PANTHER

GAMEDAY MAGAZINE OF KINGSTON PANTHERS ISSUE NO.2

THE

KINGSTON PANTHERS V DURHAM WILDCATS II 2ND NOVEMBER 2013

KIT SUPPLIE R

PANTHERS ROAR

Dear Panther Fans, Wow, what a week it has been here at the Panthers. Where do I start? Last week the Panthers season took a slight dent in what can only can be described as a learning kerb. We began the weekend with an away trip to our local rivals, Hull Wasps. The encounter was the biggest ever game seen in the region since basketball began and for some of the guys, it was the first time they had played in front of a 350 plus crowd. After a noble effort we eventually lost the first ever Hull Derby. But to be involved in something so big, basketball in the area was the winner. The cup game on Sunday saw us carry a derby hangover to the North East as we lost to an impressive young Gateshead side. The season is in full swing now and its been a roller coaster ride, and here at the Panthers we are loving every minute. Today we welcome Durham Wildcats to the sports arena. And I hope your all ready to see the Panthers bounce back from the previous weekends results with 2 losses. I would like to thank you, the fans for your support so far this season. On the opening home game, we had over a hundred fans come to support us and at the Hull derby we took a staggering 90 + fans. Your support means so much to the players and the club and long may your support grow and continue. Be sure to try our new cupcakes from the Sethadoodle store, for every cake sold a contribution is made to the Panthers Club. So folks get eating and dont forget to pick up a coffee of hot dog from the Official Supporters Bar Just show them the programme to get 0.50p off the delicious hot dogs on sale TODAY And I would also like to give a big thank you to James Legal Law Solicitors our Official Sponsors for believing in us. Without the help of Peter and the James Legal team all this would have not been possible. James Legal are such a vital component to this team, they are a huge part of our Panthers family. Enjoy the game... Thank You Karl Buitendam

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COACHES COMMENTS
Hello Panthers fans welcome to my corner! Welcome everyone to todays game v Durham Wildcats II. I think its fair to say that last weekend did not go to plan for us, in front of an amazing crowd at Hull Wasps we didnt do ourselves justice, and whilst it would be easy to blame injuries or some dubious calls from the referees we didnt start the match well. We made some adjustments at half time which enabled us to contain John Stewart and take great credit in the fact that we actually won the second half. The support from our fans was out of this world it really gave us a lift and at times felt like it was a home match as you made more noise than the Wasps fans. The following day we made the long journey to the north east to face Gateshead Phoenix in the National Shield, due to injuries and commitments only 8 players were available, most of whom were tired and bruised from the previous nights exertions. Phoenix had a week to rest and prepare for us and deserved their win. We really struggled with no point guard and a lack of depth and despite 29 points from Daniel the result means that we are out of all cup competitions and can concentrate on the league. Myself and the guys have been working hard this week in an attempt to improve on aspects of the Wasps game that led to our downfall and the players have responded really well and are ready to bounce back today against the Wildcats. We dont know very much about the Wildcats, they have had a slow start and are on a three game losing streak but do have some very talented players with BBL experience so we will need to be back to our best to keep the pressure on the

A HUGE THANK YOU TO...

other teams at the top of the table. Thank you for your support, it was a great turn out for our first home game a couple of weeks ago and last week at the Wasps, sweet, so please continue to show your support and remember MAKE SOME NOISE! With love, Coach Hayes

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MATCH REPORT

TEAM PHYSIO

Kingston Panthers 70-94 Hull Wasps

In front of a 360 strong crowd at the Ennerdale Centre Panthers slipped to their first defeat of the season to local rivals Hull Wasps whose defensive intensity and GBU20 international John Stewart were the difference. With Edgaras Krulis and Tomas Kutkevicius adding to Panthers ever growing injury list, Sean Johnstone stepped into the starting lineup to face his former team and there was a recall for Graham Smurthwaite. Kamil Pilarski opened the scoring with a dynamic slash to the basket and after 4 minutes held a slender 7-6 lead. Back to back 3 pointers from Stewart and American forward Matt McArt drove Wasps on a 14-4 run, and although Daniel Lampkowski reduced the lead to 6 with a 3 pointer another 8-2 run saw Wasps lead 28-16 at the end of the quarter. John Stewart was pulling the strings for Wasps with 10 points whilst Lampkowski led Panthers with 9 points. In the wake of ferocious defence Panthers struggled to break the press turning the ball over time and again for easy Wasp scores. A 14-6 run in the first 7 minutes opened up a 22 point lead with only a 3 pointer from Graham Smurthwaite and a pair of Patryk Kozlowski free throws offering any resistance in that time. H/T 55-30 Throughout quarter 3 the two teams traded baskets as Panthers began to come to terms with the pressure defence as Jason Milner aggressively attacked the press. Panthers

