Knights welcome to our new Senior Men's SBC D1 Coach

Former Captain and Coach of the National Team plus all round Scotland and GB Basketball legend Iain 'Bull' Maclean signs up to coach the Knights men.

On his new role Bull said "Great to be back involved and looking forward to the challenge with the Senior Men now that they are back in the top division. Being back on the court is hopefully another step away from all the COVID madness - be assured we will be working hard to put a competitive team on the floor each week."

A man who needs no introduction in the Basketball community, Iain has had an amazing career in the game and is a big asset to the club as we continue to develop our young players - many of whom have now progressed to the Senior ranks and will now be mentored and coached by Bull.

A huge part of the glory days of Scottish and British Basketball. A brief summary of his experience...

Player achievements:

Paisley Basketball Club: x2 Scottish Junior Cup Winners.

Northern Arizona University (Big Sky Conference – NCAA Division 1).

Great Britain Men – 1988 World Student Games.

Great Britain Men – 1988 & 1992 Olympic Teams.

Scotland National Teams (U17 & U19).

Scotland Senior Men (1983 – 2004, captain 1991 onwards).

Commonwealth Basketball Championships 1997 - Silver Medal.

MIM Livingston/Livingston (Midlothian) Bulls – Carlsberg British league, cup and play-off winners, World Club Champions 1991, x9 Scottish National League titles & x10 Scottish Senior Cup winners.

Various player MVP awards - Scottish National League, Edinburgh Rocks, FIBA plus Edinburgh Evening News Sports Personality.

Head Coach achievements:

MIM Livingston – Junior Men Division 1 (1989 – 1991)

Edinburgh Rocks – Budweiser British League (Player/Coach: 2001-2002)

St Mirren Senior Men (2002-2006) – Scottish Cup Winners (Player/Coach)

Scotland University Men (2002 – 2010) – BUSA Home Nations Champions 2007

Scotland Senior Men (2007-2008 & 2013-2015) – x2 Small Nations Bronze Medals

Glasgow Storm Senior Men (2010 – 2017) – various SLBA league titles & cup winners.

#GoKnights

HUGE ENERGY BOOST FOR KNIGHTS AS 'ENERGY ASSETS' SIGN ON

Energy Assets are once again pleased to confirm their key sponsorship for one of Scotland’s leading basketball clubs for season 2021-22.

Whilst specifically supporting the U18 / U16 / U14 Men / Senior Men as they compete in their respective Scottish Basketball Championship Division 1 campaigns.

This sponsorship will enable the club to continue their drive to develop the community aspect of the club by delivering basketball for children based throughout the Stirling area.

Colin Lynch, CEO Energy Assets commented

“Stirling Knights over the last 10 years have really engaged with the local community throughout Stirling to promote health and wellbeing through their sport as well as developing a model performance programme for their talented players. More importantly now than ever post Covid lockdowns - more young people are playing basketball across the area than ever before and have a new U12 section currently full at 30 new players. Energy Assets are pleased to be associated with such a community led club who focus on getting young people playing basketball to improve their health and wellbeing. We wish them every success in the forthcoming season.”

Knights Chairman Pete Duncan "Energy Assets and Colin's support is once again very gratefully received and helps massively in covering costs of the season - with 4 National League Teams, a girls section and new U12s group. The costs for facilities and officials - along with kit and everything else required really adds up so it is fantastic to receive sponsorship again from Energy Assets. A big thanks to them and Colin."

For more info visit

https://www.energyassets.co.uk/

WELCOME TO MATT NAYLOR 

Knights Senior Men new addition Matt Naylor joins from Ipswich Basketball having played two years in the EABL in England.

The 19 year old, 6ft 5 forward has moved North to Stirling University and was keen to play top division league basketball with the Knights. Matt said "Having played sports my entire childhood, when I picked up a basketball I fell in love with the game. I spent two years at Ipswich Basketball Academy where I developed my skill and knowledge for the game, and now I’m grateful to have the opportunity to develop my game further with the Knights."

Matt is one of several new faces suiting up for the Men this season and we can't wait to watch them in action. #GoKnights

https://youtu.be/n9C3mlYKvBk

WELCOME CIERAN BARRY

Another new addition to the Senior Men from England _ Cieran 18 and 6'4 has played at a good level with West Herts Warriors for eight years and finished top of Central Prem, South Prem and been in the Final Four twice, whilst also gaining some NBL D1 experience training with players from Hemel Storm, Oakland Wolves, Thames Valley Cavs.

On his arrival Cieran said "I’m really looking forward to playing with the Knights to learn more about the game and develop my own skill, whilst getting to know a great group of players and coaches"

Great to have you on board Cieran!

#OneKnightsFamily

Good Luck to our boy William Kemp who has kicked off the next phase of his basketball career at Myerscough College Basketball Academy#TrueKnight

Fantastic U12/14 Summer camp over the last few days. Such a positive vibe and great to see so many young ballers putting in the hard graft after the last unmentionable year.

Special mention to all our coaches

Coach Les McGlasson, Coach Jen Sn and Coach Louis Sullivan along with all our young leaders in delivering a flawless set up.

