for being a tough competitor who backs down from no-one.

We will continue to follow his progress.

Each month "THE HARIS STAR OF THE MONTH" award is presented to a player from the Under 14 Boys and a player from the Under 15 Boys National League teams. The awards are made to encourage youngsters to work hard in training sessions and the presentation of the awards is certainly having the desired effect. All the players are working really hard to impress their coaches in the hope of winning an award. This Saturday, the Awards for January and February were made to:

Congratulations to all boys.

Presenting the Awards is a perfect way to remember the outstanding qualities of Haris in his playing days.

Andrew MacKay presented Russell, Hamish, and Sean with their trophies at the game. Josh will receive his later.

The Amaechi Basketball Centre is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a total of five England Basketball Finals in the months of February and March 2008.

The first set of games is on Sunday, February 17th, when both the Under 18 and Under 16 Boys National Cup Finals will be played, along with the Men`s National Shield final (Div 3/4). The Under 16 Final is at 11:15am and will see Teamspirit Sheffield Junior Sharks take on Solent Kestrels for the title. Sheffield gained their spot in the final by beating our Magic U15 team in a closely matched Semi-final in Sheffield.

At 1:30pm, our very own Magic U18 squad, coached by Samit Nuruzade, will look to follow in the footsteps of the Senior Men`s team and bring home the 2008 Cup. After defeating the Sheffield Junior Sharks U18 team in the Semi-final, the young Magic team will match up against Hackney White Heat.

The final game of the day will crown a champion of the Men`s National Shield. This is a knock-out competition for Division 3 and 4 teams. This Final will be contested between Derby Trailblazers II and Worcester Wolves II at 3:45pm. An all-day pass for this event will cost £5 for adults and £3 for children. If you have any questions please contact Brian Dobson at the ABC.

The Men`s National Trophy and Patron's Cup Final will be fought out on Sunday, March 2nd. The Patron's Cup Final where Team Northumbria will take on Tees Valley Mohawks will be at 12 noon, and will be followed by the Men's National Trophy Final at 2:15pm when Reading Rockets will meet up with Worthing Thunder. Tickets for this day will cost £6 for adults and £3 for children. Again further details can be obtained from Brian Dobson at ABC on 0161-881-0090.

Mansfield Stars at Home at 7:30pm at ABC in the Semi-Final of the National Cup in which we were victorious last year versus Worthing.

Sunday 10 February 2008

Derby at Home at 5:00pm at ABC League game moved from 8 December 2007

There will no Senior game on Sunday 9 December 2007

Magic join Worthing and Leopards as the only undefeated teams in the EBL and will be fully tested at Leopards on Saturday 1 December - best of luck to the lads in their quest for the League title.

If you want a chance to play for the top development Club in England, then read on.....

Just turn up on the day; you do not need to register before this. Please be on time.

Those selected will be invited to join the Magic Under 14 squad.

For further details contact Joe Forber 01625-527867 or 07790-686496(M) or email: mmagic@tesco.net

After the recent regional tournament at the Jesse Boot Arena in Nottingham, Leah McDerment Mystics U14s/16s, and Rosie Hynes U16s, were selected to join the England U16s Development Squad.

Three girls from the Under 14s team will represent the North West in the forthcoming Inter Regional Tournament at Lilleshall - Holly Rush, Danielle Johnson and Leah McDerment.

Each month "THE HARIS STAR OF THE MONTH" award is presented to a player from the Under 14 Boys and a player from the Under 15 Boys National League teams. The awards are made to encourage youngsters to work hard in training sessions and the presentation of the awards is certainly having the desired effect. All the players are working really hard to impress their coaches in the hope of winning an award. Last Saturday the Awards for were made to:

Congratulations to both boys.

Presenting the Awards is a perfect way to remember the outstanding qualities of Haris in his playing days, and we remember especially that today is the anniversary of his death in 2006. Our thoughts are with the family at this time.

Haris`father presented Luke's trophy at the game. Adam will receive his later.