bench came up big with Milner, Matty Abbott and Patryk Kozlowski combining for 12 points. Having conceded at will in the first half Panthers defence was much tighter epitomised by Abbotts huge block on Stewart and by reducing the turnovers the teams split the period 21-21 for a 76-51 score line. Panthers started the 4th with a 6-2 run in the first 2 minutes inspired by Sean Johnstones aggressive post move for an and 1 score. The teams again traded baskets as Wasps reinserted the starting 5, until a 9-2 run on the back of some fine long range shooting inspired by Radek Groszowski 3 pointer from NBA range closed the gap to 19 points,. However the exertions of breaking the constant press took its toll in the latter stages as Wasps were able to re-establish a healthy lead.

EB SPONSORS

Final score 70-94

Honourable mentions to Jason Milner whose aggressive play and 10 points inspired his team to win the second half and Matty Abbott whose hustle defence and block on Stewart got the fans on their feet. Grigaliunas 17 points and Lampkowski 15 points led Panthers scorers. John Stewart was in scintillating form for Wasps with 28 points and numerous assists many of which enabled the powerful Jack Daley to record 24 points. Scorers Grigaliunas 17, Lampkowski 15, Milner 10, Pilarski 5, Gruszowski 5, Kozlowski 4, Abbott 4, Macijauskis 4, Smurthwaite 3, Johnstone 3

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MEET THE
Liam Hudson PG 511 - Attended High School and University in Michigan USA a deadly three point shooter with experience in Europe having played in Croatia and Montenegro.

PLAYERS
Graham Smurthwaite G/F 63 - Very experienced at this level having played for Doncaster Panthers, Newcastle Eagles and Hull Stingers, a tough defender with a dangerous 3 point shot.

Edgaras Krulis PG 62 - A silky smooth guard nothing phases him, a tough defender, part of our Lithuanian quartet.

Patryk Kozlowski SF 64 - Formally of the locally renowned Goole warriors team, an athletic young forward with a reliable jump shot.

Jason Milner PG 60 - Tenacious with seemingly endless reserves of energy, has experience locally with York Vikings and Scunthorpe Steelers.

Tomas Grigaliunas F 64 - Offensively gifted, the Lithuanian sensation has a quick first step which he uses to attack the basket, a threat from anywhere on the court and a terrific offensive rebounder. Tomas Kutkevicius F 60 - Panthers very ownman of steel captain of the team whose size belies his ferocious rebounding ability, from Lithuania

Jamie Boynton G 59 - Explosive leaper who runs the fast break well, played in the tough Sheffield league for the Sheffield Suns.

Radek Gruszowski SG 61 - The ice cold assassin from Poland, cool under pressure with a good outside shot, outstanding on defense and when he gets hot can be a big time scorer Ola Popula SG 511 - Originally from Nigeria, likes to attack the basket without fear and can be difficult to stop with slick moves.

Matty Abbott F 64 - The youngest member of the team, an explosive leaper and athletic rebounder.

Sean Johnstone F 64 - An original Panther from 2011, runs the floor well and has great post moves.

Rokas Macijauskis G/F 61 - The enforcer has the ability to guard any position his relentless approach frustrates opponents, unselfish and fearless from Lithuania.

Justin Loblack F 64 - Born in London raised in Atlanta, Georgia, an athletic forward dominant on the boards, plays above the rim.

Kamil Pilarski G/F 60 Played Division 4 for Hull Wasps, a silky smooth leader equally adept at scoring or creating opportunities for his team mates

Daniel Lampkowski F/C 65 - Played division 3 in Poland, has great shooting range, a powerhouse with a variety of post moves and a soft touch inside.

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GALLERY

IN THE NE WS

Our amazing fans!

Pat warming up

Kamil Pilarski

Panthers on prowl with brand new ladies team

KINGSTON Panthers are breaking new ground by forming the first ladies basketball team in the city. The club already has a well-known mens side, which has competed on national levels and contains several international stars. Now the ladies team, coached by Karl Buitendam, have ambitions to become a force in their own right and to compete in national league competitions. It was unable to register for a national competition in time for this season due to its founding date, but Panthers have organised a number of local friendlies. Were the first ever ladies basketball team from Hull, he told the Mail. Were just playing friendlies at the moment but the signs have definitely been positive. Were going to be playing in the mens development league to try and establish ourselves this year and then enter the ladies national league in September 2014. There are quite a few local girls in our side as well as a few foreign girls from places like Latvia and Poland so we have a nice blend. The Panthers have made an impressive start to life with three wins from three so far in friendlies against Grimsby (87-30), Danum Eagles (55-44) and Louth (67-47). Buitendam said: Weve had some good

Coach Hayes calls a timeout Matty going strong

Jason battling for the rebound Edgaras behind the back Radek laying up.