Thanks to Stirling Council and partner school Wallace High School for our venue.

Watch this space for more info on U12s/14s Basketball Training with Stirling Knights Basketball Club

#FutureKnights

#TheJourneyStartsHere

#YoungLeaders

Myerscough alumni Lewis McGlasson announced Wednesday his commitment to the University of Saint Francis (NAIA/Illinois).

McGlasson spent his freshman year at Blinn College (JUCO/Texas) where he played in just three games before going down with an ankle injury and missed the remainder of the shortened 2020-21 season. He was one part of the Myerscough trio that had committed to Blinn last May, alongside teammates Sanmi Fajana and Sam Chigbo.

“The injury took a lot out of me,” said McGlasson, who graduated from Myerscough College at the end of the 2019-20 season. “I didn’t know how long it was going to take to heal at first and I’m still in the process of recovering, but I’m finally getting back to full training now. It’s now about strengthening the ankle and making sure I’m ready for the season ahead.

“I’ve never been injured for this amount of time before so I’ve learned that I can fight through adversity and to deal with tough times and just try and keep a smile on my face as much as possible even though it was hard at times.”

McGlasson enjoyed a successful three-year career with the Academy, winning seven junior and being part of teams that won three senior national championships. He was named Most Valuable Player of the 2018 Under-18 National Championship and ranked in the top 10 nationally as a junior prospect from the Class of 2020.

The 6-foot-4 and 83 kg native of Stirling, Scotland started 11 of 15 games during Myerscough’s run to the 2019-20 European Youth Basketball League regular season championship — the first-ever season-long title by a British basketball team at any level. He was also a key component in helping the Preston-based Academy claim a fourth EABL North Conference regular season championship and a place in the EABL Finals — cancelled by Basketball England due to the COVID-19 outbreak. He ranked fourth on the team in scoring at 11.6 points per game on 48.9 percent shooting.

McGlasson averaged 13.4 points in 16 games in NBL Division 2 in 2019-20. He reached double figures scoring 13 times, had three 20-point outings and had multiple 3-pointers made in 10 games. Myerscough had a 14-3 league record and 17-4 mark overall in the men’s league, where it made a historic run to the National Cup semifinals.

“Saint Francis stood out about me because everything about the place just fit in so well, especially with the timing,” said McGlasson. “Coming off the injury, I knew I wasn’t going back (to JUCO) and was looking for a new school anyway and Saint Francis is a four-year school and that’s what I’ve ultimately been working towards.

“The other thing about Saint Francis is that they have so many international players — so the coach knows how to deal with European players and I watched a lot of their games and the style they play is so perfect for me as a player, which is what I was looking for in a school.”

Saint Francis had six players on the 2020-21 roster that hailed from outside the United States, including natives of New Zealand, Spain, Australia, Israel and Taiwan, as well as had six seniors and nine underclassmen.

Saint Francis currently plays in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC), where they have competed since 1973. 

The Fighting Saints are coached by Ryan Marks, who will be entering his ninth season. Marks guided his team to a 14-10 record during a year in which they lost eight games to postponements or cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He is a two-time CCAC Coach of the Year (2014-15 and 2015-16) and former winner of CollegeInsider.com’s Jack Bennett Award, which is presented to a non-NCAA Division I head coach who achieves success on the basketball court, while displaying great moral integrity off the court.

McGlasson has been predominately known for his shooting ability from 3-point range during his career and joins a team that hit 38 percent from beyond the arc last season and averaged 7.4 made threes on 19.5 attempts per game. Junior guard Joey Buggemi, meanwhile, led the team with 46 made 3-pointers.

“I’m looking to make an impact straight away in my first year and that’s my main goal,” said McGlasson. “I don’t really care what that is — it could be anything — but coming off an injury, I’m just looking to make that impact and show people what I can do.”

Stirling Knights U16 Men record the PERFECT season after finishing the season UNDEFEATED and in doing so claiming the Scottish Basketball Division 1 Championship, Scottish Cup and Play-Off titles.

With a 79-71 Play-Off final win over West Lothian Wolves on Saturday at the Oriam in Edinburgh the Knights added the final piece of silverware to complete the Domestic Treble. 

Along with being presented with the Play-Off trophy #6 William Kemp also picked up a second Molten Golden Ball for Most Valuable Player in the Play-Off final having also been awarded the same award in the Cup final.

An 18-0 league run saw the Knights  retain the Scottish Basketball Division 1 Championship they won back in 2018. The Trophy was presented by the Provost of Stirling, Christine Simpson to Stirling Knights #7 Captain Jack Hencher back in February only three weeks after securing their first Scottish Cup title. 

Not only have the team successfully completed an undefeated season, this run of wins now dates back as far as September 2017 and now extends to 38-0.

