Basketballers Demonstrate Spirit
On Thursday 6th July students from Year 7 and 8 demonstrated their Basketball prowess against teams from Torquay Academy in the South Devon Basketball School Games.
The tournament was played in a 3 v 3 format and saw 10 boys from the Academy compete with the objective of not only trying to win their pool game fixtures, but also with the aim of demonstrating some of the School Games values in the process.
The group stages saw some excellent Basketball played by the PA boys with some great results being registered in the process. Throughout the early stages of the competition the Paignton teams scored some excellent baskets along the way, but most pleasingly, all players really dug in to contribute to their team performances.
After a busy pool stage, the semi-final places were decided, with two Paignton teams qualifying for this round of the competition. A TA win in semi-final number one was followed by a PA win in semi final number two, meaning that both schools would have a team to contest the Gold medal match.
The final saw the more experienced TA team edge out their PA counterparts to secure the Gold Medal, however the PA team made up of all Year 7 students, certainly contributed to an evenly contested final.
After collecting their runner up medals, the three PA finalists were not the only students from Waterleat and Borough Road to secure accolades for their hard work and endeavours.
Tyler Holloway was awarded the “Teamwork” award for leading the way in showing team spirit and working well as part of a team, while Rory Fitzmaurice secured a second medal for the day after his playing heroics, by being awarded the “Determination” award.
Charlie Rundle achieved the award for “Honesty” for showing integrity throughout, and his teammate from throughout the day, Seth Florence, was the recipient of the “Respect” award for his superb sportsmanship throughout.
Finally, Jacob Izzard’s drive throughout the day not only saw him achieve a silver medal for his performances but also allowed him to achieve the “Passion” award for continuing to stand up to adversity, and the third player of the Silver medal winners, Draven-Lee Jameson was awarded the medal for “Self-Belief” to secure an excellent personal double as well.
All students demonstrated all of these values and more throughout the day and really did the Academy proud!
Well done, boys
Mr Smith
