Clark Eriksson Falkirk Fury Basketball Club

Team of the Year

2014-11-09T18:23:00.000+00:00

TEAM OF THE YEAR– FURY SENIOR MEN– winners of the Scottish League & Cup

FURY 15 MAKE YOUTH NATIONAL SQUADS

2014-11-09T18:21:00.000+00:00

Clark Eriksson Fury had 15 of their top young players selected for the initial Scotland National squads in the U15, 16 and 18 age groups.

Newly formatted trials that carried athletic as well as basketball tests were part of the initial selection process. The squads which range from 22- 30 players will have several further sessions before final teams are selected for competition in 2015.

Any player not selected is still open for consideration with coaches continuing to monitor players during the season.

Congratulations to the following FURY players who will be working hard to make the full teams-

U15 BOYS

Ben McGinlay

Mitchell Stirling

Adam Rutter

Daniel Olubolade

James Kerr

U16 BOYS U16 GIRLS

Alex Hall Emma Norval

Cameron Carter

U18 BOYS U18 GIRLS

Ali McDermid Laura Young

Thomas Hunter Taylor Bardsley

Eddy Leginus Kara McCormick

Ryan Weir

CADETS AND JUNIORS WIN IN HIGHLANDS!

2014-11-09T18:20:00.000+00:00

Clark Eriksson Fury Division 1 U16 & U18 Men’s team had solid wins on the road in Inverness as they both continue to challenge for honours.

Neil Connell’s Cadet Men had an 86-61 win over Highland Bears and that keeps them joint second only 1 point from the top. A 32 pt 3rd period was the highlight with Mitchell Stirling top scoring on 22pts. Ben McGinley had 20 with Alex Hall 17.

Keith Bunyan’s Junior Men had a 77-48 points win over the Bears with a 21-6 opening period and 26-11 third, allowing 5 players to get in double figures. Guards Eddy Leginus and Ryan Weir shared 30 with Ali McDermid on 14. Daniel Tran had 12 with centre Thomas Hunter on 11.

FURY SW IN OT LOSS FOR SECOND TIME!

2014-11-09T18:18:00.000+00:00

Clark Eriksson Fury Senior Women’s side went into overtime for the second time this season and just lost out 61-59 to capital side Polonia Phoenix. In a flurry of foul calls on the Falkirk side in the opening period, the Falkirk side’s Scotland international Laura Nimmo watched literally all the first three quarters after opening with a quick 5 points but equally quick 3 fouls. 12-7 down at the end of the first and an 11-18 second period put Fury behind by 12 at the half. However a stronger third stanza saw Fury tie that spell at 13 apiece with 7 personal from teenage pg Shannon Flippard. Fury then dominated the final period with an 18-7 scoreline giving up 3 of these 7 points in the final seconds as a three from Lindsay Campbell tied the match and sent it into overtime. That final period had seen Fury’s Nimmo re-enter the game and rack up 9 personal. Fury missed the opportunity to go 4 clear at the start of the OT with a missed lay-up and two free throws. Phoenix then pulled clear but Fury’s pressing game that they had deployed from the third period again took its toll on Polonia as key baskets by Kirstie Young, Flippard and Jenna Beattie meant the game went to the final second.

Scotland pair Flippard and Nimmo shared 32 points with Beattie and Young on 8 apiece

9 THREES AGAIN FOR FURYS 3 POINT KEITH!

2014-11-08T18:25:00.000+00:00

CLARK ERIKSSON FURY 81 GLASGOW STORM 67

Scottish National League – Senior Men

Scotland ‘s best ever 3 pt shooter Keith Bunyan hit his second set of 9 three pointers in under 3 weeks. Once again Bunyan, after hitting his 9th three stepped out the game with 8 minutes left in the final quarter and declared – “ Its not about records its about our team improving and maintaining our goal of three league titles in a row”.

37yr old Keith, a Scotland International for over 20 years was not selected for the last abortive Scotland campaign in Malta but again showed to National Coach Iain Maclean, also the Storm coach, that he is still the best in the country beyond the arc.

Fury’s 32-15 third period put them 28 clear as they ran their bench in the final stanza to go 8 - 0 for the season and remain clear at the top of the league.

Bunyan hit the opening basket in the game – a long three and ended the first period with another as the home side took an 18- 13 lead into the second. Scott Russell hit 6 personal in this period with Greek forward Greg Foussas grabbing a pair of twos and teenage centre Ross Gibson a single basket. In the second Bunyan opened the scoring with his third three of the night and closed out the half with his fourth in a 20-14 scoreline to give the Champions an 11 point half time lead.

The third saw Jonny Bunyan open up with a three and two as Fury went further ahead. Captain Keith Bunyan then hit his 5th and 6th threes and before the period ended hit a further three 3’s – two of which were a full 9 feet beyond the arc.