After a lengthy and tiring summer schedule, the highly successful GB Ladies team will meet their final test on Saturday 22 September at ABC. They play the Netherlands in the first home leg to decide which team goes through to the European 'A' Division in 2008.

Tickets will be at a premium and a sell-out crowd is expected. Please arrive early at the box office to ensure entry. Entry cost is £5.

Kristy Lavin and Georgia Jones represent the Club and are expected to make a big contribution to the team.

The return leg will be on Wednesday 26 September in Holland, so a good lead in the first leg would be a great start.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TIP-OFF TIME AT ABC IS 7:00pm

Congratulations to the GB Women who won their game against Portugal yesterday afternoon, by 49 - 60, Kristy Lavin scoring an outstanding 18 points.

This means that they will now play the Netherlands in a home/away match for promotion to Division A.

The Home leg is at the Amaechi Basketball Centre next Saturday, 22 September, at 7:00pm, where all supporters will again be welcome.

Georgia Jones and Kristy Lavin made great contributions to an outstanding team performance by GB Ladies in their European qualification game v Bosnia & Herzegovina. The final score of 66 - 44 represents a tremendous defence performance to upset the Bosnians.

The team now goes to Portugalto play on Saturday 15 September needing to win the game to go to the final promotion games which will determine whether the team goes to the 'A' Division of the European Championships.

Amaechi Basketball Centre has again been chosen to host the home promotion game if it goes ahead. Saturday 22 September has been pencilled in, so watch this space for further news.

In particular, best of luck to Georgia and Kristy for the games to come. Both players are excellent ambassadors for our Club, both on and off the floor.

GB Women at the Amaechi Basketball Centre

Graham McCargo, one of most staunch Club supporters and volunteers, sadly died suddenly, on Sunday 29 July. Graham was responsible for the writing of reports on the Senior Magic and Mystics games for our website for many years.

He held the Club's principles in the highest regard at all times, and will be sadly missed by all. He was 68.

We send the Club's condolences to his wife, Gloria, and his children, Duncan, Wendy and Ian, and their families.

His funeral has been arranged for Thursday 9 August at Macclesfield Crematorium, at 2pm.

Sergio has started his all-ability, all ages, fun session on Sunday mornings at the Amaechi Basketball Centre. Age range so far has been 8 years to 55 years, with an amazing attendance of 30 participants.

If would like a bit of coaching from the Mystics players, a bit of fun in a relaxed atmosphere, and a chance to improve your fitness, then this is the session for you.

AND IT IS FREE!

Georgia rejoins the GB Ladies' Squad this summer to prepare for the continuation of the European qualification process.

Congratulations to everyone concerned.

Honour for Jeff

Magical news was received late last week when Jeff Jones, the EBL Division 1 Magic Coach, was awarded Coach of the Year honours.

A Cup victory, play-off runner-up and League 3rd place was enough for Jeff's EBL Div 1 coaching colleagues to vote for him.

Many congratulations to Jeff, Brian and all the players for a much deserved honour.

The Under 14 Magic boys had beaten a tall and skilful Westminster Warriors team in a very close game to reach the Final of the National play-offs. John Gould was top scorer with 27 points. Josh McGinn had 11 and Shomari Simmonds had 10.

Birmingham had beaten a very good Sheffield Sharks team by 5 points.

A good deal of the Manchester boys' success in the Final was down to their excellent start. By the end of the first quarter they led by 27-7 and never looked back. They played basketball of a quality rarely seen at this level, with John Gould again outstanding. He fully deserved his MVP award for his all-round game and his 28 points. By half-time they were 53-23 ahead and they went on to win comfortably. Assistant Coach Paul Wolfenden was able to use all his players and praised not only his top scorers but also Dujon Latti and Josh McGinn for their hard work and Shomari Simmonds for his rebounding. Tom Joyce also had an impressive 23 points.

In the end it seemed like an easy win, but the whole squad had worked very hard to become National Champions. Coach Graham Williams also commended the work of Paul Wolfenden who took over the team at Christmas, and the wholehearted support of the parents.