Kam giving the look Radek with the jump shot

Tom G composed for the FT

wins, especially the one over Danum, who have real national league pedigree. We have another game at the end of this month against Scarborough Seahawks. Having led the mens Panthers side to success last season, Buitendam is hoping for a repeat with the ladies. We went the whole season unbeaten and won all four trophies on offer so Im hoping I can repeat that success with this team, he said. The Panthers captain is 19-year-old former England trialist Rachel Dixon. Buitendam singled out special praise for her and team-mate Charlotte Gledhill for being the driving force behind the side. Rachel and Charlotte have been brilliant. I dont think the team would have started without them, he said. Rachels had trials for England and is very good. She scored 40 points in our first game and then 25 and 26 in the other two. We let her have a go in the mens team and she did well in that too. Were hoping for more international quality signings to improve our team to be really competitive but anyone is welcome to play. The Panthers train at Andrew Marvell every Tuesday from 8-10pm. For further information visit www. kingstonpanthers.co.uk.
Source: Hull Daily Mail

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TODAYS OPPONENT
Todays visitors are the Durham Wildcats II, who are the 2nd team to one of the countrys top BBL clubs. As such they are able to call on a number of players with experience at the highest level and will pose a major threat to Panthers hopes of returning to winning ways. The Wildcats currently occupy 7th position in the division 4 table with just a solitary win to their name so far versus Gateshead Phoenix, they have however played 3 of the top 4 in their opening matches. Although primarily a young team they do have considerable experience and talent in their ranks; Odi Attah (pictured below) led them in scoring in the first 2 games of the season with 25.5 ppg, an ex-Newcastle Eagle the 64 shooting guard has also played a major role in the Wildcats BBL teams success this season. Point guard Max Fowler who had a career high 30 points in a loss to Teesside Lions and 68 big man Notis Chalkidis also have experience at the highest level and will cause Panthers problems with their speed and height. Chuck Duru a 64 forward makes up a quartet of dangerous opponents, a deadly 3 point shooter who attended Southern Tech Academy in Charlotte USA, Duru is averaging 20 ppg over his last 2 matches. Although Durham are a new entry to the league this season they have competed in division 4 before, between 2008-2010 they had a three season cumulative record of 32-30, with their best season coming in 2009-10 when a 11-7 record saw them finish in 5th position. Panthers will be hoping to be the 4th top 4 side to beat the Wildcats, whilst Durham will aim for a victory to keep them within touching distance of the top 4.

OFFICIAL TEAM TRANSPORT

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STATS AND FIXTURES

DIV 4 PREVIE W & TABLE

Mersey Tigers lead the way after the first 6 weeks of division 4 action with a 100% record .With a squad packed with players who have BBL experience; led by the explosive Raheem May-Thompson they are already considered favourites for the title. Led by the leagues top scorer Alvaro Pontes 30.5ppg (pictured right), Teesside Lions have been a surprise considering the average age of their bench is 16 years old, although they did suffer a 73 point defeat at Hull Wasps. With GBU20 star John Stewart 27.33ppg in superb form, Wasps have had a mixed start to the season, beating Panthers in the Hull derby but losing to Leeds Tigers after an error by Coach Fawcett who didnt put Stewart on the score sheet. Languishing in 5th place with a 2-2 record Wasps will undoubtedly be disappointed with their start. Leeds Tigers make up the top 4, Australian guard Jarryd Moss 21.5ppg leads their scorers and they have started strongly in their debut season and only have one loss to their name. The trio of clubs from the North East have Recent results had a less than impressive start to the season as they all occupy places in the bottom half although Newcastle have 2 wins inflicting Leeds Tigers only defeat. Whilst Phoenix have only played 2 games as they have successfully progressed to the 3rd round of the National Shield. Meanwhile Durham have struggled with an unsettled team as many of their team are called upon by the BBL Wildcats. Sefton Stars and Allerton High Carnegie prop up the table, both teams are predominantly junior teams and have struggled so far, Sefton have suffered some comprehensive defeats including a 78 point mauling by Mersey Tigers, whilst Carnegie have put together improved performances since their early big defeat to Panthers. We will continue to keep you updated on the progress of the division as the season unfolds. Alvaro Pontes 37 points for Teesside Lions v Newcastle Eagles II

Vs Leeds Carnegie

Total so far 2013/14

Fixtures and results 2013

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