Coach Les added  “This group of players and what we have achieved as a club must be taken into consideration. This is more than just looking ahead year after year and attempting to win Medals and Awards. There has been a very clear focus for the club since day 1 in 2010 and the goals for our players and opportunities are getting better year after year but the focus will always remain clear - to strive towards getting the very best from our players and setting them up in the right way to face the next challenge, whatever that might bring.  Whilst all the Awards and Medals continue to gather dust, the rewards of seeing these players learn and take these experiences onto the next level, with the proper mindset, continue to gather momentum”

As a club still in its infancy, Knights have not only enjoyed major success in every youth competition in Scotland, but have gone on to produce over 60 Scotland Internationalists in 8 years, three GB nominated athletes, seen 1 player receive a Scholarship to play in Spain at the age of 15 and had 6 players (still playing) in Basketball Academies and clubs overseas.  Lewis McGlasson, Louis Sullivan, Lucas Hamill and Ruari Doherty all started with Stirling Knights less than 8 years ago and are now all pushing their game onto the next level at Myerscough Basketball Academy whilst continuing their studies.

Les added, “The planning is also key to the recent successes. The 12 Man squad has a great balance of experienced and inexperienced players. With only 4 players moving up from this squad at the end of the season, this would suggest this team will be a strong force again next season and, therefore, as club we are always looking for other opportunities for our players to push them harder.  A first for the team this year was competing in the English National Cup. The level of this competition is much higher and playing against English and GB Players was always going to be tough. To reach the last 8 and to beat three Basketball Academies along the way is testimony to the strength of Stirling Knights principles.”

Now the season has finished the planning will immediately start on Monday for season 2019/20. The club has recently just started new U12 Boys and Girls squads with over 40 new participants from the local area whilst existing players will move into their new respective age categories.

5 of the existing squad of players will also now focus their full attention on cementing their place in the U16 Men Scotland Basketball Team, competing in the European Championships in Albania in July.

The Knights U16M Team (pictured) for season 2018/19:

Back L-R (coach) Les McGlasson, Jacob Dempsey, Max Flett, Callum McGlasson, Owen Broadley, (captain) Jack Hencher, Andrew Read, (M.V.P) William Kemp

Front L-R Neil Cavin, Louis Dalziel, Ben Read, Aaron Connolly 

Missing from photo: Piper McGowan and Miquel Santonja Cabot.

Stirling Knights U16 Men confirmed as UNDEFEATED SCOTTISH CHAMPIONS after their last League game of the season saw them run out 86 - 53 winners versus a struggling Boroughmuir Blaze side. The win crowns an 18-0 league run for the Knights but more so an undefeated run for this team in Scotland which runs back as far as September 2017 and now 35-0. 

Coach Les McGlasson and the Team retain the trophy they won last year having lost only once as they continue to set the Standards for youth Basketball in Scotland and have done so with an impressive set of statistics this season too. On average the young knights have finished the season with a 43pt average winning margin, 48 Rebounds, 15 Assists, 23 Steals and 43% Field Goals. Captain Jack Hencher capped off a tremendous season as arguably the Most Valuable Player in the Scottish league with a stat line versus Blaze of 21pts, 20 Rebounds, 19 Steals and 10 Assists for a Massive Quadruple Double.

Today the trophy was presented by the Provost of Stirling, Christine Simpson to Stirling Knights Captain Jack Hencher.  This is now the second year Jack has lifted this trophy as captain of a very formidable group of players.

Having also just lifted the Scottish Cup Trophy 3 weeks ago, Stirling Knights will now battle harder than ever to attempt to win the Treble by winning the forthcoming Play-Offs before many of the players focus their full attention on cementing their place in the U16 Men Scotland Basketball Team, competing in the European Championships in Albania in July.

The Knights team (pictured) for season 2018/19:

Back L-R (captain) Jack Hencher, William Kemp, Owen Broadley, Aaron Broadley, Callum McGlasson, Jacob Dempsey, (Coach) Les McGlasson

Front L-R Neil Cavin, Max Flett, Ben Read, Andrew Read, Piper McGowan, Louis Dalziel

Having just secured Back to Back Division 1 League Championships the U16M looked to try and secure their first Scottish Cup versus a strong Inverness City Lions side at the Oriam on 2^nd Feb 2019.

Stirling Knights would enter this game as favourites since remaining unbeaten in 32 games spanning back to Sept ’17.  The Knights however do not take any opponents for granted and on this occasion were eventually too strong for a battling Inverness side.

An entertaining first quarter saw the two teams locked in a 1pt game 16-17 to Knights which was reminiscent of their earlier league game back in Sept ’18. Into the 2^nd Quarter and the Knights carved a 12pt lead into the half-time break. Some good link up play by the 12 guard Knights team would be crucial in making the difference into the break.  

Inverness came our stronger after Half-time reducing the deficit to 1pt and yet the Knights did not panic. Coach Les McGlasson knew his team had a lot more to give and just had to shift a gear or two to see game out.

The 4^th Quarter was as free flowing as Knights could have hoped for and with some heavy scoring from Kemp, McGlasson and Hencher the Quarter scored ended 11-30 in Knights favour and an overall 50-71 scoreline.

William Kemp with 17pts, 11Reb, 4 Assists and 6 Steals claimed the Molten MVP prize with Captain Callum McGlasson with a game high 23pts.

Huge credit to the Inverness City Lions for providing worthy Cup finalists on this occasion and have the potential for causing an upset or two in the forthcoming play-offs for sure.

