Bethan Fagan

Statement 12th March 2024

March 12, 2024 by Bethan Fagan

British Wheelchair Basketball takes bullying, abuse and misconduct very seriously. We are aware of some videos that have been broadcast about BWB and the people who work within the organisation. There is no place in any sport for abusive and derogatory language, misogyny or threats of physical violence.

We welcome dialogue and debate about the running of our sport, but this must be done in a constructive and respectful manner. We have reported the videos to the relevant authorities and are taking appropriate action. Wheelchair basketball is and must remain an inclusive, welcoming sport for all.

GB Round-up: 9th/10th March 2024

March 11, 2024 by Bethan Fagan

In the Champions Cup Quarter Finals, Amiab Albacete (Harry Brown, Simon Brown, Ben Fox, Lee Manning, Charlotte Moore, Phil Pratt) went undefeated, winning all three games in their group. In their opening game, Albacete won 75:44 against Bidaideak Bilbao (James MacSorley). In their second game of the weekend, Albacete delivered a strong team performance to win 54:93 against Italian side Porto Torres. In the final game, they won 80:73 versus German league leaders RSV Lahn-Dill.

In Group B of the Champions Cup, CD Ilunion (Gregg Warburton, Terry Bywater) also had a successful weekend. Ilunion won their opener against S.Stefano 73:92. In their second game, German side Thuringia Bulls took the win 65:81. Ilunion recovered to win 86:75 against Galatasaray.

Also in Group A, Bidaideak Bilbao (James MacSorley) were defeated 69:59 by RSV Lahn-Dill. In their final game of the weekend, Bilbao won 84:63 versus Porto Torres.

Amiab Albacete and CD Ilunion are through to the Champions Cup Final, which takes place 2nd – 5th May. More information can be found on the IWBF Europe homepage: https://www.iwbf-europe.org/

UCAM Murcia (Lee Fryer, Peter Cusack) competed in the EuroCup 3 group stages this past weekend. UCAM Murcia, in Group B, beat Panathinaikos (86-47), Sport Firenze (72-36), Mustang Konin (104-49) and CAPSAAA (105-40).

In the USA, the University of Alabama (Joy Haizelden) competed in the 2024 NWBA Women’s Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball National Championships. University of Alabama won both games, scoring 65:35 against Arizona and 75:57 against UT Arlington. Finishing the season in fine form, Alabama were crowned collegiate champions – their third time in a row lifting the trophy!

In the BWB National League, London Titans (Jack Perry, Jude Hamer, Gaz Choudhry) secured a 71:61 victory at home against Sheffield Steelers (Maddie Thompson). For London Titans, Jack Perry had 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Gaz Choudhry had 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. For Sheffield Steelers, Maddie Thompson had 16 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists.

At home in the Women’s Premier League, East London Phoenix (Amy Conroy, Jude Hamer) claimed a 91:42 victory over Cardiff Met Archers (Jade Atkin). For East London Phoenix, Amy Conroy had 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 12 assists. For Cardiff Met Archers, Jade Atkin had 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Spanish League: http://bsr.feddf.es/
German League: https://rollstuhlbasketball.de/
BWB National League: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/competition/national-league/
BWB Women’s Premier League: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/competition/womens-premier-league-2023-24-2/
Italian League: https://www.federipic.it/
University of Alabama (USA): https://bamaadapted.com/sports/wbball?path=wbball

GB Round-up: 24th / 25th February 2024

February 26, 2024 by Bethan Fagan

In Spain, several GB Senior athletes competed in the Copa del Rey for their clubs in the BSR España league. CD Ilunion (Gregg Warburton, Terry Bywater) claimed the title in a thrilling final against Amiab Albacete (Harry Brown, Simon Brown, Ben Fox, Lee Manning, Charlotte Moore, Phil Pratt), winning 77:71. For CD Ilunion, Gregg Warburton had 7 points, 5 rebounds and 13 assists. Terry Bywater had 9 points. For Amiab Albacete, Harry Brown had 2 points and 1 rebound. Ben Fox had 4 points and 1 rebound. Lee Manning had 8 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist. Charlotte Moore had 1 rebound. Phil Pratt had 10 points, 4 rebounds and 10 assists.

Phil Pratt and Greg Warburton were named in the All-star Five at the conclusion of the competition.

Phil Pratt (second from left), Gregg Warburton (third from left). Photo credit to BSR España.