His own team, the Under 15s, had won the National Title at Cranwell a few weeks before, beating Southampton by 32 points. At all these games, the support from the parents and friends had been a crucial factor in the teams' success.

Once again, the Manchester club has shown itself to be overall the strongest in the country, but the standard is rising all the time and no-one can afford to relax.

If you want the chance to play for the top development Club in England, then read on….

SUNDAY 20 May

Selections will be made in preparation for teams representing the Magic for Season 2007/08.

Manchester Magic have beaten Reading Rockets, at Reading, in the second leg of the Play-off Semi-Final. So, they go into the Final with an aggregate score of 179-170. They will meet Worthing in the Final at MetroRadio Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7NA on Sunday 29 April at 1:00pm.

Each month "THE HARIS STAR OF THE MONTH" award is presented to a player from the Under 14 Boys and a player from the Under 15 Boys National League teams. The awards are made to encourage youngsters to work hard in training sessions and the presentation of the awards is certainly having the desired effect. All the players are working really hard to impress their coaches in the hope of winning an award. Tonight, the Awards for March will be made to:

Congratulations to both boys.

Presenting the Awards is a perfect way to remember the outstanding qualities of Haris in his playing days.

Haris`s parents will be at the game to present the trophies.

11 of our Club teams have reached the play-off stages this season. Games to come are:

On Saturday 10th March at the Magic game, Dujon Lattie from the U14 team, and Kaphel Ullet-Waul from the U15 team, were presented with "THE HARIS STAR OF THE MONTH" award. The awards were for outstanding performances in practice sessions. Haris`s parents were at the game to present the trophies. The intention to make further awards for the months of March and April to encourage the youngsters to work hard in training sessions, is certainly having the desired effect. All the players are working really hard to impress their coaches in the hope of winning an award.

Coach Graham Williams was equally impressed. "I feel that it is a great way to remember the outstanding qualities of Haris in his playing days at Manchester. The youngsters have responded excellently and I am very pleased to be part of this award".

Congratulations to both boys.

Sunday 25 February 2007

Congratulations to the Manchester Mystics Under 18 and Under 16 teams who won both Sureshot Cups yesterday at Nottingham.

The Under 16 beat Haringey Angels by 74 - 40 and the Under 18 Girls followed up that win by beating Sevenoaks Suns by 75 - 61.

Well done girls!

After the exciting Quarter-Final match against Sheffield last Sunday, Manchester Magic have drawn Reading in the Semi-Final.

They will play at the Amaechi Basketball Centre on Sunday 10 December with a tip-off at 5:00pm.

We hope that there will be a capacity crowd to cheer the Magic on.

Haris' parents, Polly and Kypros, asked that we set up the Haris Memorial Fund in Haris' memory. They would like to thank all who have made a contribution to the Fund, both from inside and outside the Club. The current total is in excess of £5,000 and will be used for any special requirements as deemed suitable to Polly and Kypros.

Polly and Kypros would also like to thank the many people who attended Haris' funeral (600+), and to all who have given their support to the family in any way at this time.

Let us hope that the Magic can have the kind of season which would be a special tribute to Haris.

The funeral service for Haris will be held on Thursday 19 October at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Manchester.

In memory of their son, the family have set up the Haris Memorial Fund. Kypros and Polly have asked that no flowers be sent, but if people so wish, donations can be made to the Fund.

Please send any donations to Joe & Maggie Forber:

6 Campden Way, Handforth Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 3JA, making cheques payable to the 'Haris Memorial Fund'.

£320 was collected for the Fund during the Magic and Mystics games last weekend. Many thanks to all who contributed.

It is with great sadness that the Club have to announce the death of Haris Charalambous who was a young player with us between the ages of 13 - 18 years. Haris made such excellent progress that he was able to accept a scholarship at the Hun Prep School in New Jersey from 2003-04. Despite a serious foot injury keeping him on the sidelines for most of the season, he was recruited by Toledo, a Division 1 NCAA College in Ohio.