You can watch the entire game below;

https://www.facebook.com/basketballscotland/videos/585206898570978/

or

hear what Coach Les McGlasson had to say following the historic win.

https://www.facebook.com/437833815382/posts/10161364187450383/

The "Not so good"! Stirling Knights U16M Triumph again to win Back 2 Back Scottish League Division 1 titles. Having secured the clubs first ever Division 1 title last season with an "inconsistent", one loss league season, the Knights have gone one better and conducted a flawless unbeaten League campaign 15-0 to claim the Crown for the second year in succession with 3 games remaining after they defeated Dunfermline Reign 111 - 35 at St Columbas.

They now can also claim to become the first team in season 2018/19 to become National League Division 1 CHAMPIONS!

Coach Les McGlasson who has coached these boys since they started the Sport could not be more pleased with what they have achieved and the success they have brought to the young club, still to reach its 10th Birthday. He added “giving the boys the opportunity to compete in the English National Cup and reaching the Quarter Finals has really allowed the lads to keep focussed and remain at a high level of play throughout the season, not only did they compete at a high level they showed they were Technically everybit as strong only really failing against the physicality and size of a much older team in the Quarter Finals in previous 3 times winners Manchester Magic”

The U16M since losing back in Sept ’17 have carried out a 32 League game winning streak to win both League and Play-Off titles. The Knights now attempt to see out the season unbeaten and secure a first U16M Scottish Cup title in next weekends showdown versus Inverness City at the Oriam.

A mention also to the U18M whom remain on track for a second place finish in Division 1. Having won the U18M Play-Offs last season after finishing 3rd in the league, a second place finish would be our highest placed finish to-date added Coach Les McGlasson and a chance to repeat the play-off success of last season. The future remains very good for this squad too given we only lose one player next season and the majority of players are still U16.

“Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character” - John Wooden

Stirling Knights Basketball Club continue to make great strides after our U16M continued their journey into the Quarter Finals of the National Cup with a resounding 88-51 win over Liverpool Basketball Club today. A competition which started with 90 of the Best Basketball Teams in Britain now sees Knights face the mighty Manchester Magic, a team who rank favourites after winning the event 3 times in the last 5 years. In a bold move by U16M Coach Les McGlasson to enter this competition as the sole Scottish entry he added “our U16 lads are at level unchallenged in Scotland and in order to improve we saw this competition as a natural progression. Having already beaten two Premier Teams earlier in the competition in Newcastle Eagles and Leeds Basketball Academy we respect but fear no-one and have exceeded all expectations. Manchester Magic are huge favourites but we have nothing to lose and will have the whole Scottish nation behind us I’m sure”

Our game today against a strong and physical Liverpool team shows we have the Basketball ability to overcome the strength and height of the English Teams. The Knights roared out to a quick start and got into their scoring stride quickly with some great offence with Callum McGlasson, Louis Dalziel, Rob Gilmour and William Kemp William conjoining for the first 17pts. The unselfish defensive work by Jack Hencher continued to allow the Offence the freedom to attack and the Knights raced out to a 31-18 lead after the first quarter. A few changes to the lineup and the Knights continued to push forward extending their lead to 56-30 by the half and never looked back.

Scottish Internationist and Team Captain Rob Gilmour added 22pts, 12 Rebounds and 9 Steals in today’s history win and after  commented “our offence today was good but all season we have been scoring the ball well, the starters contributing 72 points with Callum McGlasson and Jack Hencher adding 17 and 16pts respectively along with William Kemp (11) and Louis Dalziel (6), the biggest difference and most satisfying aspect was our defence in keeping Liverpool relatively quiet and protecting our own basket”

As a team the Knights added a season high 33 steals and remain unbeaten in both Scottish and English Competitions.

Last month, The Peak was host to the only Under 11 basketball tournament in Scotland, the Bruce Basketball Challenge. This is the second year of the tournament which is organised and ran completely by Knights staff and young leaders.

Twelve teams from across the country took part on the day each playing six games. After the morning round of action, Knights, Falkirk Fury, West Lothian Wolves and Grampian Flyers qualified for the Gold section. Wolves Girls, Boroughmuir Blaze, Ayr Storm and Inverness Lions made up the Silver. Beacon, Granite City Flames, North Lanarkshire Chiefs and Glasgow City qualifying in the Bronze group. 

A fantastic afternoon of games which really showed the talent at this young age group culminated in a Knights V Fury finish which saw the young Stirling boys claim a thirteen point victory to remain unbeaten and retain the title as Bruce challenge winners. 

On hand to present the medals were Glasgow Rocks professional players and Team Scotland stars Ali Fraser and Jonny Bunyan who also gave a talk to the young players about the progress they have made in the sport.

Tournament organiser and Knights Head Coach Pete Duncan said "The U11s have played very well and the squad - including my own two sons - is really very talented. We hope they can continue to progress and emulate the success we have had this season with the older age groups. This tournament was fantastic and there is some real talent on show from every club which is great to see. A big thank you and well done to all who helped to run the day and to all who took part. We hope to see you again next year."