In the third-place playoff, Bidaideak Bilbao (James MacSorley) defeated UCAM Murcia (Lee Fryer, Peter Cusack) 66:71. For UCAM Murcia, Lee Fryer had 24 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists. Peter Cusack had 4 points and 2 rebounds.

Amivel Reyes Gutierrez (Abdi Jama, Kyle Marsh) were defeated in the group stages, having been defeated 92:57 by CD Illusion. Abdi Jama had 2 points and 2 assists. Kyle Marsh had 20 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists.

Full stats for the BSR Copa del Rey can be found here: https://www.bsrespana.es/bsr-competiciones/

Servigest Burgos (Helen Freeman) were narrowly defeated 68:72 by IMF Getafe in the final of the first edition of the BSR España de la Copa. Helen Freeman had 4 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.

At home in the BWB National League, London Titans (Jack Perry, Jude Hamer, Gaz Choudhry) won 82:29 against Mohawks. Jack Perry had 31 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists.

Sheffield Steelers (Maddie Thompson) won 78:60 against Plymouth Fusion.

In the Women’s Premier League, Cardiff Met Archers (Jade Atkin) won 53:43 at home against East London Phoenix (Amy Conroy, Jude Hamer). For Archers, Jade Atkin had 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

Loughborough Lightning (Siobhán Fitzpatrick, Robyn Love, Laurie Williams, Lucy Robinson, Maddie Martin, Anastasia Blease) had a 73:51 victory against visitors Worcester Wolves (Kayla Bell). For Lightning, Robyn Love had 25 points, 7 rebounds and 16 assists. Lucy Robinson had 29 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Maddie Martin had 2 points. Anastasia Blease had 10 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. For Wolves, Kayla Bell had 1 rebound and 2 assists.

In Italy, Briantea 84 Cantù (Sophie Carrigill) won 87:36 against PDM Treviso.

In Germany, Rhine River Rhinos (Jim Palmer) won 71:47 against visitors ING Skywheelers. Jim Palmer had 2 points.

University of Alabama (Joy Haizelden) were defeated on the road against rivals Legends ABC Medical. Joy Haizelden had 16 points, 1 rebound and 3 assists. Alabama will finish the season at the upcoming NWBA Women’s Intercollegiate National Championship Tournament, which takes place March 7^th-9^th.

BWB National League: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/competition/national-league/

BWB Women’s Premier League: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/competition/womens-premier-league-2023-24-2/

Spanish League: http://bsr.feddf.es/

German League: https://rollstuhlbasketball.de/

Italian League: https://www.federipic.it/

University of Alabama (USA): https://bamaadapted.com/sports/wbball?path=wbball

GB Round-up: 17th/18th February 2024

February 19, 2024 by Bethan Fagan

Photo: BWB / SA Images

At home in the BWB National League Premier Division, Manchester Revolution (Martin Edwards, Tyler Baines) beat Mohawks 87:53 at home. For Manchester Revolution, Martin Edwards had 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Tyler Bains had 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.

GB Women headed to the Osaka Cup 2024, where they competed in a series of friendlies against Australia, Thailand and hosts Japan. Read more on how their fixtures went here: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/2024/02/gb-women-victorious-at-the-osaka-cup-2024/

In Spain, Amiab Albacete (Harry Brown, Simon Brown, Ben Fox, Lee Manning, Charlotte Moore, Phil Pratt) secured a 67:77 victory on the road against Amivel Reyes Gutierrez (Abdi Jama, Kyle Marsh). For Amiab Albacete, Harry Brown had 7 points and 3 rebounds. Ben Fox had 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Lee Manning had 2 points and 2 rebounds. Phil Pratt had 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 10 assists. For Amivel Reyes Gutierrez, Abdi Jama had 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist. Kyle Marsh 10 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists.

CD Ilunion (Gregg Warburton, Terry Bywater) had a dominant 91:61 win over Econy Gran Canaria. For CD Ilunion, Greg Warburton had 19 points, 1 rebound, and 7 assists. Terry Bywater had 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist.

Bidaideak Bilbao (James MacSorley) beat IMF Getafe 84:42 at home.

UCAM Murcia (Lee Fryer, Peter Cusack) won 73:91 against Iberconsa Amfiv. For UCAM Murcia, Lee Fryer had 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. Peter Cusack had 14 points, 2 rebounds, and 8 assists.

This weekend is the highly anticipated Copa del Rey 2024 – we wish the very best to all the athletes on court! More information can be found on the BSR Espana website: https://www.bsrespana.es/Definidos-el-cuadro-de-competicion-de-la-Copa-del-Rey-BSR/

In Germany, Rhine River Rhinos (Jim Palmer) claimed a 63:56 victory over Hannover United.