Haris was entering his third year at Toledo and much looking forward to the season. He collapsed and died in training yesterday (Monday 9 October). He represented our Club impeccably on and off the floor during his 6 years with us, and earned the respect of team-mates and opponents alike. He was the finest of young men and his family can be truly proud of his achievements.

Our thoughts are with his parents, sister and friends at this sad time.

Anyone wishing to contact Haris' family, please direct any mail to Joe Forber at the Amaechi Basketball Centre, Whalley Range.

Last weekend our U15 team travelled to Scotland for a trip to prepare for the forthcoming season.

The team played four games over three days; competition was provided by U16 Club sides Boroughmuir Blaze and Edinburgh Kings and the final two games were played against the Scotland U16 Boy's team. The scores do not reflect the hard work the boys put in all weekend; they played above their fighting weight throughout the trip.

The scores of all matches were as follows:

The coaching staff wishes to thank all the boys for their fantastic efforts, not only on the court, but also for the excellent way in which they behaved and represented the Club off the floor.

Club congratulations to Neil Bradley, our Division 3 Men (North) Coach, who has just been voted the Coach of the Year in that Division by England Basketball.

Neil has been with the Club for many years and is a much-valued member of our Coaching Staff.

Also, congratulations to his long-serving manager, Tony Middleton, and thanks for all his time and efforts on behalf of the boys.

MORE MAGIC BOYS BASKETBALL TRIALS

Come and try out for the most successful Club in England.

Boys born in 1992,1993,1994.

SUNDAY 18 JUNE

Manchester Magic Basketball Club is grateful to be loyally and enthusiastically sponsored by Manchester City Council. On the National scene, the RAF gives similar support to the game. One of its key activities in this area is the annual promotion of the Final Fours weekend at RAF Cosford, where the top four National League teams in three age-groups, boys and girls, play a semi-final and final to decide the best in England. The Manchester Club has always done well in this competition, and so far, this year is no exception. In the 6 categories to be decided, Manchester have teams in 5. They did not enter an Under 18 Women’s team in the League this year.

Last weekend the quarter-finals took place and all the Manchester teams won convincingly. The results were:

This means all these teams go to Cosford. Manchester Under 15 Boys have already won their equivalent Final at RAF Cranwell recently and are National Champions.

The Final Fours take place at RAF Cosford on Saturday, 6th and Sunday, 7th May. No other Club in the country has so many teams at this stage, but the young players will have to be at their best to come home with the trophies.

Supporters who would like to follow the Magic to the Worthing Thunder second leg, can register their interest at the Amaechi Basketball Centre Office or phone Phil McLoughlin on 0161-881-0090.

Children under 16 will require adult supervision and places will be subject to demand. A fee will be charged for transport and admission.

Another Championship!

After doing so well to win the Under 16 and Under 18 Boys and Girls National Cups, Manchester youngsters came good again at the weekend when the Under 15 Boys triumphed in the Final Four at RAF Cranwell.

This time it was a much closer affair, when the Magic met traditional Northern rivals, Sheffield Sharks in the Final, after a convincing Semi-Final victory over London Towers by 81 - 61.

The Final game was close throughout, with the lead swaying backwards and forwards throughout the contest. The Magic managed to maintain their discipline and composure in a tense last few minutes and were up by two when the buzzer sounded.

Many congratulations to all players, coaches and supporters who have been involved with the team throughout the season.

Results:

There will be 2 Senior Play-off games at the Amaechi Basketball Centre this Saturday, 1 April.

The Ladies Division 1 team, Manchester Mystics, will be playing the first leg of the Semi Final against Rhondda Rebels at 4pm,

and then at 7:30pm, the Men's Division 1 team, Manchester Magic, will play their play-off Quarter Final game against Worcester Wolves.

Four Manchester girls have been selected to join he initial Under 18 squad in preparation for this year's European Championships:

Lauren Thomas-Johnson will also be a member of the squad, but her commitments in the USA prevent her from attending this particular camp.