The winning squad: Joe Thorburn, Michael Carey, Lucas Duncan, Luke Rodden, Scott MacMillan, Ross McNeish, Lennon Kemp, Finn Hencher, Josh Duncan, Corey McMonagle. Coaches: Pete Duncan and Martin McMonagle. 

Only a few days after winning the SLBA Basketball League 6-0 the Stirling Knights U14 Boys went on to complete the perfect season in the SLBA by also sweping up the SLBA Cup. Ayr Storm provided todays opponents and worthy finalists and even though were beaten in the league by Knights proved difficult to break down in the early part of the game. A 6 point lead extended to 16 by the end of the half but it was only into the Second half of the game that the young Knights got to grips of their opponents and with a 3rd Qtr 28-2 saw the Knights cruise to the finish with a final scoreline 80-32.

In doing so Callum McGlasson picked up The Most Valuable Player Award with 27pts, 19 Rebounds, 8 Assists and 5 Steals. Not to be outdone Capt Piper McGowan entered the court with 2mins remaining having sustained a broken finger on his right dominant hand at training earlier in the week, after one failed attempt and unable to catch the ball with two hands, the perfect pick n Roll with Callum allowed a threaded pass to Piper who gathered and finshed the lay-up with his left #norighthand

The young knights now add the SLBA League and Cup to their earlier National Challenge victories this season and hope to finish the Season strong at Monsterball in Inverness.

Coach Andy on the victory said "today was all about continuing in the team manner we have adopted all year, with many of these lads making the step up next year we now focus our attention on the new crop of Knights and moulding the new Team , the future is looking very bright" 

U16 Scottish Playoff Final Knights 75- 73 Edinburgh Kings 

U14 Scottish Cup Final Knights 47-49 Grampian Flyers

U18 Scottish Playoff Final Knights 73- 68 Falkirk Fury

Stirling Knights Basketball Club are once again celebrating as the basketball season came to a dramatic conclusion last weekend with both Knights U16 Men and U18 Men winning the National Playoff titles at The Oriam in Edinburgh. 

In the opening game of the weekend, the league champions Knights U16s were up against the cup champions Edinburgh Kings. In an extremely close game which was tied 13 times with 8 lead changes it was all square at 60-60 at the end of regulation time. In the overtime period, the game continued to be very close  with the Stirling boys going two points down with 30 seconds to go. However, two fantastic defensive plays from Miguel Cabot Santoja allowed Louis Sullivan to grab two quick baskets which saw Knights squeeze out the victory by a single basket 75-73. Rob Gilmour grabbed 15 rebounds whilst Louis Sullivan dominated the game and was named Most Valuable Player with 48 points, in his last appearance for the U16s as he heads down to Myerscough Academy in England in September. Head Coach Les McGlasson " This was a fantastic final and we kept the pressure on until the very end. I thought a lack of execution around the basket and with free throws had cost us but two big plays at the end saw us through. We are absolutely delighted to add the Playoff title to our National League trophy"

The Under 14 boys, who had last week been crowned National tournament champions, were up next in action in the Scottish Cup Final against a huge Grampian Flyers team. With star man Callum McGlasson carrying an injury and up against the 6 ft 5 Ross Grant from Grampian this was always going to be a tough cup final for the Stirling youngsters. Knights opened the game well racing out to a 13-2 lead with terrific defense and fast break action. At halftime Stirling kept the advantage 25-21 and in a frantic second half, which saw Miguel Cabot Santoja in foul trouble, kept the pressure on throughout. With Callum McGlasson and Piper McGowan finding their scoring touch, Knights were ahead by 1 with less than 20 seconds to play. On the next possession, Grampian scored a big three point play which put them two in front with the clock ticking down. Knights tried for the laup to tie but it rimmed out and the rebound was missed which meant the young Knights suffered their first defeat in the Cup for two seasons 49-47. McGlasson top scored with 22 points and 9 rebounds, no mean feat given his injury. Coach Andy Flett "We were always in the game and leading, we just couldn't get to grips with the height of Grampian and we did miss some easy chances. The boys are down but they have done incredibly well this season and I'm proud of our achievements."

In the U18 Final, Knights were up against local rivals Falkirk Fury who had already secured the League and Cup double this season and were heavy favourites to complete the treble. Stirling were without Shaun Craig, who had not played an U18 game for the last 5 games due to work commitments and their Head Coach Cory McCabe who was serving the last of a three game ban but still had top Great Britain prospects Ruari Doherty and Lucas Hamill, along with star U16 players Rob Gilmour and Louis Sullivan. Coach Les McGlasson stepped up to lead the U18s as he had done in the previous two games.