GB Women victorious at the Osaka Cup 2024!

February 19, 2024 by Bethan Fagan

Photo: BWB / SA Images

A successful trip to Japan for the GB Women’s team as they won the Osaka Cup 2024 this past weekend, winning all of their games against Australia, Thailand, and Japan. The series of friendlies took place 16^th–18^th February 2024, providing a vital preparation opportunity for the squad ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Throughout the tournament and alongside the playing schedule, the GB Women’s players have been taking part in activities with schools and junior groups to help grow the sport.

In the final, GB Women won 71:46 against hosts Japan, showcasing tremendous skill on the court for a roaring crowd of spectators. Joy Haizelden was named MVP, delivering a comprehensive performance in the final against Japan with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists.

Following the conclusion of the tournament, Amy Conroy was named in the All-star Five. Lucy Robinson was given the ‘Friendship Award’, which celebrates the ethos of the tournament also known as the ‘Friendship Games’.

GB Women’s team who competed at the Osaka Cup 2024:
Sophie Carrigill – 1.0
Jodie Waite – 1.0
Kayla Bell – 1.5
Joy Haizelden – 2.5
Maddie Martin – 3.0
Amy Conroy – 4.0
Katie Morrow – 4.5
Lucy Robinson – 4.5
Jade Atkin – 4.5
Robyn Love – 3.5
Maddie Thompson – 4.0
Laurie Williams – 2.5

Congratulations and safe travels to the team!

GB Round-up: 10th/11th February

February 12, 2024 by Bethan Fagan

At the Illinois College Tournament, the University of Alabama (Joy Haizelden) went 3/3, continuing their impressive form this collegiate season. In their opener, Alabama won 43:12 against City University of New York. In game two, Alabama were victorious over hosts Illinois, 62:37. In their third game of the tournament, Alabama won 67:21 against University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Rounding out a successful weekend, Alabama took the win 50:40 against UT Arlington.

In Spain, UCAM Murcia (Lee Fryer, Peter Cusack) won 77:54 against Servigest Burgos (Helen Freeman). For UCAM Murcia, Lee Fryer had 20 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. Peter Cusack had 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. For Servigest Burgos, Helen Freeman had 4 points, 4 rebounds and 10 assists.

An incredibly close game in Albacete as Bidaideak Bilbao (James MacSorley) were narrowly defeated 67:66 by Amiab Albacete (Harry Brown, Simon Brown, Ben Fox, Lee Manning, Charlotte Moore, Phil Pratt).

For Amiab Albacete, Harry Brown had 5 points and 5 rebounds. Simon Brown had 2 points. Ben Fox had 6 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assists. Lee Manning had 8 points and 9 rebounds. Charlotte Moore had 2 points and 1 rebound. Phil Pratt had 17 points, 4 rebounds and 14 assists.

Amivel Reyes Gutierrez (Abdi Jama, Kyle Marsh) were defeated 72:65 by hosts Econy Gran Canaria. Abdi Jama had 12 points, 1 rebound and 4 assists. Kyle Marsh had 13 points, 4 rebounds and 9 assists.

CD Ilunion (Gregg Warburton, Terry Bywater) won 45:84 on the road against Fundacion Aliados. Gregg Warburton had 14 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists. Terry Bywater had 11 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists.

In Italy, Briantea 84 Cantù (Sophie Carrigill) won 37:77 against PDM Treviso. Sophie Carrigill had 2 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist.

In Germany, Rhine River Rhinos (Jim Palmer) were defeated 50:79 by league leaders RSB Thuringia Bulls. Jim Palmer had 2 points and 1 assist.

In the BWB Women’s Premier League, Loughborough Lightning (Siobhán Fitzpatrick, Robyn Love, Laurie Williams, Lucy Robinson, Maddie Martin, Anastasia Blease) secured a 57:68 victory against East London Phoenix (Amy Conroy, Jude Hamer). For Lightning, Robyn Love had 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. Laurie Williams had 10 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists. Lucy Robinson had 3 points and 3 rebounds. Maddie Martin had 2 points and 3 rebounds. Anastasia Blease had 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. For East London Phoenix, Amy Conroy had 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Photo credit: BWB / SA Images

GB Round-up: 3rd/4th February 2024

February 6, 2024 by Bethan Fagan

Photo: BWB / Ahmedphotos

A cracking weekend of wheelchair basketball action as EuroCup 2024 got underway!

