Will.I.am
U16 United player Will White formally introduced himself by scoring 46 points in the victory against Surrey Rams in U16 National League competition which is the highest point tally scored in a game by any United player in any given age category –ever. United had their customary slow start to the game against Rams and after the opening stanza was leading by 2 points. The introduction of full court defence started to make an impression on Rams which turned the ball over at an alarming rate. The game was effectively over as a competitive contest when White found his range from behind the 3 point arc. Although connecting an incredible 9 out of 12 attempts White was not going to settle for the role of long distance shooter and in the second half he embarked himself on a one man mission to destroy Rams penetrating their defences with rapier like moves and finishing fastbreaks. The rest of the team very quickly picked up on White’s lead and sailed to a very convincing 112-57 victory.
White’s antics clearly inspired his slightly older colleagues who, after a very tough away game overcame Oxford City Hoops in Men’s Div 4, 87-79.The first half of the game was a very closely fought contest with neither side able to build a decisive lead. In the third quarter Oxford looked to break away taking a 9 point lead which was immediately eradicated by Khalil connecting three consecutive 3 pointers. With 3 minutes remaining our young United team exploited Oxford’s mounting foul trouble and started to dominate the game with a very tight zone defence resulting in efficiently finished fastbreaks.
Coach Szatkowski was not afraid to praise his troops when he stated: “This was a very good week for us in all competitions. There is no question that success breeds success and as a club we are starting to look very confident. We also have a large group of players who are ready to perform when the game is on the line and that makes me very optimistic.”
Oxford City Hoops-London United 79-87
Top scorers:
D. Szatkowski 20, E. Poorman 19, A. Khalil 14, V. Olarerin 10, K. Szczawinski 10, D. Mills 9, N. Ivey 0, K. Hines 0, M. Edwards 0, Z. Bentley 0,
U16 South II
London United I-Surrey Rams II 112-57
Top scorers:
W. White 46, M. Omidire 19, D. Kolesnikovas 15, F. Mills 11, F. Cousins 8, H. Hassan 5, J. Oliva 4, D. Amah 4
London United II-Feltham Warriors I 20-0 (forfeited)
U14 South I
Hackney Kings-London United II 56-37
West Herts-London United I 78-58