The Knights got off to a flying start with some excellent defense, rebounding and fast break basketball - led by the terrific Doherty -  to go in at Half Time with an incredible 44-26 lead. Fury had not got going at all and when their run came it was fantastic, clawing back a 20 point deficit to tie the game in the fourth quarter at 66-66 with less than 2 minutes to play. The Fury crowd were going crazy and they could smell blood. The Stirling boys kept at it however, and some great baskets by Sullivan and Gilmour with Hamill and Johnstone controlling the rebounds saw them take the lead 73-68 into the final buzzer and be crowned National Playoffs champions for 2018. Ruari Doherty led with 19 points and 7 assists but the Most Valuable Player award went to the tireless Dylan Johnstone who had an outstanding game with 12 points and 20 rebounds. U16 duo Sullivan and Gilmour combined for 30 points and 21 rebounds. Head Coach Cory McCabe "I had to watch this game from the sidelines but the game plan worked very well and credit to Les for stepping up and coaching the game so well. Our U16s really made an impactm in this final and we knew Fury would come back into it but for them to come back from 20 down was incredible but our guys showed real grit and skill to hold on and seal this momentous National title." Lucas Hamill and Ruari Doherty are now also headed to English Academy Basketball as they too join Louis Sullivan down at Myerscough Academy this September. 

In summation of another fantastic season for the club, Chair Pete Duncan said "What an amazing weekend, with highs and lows, and three fantastic games. We are all very proud of the players who have represented the Knights so well in these finals and credit to the parents and volunteers who help out so much. The coaching team have been simply outstanding this season and this shows just how hard they we have all worked. We are either Champions or Runner's Up in all youth male age groups in Scottish Basketball, I'm not sure that has been done before or ever will again. It is a great achievement and an excellent way to end another season."

Stirling Knights Basketball U14 Boys showed the magic touch last weekend at the National Challenge U14 tournament in Inverness, winning the Gold Medal in nail-biting fashion. 

Coach Andy Flett was missing star duo Callum McGlasson (injured) and Piper McGowan (unavailable), however the Knights managed group stage wins over Fraserburgh Storm and Ayr Storm which meant progress into the Gold group along with other group winners St Mirren and Dundee Madsons. A great win over St Mirren 27-22 set up a final game showdown against Madsons - as had happened a week earlier with the U12 boys. 

Once again, Madsons edged the game and came out winners over the Stirling boys 25-21. This meant that Knights had to wait for the final group game between St Mirren and Madsons to decide their placing. In a true March Madness moment, St Mirren managed to beat Madsons by 4 points which meant after going with points difference that the Stirling boys were crowned champions of National Tournament, this time by a single point!

Spaniard Miquel Santoja Cabot was outstanding for Knights and was rightly voted into the All Star 5 team. Miquel is currently attending Wallace High School and stays with Coach Les McGlasson and his family. 

The U14 Boys look ahead to this Saturday when they defend their Scottish Cup Title at The Oriam against a big Grampian Flyers team in the Scottish Cup Final. 

PLAYOFFS

The Knights U16 and U18 Men will also play for another National Title this weekend at The Oriam as both have made it through the Final Four in their respective competitions. Both teams with comfortable wins over opponents West Lothian Wolves and Glasgow Rens. First up on Saturday the League Champions U16s will play Edinburgh Kings as they go for the double, followed by the U14 Cup Final. Then on Sunday, the Knights U18s will play league winners Falkirk Fury in the Playoff Final for U18 Men. 

This terrific achievement means that  Stirling Knights will either be Champions or Runner's Up in all four boys age groups in Scotland, once again underlining the hard work of the coaches, players, parents and volunteers within the club. 

Coach Les McGlasson said "Our boys programme really is second to none in the country when you look from U12 up to Senior, which is remarkable when you look at the small group of volunteers leading the club. We now have players heading down south to Academy programmes and GB Trials, so the goals we set ourselves are within reach. This weekend should be another fun packed weekend where we can hopefully claim more National Titles."

U12 Team pic (back row L-R) Martin McMonagle (Coach), Owen Broadley, Lucas Duncan, Peter Daniels, Theo Bennett, Dylan Clark, Patrick McGowan, Pete Duncan (Coach), (front row) Adam Tweedie, Michael Carey, Josh Duncan, Luke Rodden, Corey McMonagle.

Stirling Knights U12 Boys came close to winning the U12 National Tournament last weekend, losing in the final to Dundee Madsons. 

Wins over Glasgow Rocks, Grampian Flyers and then in the 'Gold Section' over Falkirk Fury meant that Knights and Madsons went into the final game for the gold medal. 

With six of the eleven players all eligible for U12 again next season the future looks bright for the young Knights. 

Knights chief and U12 coach Pete Duncan said 

"it was a great day and our young team did very well, beating Grampian, Glasgow Rocks and then in the Gold group beating Fury. Madsons in the final were great and we couldn't stop their best player. Credit to them. Thanks to Basketball Scotland for a great set up at Perth College and to all the parents and supporters for their help."

In the season ending National League Playoffs, Knights had five Games over the course at the weekend in the SBC Play Offs with mixed fortunes for our Men and Women.

Some high class Basketball saw our U16M cruise past Boroughmuir Blaze on Saturday 85-67 to set up a Semi-Final v West Lothian today. Our U16M League Champions wasted no time in dominating a lack lustre Wolves team who offered no resistance in a very one sided fixture that ended 102-64 and puts the U16M in the Play Off final on March 24th versus City of Edinburgh Kings, the same day as the U14Boys will face Grampian Flyers in the Scottish Cup final.