Bidaideak Bilbao (James MacSorley) won two out of three games in Champions Cup Group A in Istanbul, Turkiye. In the first game, they won 67:80 against Hornets Le Cannet. In the second game of the weekend, they were narrowly defeated 101:98 by Galatasaray S.K. In the final game of Group A fixtures, they won 68:55 against Köln 99ers.

Briantea 84 Cantù (Sophie Carrigill) won two, lost two, in Champions Cup Group B which took place in Meda, Italy. In the first game, they lost 55:63 against Santo Stefano KOS Group. In the second game, they won 42:52 against CS Meaux. In the third game, they were defeated 58:72 by RSV Lahn-Dill. In the final game of the weekend, they had a hard-fought victory in a close game against Econy Gran Canaria, winning 85:87.

CD Ilunion (Gregg Warburton, Terry Bywater) delivered a dominant display of skill in Klosterneuburg, Austria, in Group C of Champions Cup. In the opening game, they won 29:104 against Interwetten-Coloplast Sitting Bulls. In the second game, they won 95:48 against Club Tregorrois Handisport de Lannion. In the third game against BG-Baskets, CD Ilunion won 31:86. Rounding out a weekend of back-to-back wins, CD Ilunion won 79:37 against GSD Porto Torres.

Izmir, Turkiye, played host to Eurocup 1 Group A, which saw London Titans (Jack Perry, Gaz Choudhry) and Rhine River Rhinos (Jim Palmer) compete. In the opening game, Rhine River Rhinos won 55:68 against hosts Izmir BSB. Up next, London Titans were defeated 48:74 by Hyeres Handi Basket. Head to head, Rhine River Rhinos took the win 83:52 against London Titans. On day two, Rhine River Rhinos were defeated 68:70 by Hyeres Handi Basket. London Titans defeated hosts Izmir BSB 57:62. In the 3^rd place playoff, London Titans were narrowly defeated 68:66 by Izmir BSB. In the final, Rhine River Rhinos delivered a dominant display to take the Group A win 48:73 against Hyeres Handi Basket.

Hannover, Germany, hosted Group B of Eurocup 1, where Manchester Revolution (Martin Edwards, Tyler Baines) and Sheffield Steelers (Maddie Thompson) competed. The two British teams got their weekend started against one another, with Sheffield Steelers claiming the win 64:53. Next up, Manchester Revolution were defeated 58:84 by hosts Hannover United. Sheffield Steelers won 47:67 over Pilatus Dragons RCZS. On day two, Manchester Revolution suffered a 45:84 defeat by Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü. Sheffield Steelers were defeated 39:74 by hosts Hannover United. In their final games of the group, Manchester Revolution were defeated 61:45 by Pilatus Dragons RCZS and Sheffield Steelers lost 96:48 to Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü.

GB Women’s team announced for Osaka Cup 2024

February 6, 2024 by Bethan Fagan

Photo: BWB / SA Images

The GB Women’s team heading to the 2024 edition of the Osaka Cup, held annually in Japan, has been announced today.

A mixture of experience and youth make up the squad, whose last competition was a successful European Championships in 2023 where they secured their place at the fast-approaching Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The Osaka Cup (February 16^th – 18^th) is a key preparation point for the GB Women ahead of Paris 2024. During the tournament, also known as the ‘Friendship Games’, the squad will play Australia, Thailand, and hosts Japan in a series of friendlies alongside community and junior activities.

Notably, the competition will be youngster Jodie Waite’s first time representing in the GB Women’s Senior vest. The Osaka Cup squad also sees the return of Maddie Thompson and Katie Morrow to the side.

GB Women’s Head Coach Miguel Vaquero commented:

“We will go to the [Osaka Cup 2024] to continue building the team, to keep working on our style and run various line-ups and ideas. We have been working hard in camps, and we’re getting closer to the Paralympic Games, so it is important for us to keep building the confidence in the team and keep working on our principles. We are excited to go to Japan and play some basketball!”

GB Women’s team competing at the Osaka Cup 2024:
Sophie Carrigill – 1.0
Jodie Waite – 1.0
Kayla Bell – 1.5
Joy Haizelden – 2.5
Maddie Martin – 3.0
Amy Conroy – 4.0
Katie Morrow – 4.5
Lucy Robinson – 4.5
Jade Atkin – 4.5
Robyn Love – 3.5
Maddie Thompson – 4.0
Laurie Williams – 2.5

We wish all players and staff the best of luck as they head out to the competition.

Head to the Osaka Cup website for more information and streaming: http://osakacup.org/youkou.html