Congratulations to all 5 girls for their selection and best wishes to them for their future International careers.

Unprecedented Achievement by Manchester Teams

For the first time ever in the history of English youth Basketball, one club, Manchester Magic, had a team in each of the four National Cup Finals last weekend. Even more amazing, all four teams won, and won convincingly. Everyone in the sport knows this shows a tremendous strength in depth in the Club, produced by a massive degree of dedication and hard work on the part of the players, the coaches, the parents and their supporters.

The girls’ Cup Finals were played on the Saturday at the Jesse Boot Arena in Nottingham.

Manchester Mystics U16 70 – 53 Haringey Angels U16

The young Mystics played a full-court pressing defence from the outset in this game and quickly established their superiority. By half-time they were 20 points in the lead and looked to be coasting to an easy win, but the Angels had other ideas and went on a run in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 13 points. The Mystics held their nerve and led by their point guard, Georgia Jones, they regained control of the game, ending it as comfortable winners. Georgia was the game’s top scorer with 28 points and was named as Most Valuable Player.

Manchester Mystics U18 63 – 44 Northants Lightning U18

This game very much followed the pattern of the earlier one. Six of the U16 girls played in the senior game. The early pressure was the same, with the same result: a Mystics half-time lead of 20 points which the Lightning could never make up.

They tried very hard in the third quarter and reduced the lead to 8 points, but the Mystics pulled away and won without too many problems. This time it was point guard Jessica Tensell who was Most Valuable Player and top scorer with 17 points.

The girls were then interested to know if the boys in the Club could match their splendid day’s work, on the Sunday at ABC.

Essex and Herts Leopards Cadets 70 – 84 Manchester Magic Cadets

Unselfish team play was the key to this wonderful win. A team without stars and given little chance of success at the start of the season, the Magic players got off to a flying start and took an early lead. An up-tempo half saw them leading by 15 points against dogged and determined opponents, for whom young Levi Noel had an outstanding game.

Despite several runs by the Southern team, Magic managed to hold on for a victory by 14 points. The Most Valuable Player award went to the Magic’s Curtis Hadley for his 14 points and excellent defence. The main differences between the teams had been the Magic’s defence and the strength of their bench, which produced 38 points compared with their opponents 6.

One pleasing feature of the game was the presence of a large contingent of Leopards supporters whose vocal encouragement made it sound as if it was a home game for them. The whole party also stayed to watch and enjoy the Under 18 game that followed.

The Magic team are now hoping to make a strong challenge for the National Championships to be held at RAF Cosford in two months time.

East London Royals Juniors 53 – 94 Manchester Magic Juniors

The London team opened strongly, showing plenty of skill and athleticism, but the Magic held firm, with Matt Williams in particular showing a lot of determination under both baskets. At the end of the first quarter, the Royals were very much in the game, trailing by only 6 points.

From then on, they seemed to lose their composure, as the Magic scored freely from inside and outside and defended stoutly. By half-time, in spite of some spirited play, especially from J.Ikinmwin, their top-scorer, the Royals were down by 56-30.

Coach Peter Minister was able to use his strong bench in the second half to maintain and increase the Magic’s lead. His team ran out comfortable winners to round off a magnificent display of Youth Basketball for the Manchester club Once again, the points off the bench tell the story. 36 for the Magic and 6 for the Royals. Matt Williams was deservedly named Most Valuable Player as the game’s top scorer in points, rebounds and assists, but all had played well.

National Cup Finals this Weekend 11/12 March

For the first time ever, in the history of basketball in England, a Club has reached the Final of all four of the major Cadet and Junior Competitions. On Saturday, the Mystics travel to Jesse Boot Sports Centre in Nottingham for the Under 18 and Under 16 Girls Sureshot National Cup Finals.

On Sunday the Amaechi Basketball Centre is hosting the Sureshot National Boys Cup Finals. All supporters will be welcome - come and get behind our teams. The players will appreciate your support in these important games.