Our U18M also playing West Lothian in the Qtr Final also found the way fairly easy for the majority of the game, setting up a Semi Final v Glasgow Rens next weekend. Final Score 89-84 to Stirling after a late run reduced the deficit from 15pts.

The U16 Girls had a very tough ask versus Lady Rocks, a second seed team that we lost to only a few weeks back by 53pts, the word underdog doesn’t do this justice and yet a monumental effort by the players and our young committed coach Alex Smith Taylor saw the U16s Knights fight hard coming back from 23pts down to set up a nailbiting finish, 2 points down into the last minute and the scene was set for a huge upset. However, wasn’t to be and the girls just fell short, Final Score 69-64.

Finally our combined U18W Knights Fury Central faced a good St Mirren team with a long history of success at this level. KFC never really got going and surrendered victory with a 71-43 scoreline.

Back L-R: Louis Sullivan, Callum McGlasson, Ewan McCormick, (Kieron Achara), William Kemp, Rob Gilmour, Rory Silcock, Ben Ritch, Jack Hencher (Capt)    Front L-R: Coach - Les McGlasson, Piper McGowan, Miquel Santonja Cabot,  Max Flett

Stirling Knights U16M with the big win 86-73 over Tayside Musketeers on Saturday saw this talented group of Basketball players lift the clubs first Division 1 National League Title. Stirling’s own GB Captain Kieron Achara was on hand to present the trophy to Captain Jack Hencher and the Team who won the Scottish Basketball Championships with three games remaining.

Coach Les McGlasson knows just how talented his group of players are after having now collected 

6 National Titles in 5 years. He added the National League trophy is a hard fought affair and the team have prepared and fought hard to lift this trophy so early having only been beaten once. Many of the players know how to win and have proven this at every level so far.”

We now go into the Play-Offs seeded number 1 and must be prepared to fight even harder to add the Play-Off title and make 2018 and even more historic year for the club.

Last weekend saw the Knights U16M take one firm grasp on their first ever National League title and did so in a manner that had their fans on cloud nine. Having only been beaten once this season the young Knights faced two difficult away games v Blaze and Tayside that would shape their destiny. On Saturday they faced a boyant Blaze side lying third in the league and Sunday a Tayside team lying 4th and looking forward to a forthcoming cup final. In what was arguably two of the best performances of the season the Knights swept both teams aside with 20+pt wins.  In doing so the Knights now sit top of the table with 3 games to spare and 4 games remaining.  Knights now look to seal the title next weekend away to Wolves.  With many of the U16M playing U18M too, Coach - Les McGlasson praised the Clubs Performance Academy Strength and Conditioning partners Renegade Fitness and Performance for setting our players up in peak condition to withstand the rigours of many games over one weekend and an entire season. None more so than recently turned 16, GB hopeful Louis Sullivan who competed in four top tier games, u16/u18 and Senior Men, over the weekend louis pictured....

The Senior Men put up a spirited display on Friday night only succumbing to league leaders Blaze in the last quarter. With key players missing, Cory McCabe relied on his young quartet of Lucas Hamill, Ruari Doherty, Shaun Craig and Louis Sullivan to see the Knights side fight back three times from double digit deficits. McCabe; "We saw this game as very much an opportunity to prepare for our next three games which we are deeming must wins in order to make this season a success. I can't fault the players in their efforts, this was a big learning opportunity for us."

The U18M side produced a fantastic result against Blaze on Saturday to keep the Knights pushing for second place in the league, relentless on the fastbreak and played some well executed offense. We have lofty expectations for the remaining games this season and the guys are embracing the challenge."

Elsewhere the Knights/Fury U18W collaboration picked up a vital win away to Blaze that could kick start their season ahead of the play-off and with boys and girls teams at U12 and U14 also in action across various venues on Sunday wrapping up a busy weekend for all involved.

National League Results:

Senior Men - Blaze 89 v 60 Knights

U18M - Blaze 66 v 87 Knights 

U16M - Blaze 65 v 92 Knights

U16M - Tayside 55 v 73 Knights

U18W - Blaze 74 v 80 Knights/Fury Central 

The Stirling Knights coaching team were full of praise this weekend as they recorded a clean sweep over one of Scotland's most successful clubs Basketball Paisley. Last week saw the U14 boys win 52-40 on the road in the Scottish Cup Quarter Final to see them take a step closer to the Scottish Cup in what Coach Andy Flett described as a ‘complete team performance’.

Friday night saw the Senior Men take to the floor in front of a packed and noisy crowd at the Peak to face off against league leaders St Mirren. Twice coming from double digit deficits, the Stirling side incredibly rallied in the 4th quarter to top the Paisley side 97-86 for their first ever win against St Mirren. Coach Cory McCabe singled out the trio of Shaun Craig, Ruari Doherty and Louis Sullivan for their energy; ‘The older guys put this all down to those three boys for their grit and determination just before half time. It was a stunning win, we were always capable of a performance like this.’ 16 year old Doherty hit 16 points showing why he is one of Scotland's top young players. Veterans Daniel Chok and Matt Dick combined for 49 points with Captain Chok leading at both ends of the floor adding 7 assists to his 7 steals.

Saturday saw the Knights move to a different ‘home venue’ as Grangemouth took centre stage for another triple header vs. St Mirren. First up was Les McGlasson’s u16’s who put in a galvanised performance behind Rory Silcock’s selfless play. Coach McGlasson; ‘Rory was everywhere today, he allowed the team to kick on and push offensively. We got into some unnecessary foul trouble, but the entire team stepped up and contributed.’ Final score 72-67. This win along with other results in the league mean that Knights are now three games clear at the top of the Under 16 National League.

The u16 Girls left it late having controlled the majority of the play to win in the last minute over Saints. Penelope Kidd was singled out for her tireless energy by Coach Alex Smith-Taylor. Alex on the win; ‘Sometimes it is about just grinding out the result, these girls did that today. Fantastic result, couldn’t be happier for them.

Finally Cory McCabe’s u18 Men rounded off the sweep as his side ran out 93-77 victors. In what was described as the ‘complete team performance’, Cory had this to say on the win; ‘We carried on with a lot of momentum from Friday night in the Senior Men’s game. Some of the team play today is some of the best I’ve ever seen in all my years coaching.’

Head of Knights Basketball Pete Duncan summed up the weekend; ‘This is testament to the hard work of our dedicated coaching team. The players have been pushed and tested all year and when you see this weekends results, you know that all their hard work and effort in training is paying off. We also had our 5 youth teams playing in U14 and U12 competitions with all performing very well. Well done to all!’

Over the last 6 Years since Stirling Knights was formed much has been said and written about the growth of the game in a Stirling, the coaches and the players. None more so than these two young players who's dedication and hard work toward the game they love which has opened up opportunities they never knew existed. 

Lewis McGlasson and Ruth Allison both started playing Basketball with Knights U12s back in 2011, aged 10 & 11 respectively both players took Basketball to their hearts and quite literally have never stopped bouncing a Basketball ever since. Early signs were visibly clear that this pair had potential. Their training commitment and dedication to Basketball Club life has never gone unnoticed and Stirling Knights are proud to support the future of both players and to take credit themselves with the introduction of such a life changing opportunity that is BASKETBALL into their young lives.

Ruth (16) having now left Wallace High School with flying colours academically has made the move from Stirling Knights to Zaragoza, Spain to take part in DF Deporte's Bilingual Programme, where they are playing for Mann Filter Zaragoza's U18Wteam, Stadium Casablanca in the Campeonato Aragon Junior Feminino League or U18W Regional League to you and me. The programme combines more than 20hrs a week training with studying Spanish, helping children at local schools with English classes and coaching younger age groups. Ruth is also coaching an u13 team who won their first game of the season this week. So far her days are long, full and tiring, but she is loving every bit of it and getting used to life in Spain

Stadium Casablanca Season started this week with a comfortable away win against Calasanz 86-23. Ruth pitching in with 7pts, 3 rebounds and 1 assist.

Lewis (15) making the jump last year to Santa Cruz, Tenerife to study in a Spanish School and play Basketball with Real Club Nautico de Tenerife, another former Wallace HS pupil, at first Lewis struggled with the schooling being taught everything in a foreign language but faced up to the challenge with the same determination as he does Basketball and is now fluent in Spanish.

Returning home in the summer after a successful year in Tenerife, Spain where his club R.C.N.T went to the Canaries Championship finishing 5th and Lewis representing the Tenerife, Regional Team at u15. Lewis went on to the European Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria with the U16 Scotland National Team during August. 

Fully planning to return to Scotland this season Lewis settled back into club life at Stirling Knights and was looking forward to bolstering their National League Squads, however, after being spotted during his time in Tenerife during the Regional Championships was offered a full 3 year scholarship with club Terralfas Del Pi, Alicante, Spain. 

Another challenge and another language to learn (Valencian)! Lewis has settled into his new surroundings, living as a full time student athlete with his team and continuing his studies in Spanish and Valencian. Hopes are high for Lewis and his Cadete team this season who have secured their opening two wins over top competition, last season their u18M finished 5th in last seasons U18M Spanish Championships. 

Lewis who only moved to Alicante two months ago has already been impressing in both Cadete and Junior teams and has been selected into Valencian Regional Team who will compete in the Spanish Championship in early January.

Lewis and Ruth we wish you all the best in the future, you are trail blazers for Basketball in Scotland. Making your parents, friends and Stirling Knights very proud to have helped in setting you on your way whatever the future brings.

Stirling Knights basketball Club have secured a 4 years Direct Club Investment from sportscotland in partnership with Active Stirling and basketballscotland to set up ‘Knights Performance Academy’. This programme will involve working with a number of young talented athletes within the club structure with additional on-court coaching, strength and conditioning through their key partner Renegade fitness and performance  and sports psychology amongst other off-court support.  This is a huge development in the Knights’ aspiration to produce athletes at National and GB Level In line with their vision #BAW

"We are delighted to have secured this partnership which will go along way to ensure we can produce performance players to contribute to the National cause. We share the vision with Basketball Scotland and our other key partners in working towards our performance targets and are working hard to develop the right culture and environment to nurture talent." - Pete Duncan, Head of Basketball for Stirling Knights

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