A disappointing 4th made the scoreline respectable for Storm but it was still a happy home support, that saw their team take a step nearer retaining their title.

Keith Bunyan ended with 29 points and hard working Scott Russell on 10. Fury Headcoach John Bunyan told Heraldsport “ With Keith averaging 26 points in his last 3 games , he is playing some of his best basketball ever. He is in the form he has shown over the years that when he is in “the zone” he simply cannot miss. Off the bench our young players are producing more solid performances and when integrated with our experienced players they really step up. We have back to back games against Glasgow University now , one a quarter-final cup tie and the other a key league match, wins in both will put is a very strong position to defend our two titles”.

Thanks to Alex Johnston for the photo.

FURY WOMAN LOSE TO CHAMPIONS IN CUP

2014-11-04T18:30:00.000+00:00

Clark Eriksson Fury senior woman could not rally from a poor opening quarter despite solid second and third periods in their Scottish Cup tie against Edinburgh Kool Kats. Down 16-7 going into the second, the Falkirk side stayed in touch with a 10-11 scoreline that saw them 10 down at the half. In what was a tight defensive game Fury found points from several players without anyone able to make a really solid impression on offence. Even the third saw the game continue to be a Kat and mouse affair with neither team able to dominate the other and Fury were still in touch after an 11-14 third stanza. The fourth saw Fury finally slip out the game despite 7 points from ex Kats – Chloe Lodge and Shannon Purves. While the 4th was Fury’s best scoring period they lost it 22-15 to give the capital side a 20 point win. With Fury 0 from 4 the team can take comfort from the fact they have shown they can contend but consistency particularly on offence has to be addressed. Teenage pg Shannon Flippard again worked tirelessly and top scored for the Clark Eriksson side on 10 points with Laura Nimmo on 9.

Fury play hosts to Polonia Phoenix on Saturday with a 1.50pm tip – spectators welcome.

Photo of Shannon who top scored with 10 points

FURY CADETTES LOSE OUT TO ROCKS IN CUP

2014-11-04T18:28:00.000+00:00

This was a similar tale to the Fury women’s cup match where the U16 girls went down 19-4 early in the second period after a shocking 16-4 opening quarter with 14 year guard Caitlin Owens the only Fury player getting on the scoresheet. However a change of defence by Fury altered the game and the Falkirk side worked their way back in to the match taking the second eventually 10-8 with a fantastic defensive performance. With the difference at 10 Fury continued to maintain their defensive intensity but failed to find a consistent scoring touch losing the third 14-9. While opportunities were created to try and get the game into single figures they were not converted with the Rocks taking the final stanza 13-9. Fury had halved the scoreline from their league encounter and shown they without doubt are improving as a group.

Caitlin Owens finished on 7 working hard in the guard spot and on Fury’s defence. Flora Smith and Carmen Tran shared 12 points with both continuing each game, to improve and gain confidence . Tran doing a great job in the guard spot under constant Rocks pressure defence. 14 year old centre Mhairi McGill had 4 points, with guard Ciara Martin on 3 and contributing like Tran and Owens in the guard spot.

While Scotland International Emma Norval managed only 4 personal she worked tirelessly in defence making the centre of Fury’s defence a no go area with her shot blocking ability. While not on the scoresheet Cara Jackson again showed she is a key player with a great defensive performance.

Fury can take a lot from this but will have to wait on confirmation of their game this week-end scheduled to be against Polonia Phoenix on Saturday at 3.40pm to see if they can record their first league win in Division 1 this season as the game is in doubt over a clash with National Training.

Photo of Carmen who top scored along with Flora with 12 points.

NO ROCKY HORROR SHOW FOR FURY MEN

2014-11-04T18:27:00.000+00:00

CLARK ERIKSSON FURY 86 GLASGOW ROCKS 62

Scottish National Basketball League – Senior Men

Fury’s Halloween fixture with Glasgow Rocks Scottish side had early signs of a rocky road trip when the Scottish Champions trailed early on forcing coach John Bunyan to call a time out after 4 minutes play.

Fury picked up the pace with in form captain Keith Bunyan closing the period with 9 personal to take the Falkirk side 21-18 clear. However the second saw the Rocks continue to score and push Fury all the way to the end of the half. A spell in the second saw Fury maintain their tight lead with 7 consecutive points from the line. Bryan Munnoch who had come in to the starting line-up added to his opening 4 points in the first with rising stars Craig Malcolm and Ross Gibson getting on the scoresheet also during that spell. Keith Bunyan added a further 6 to take him to 15 at the half with Frenchman Walter Lubeigt finishing the quarter strongly with 3 excellent inside plays. With the scoreline at 40-15, Rocks BBL and Fury National League MVP pg Jonny Bunyan entered the game having been unable to play the first half due to BBL training – ironically with the Rocks!

This sparked a 32-14 scoreline in the third that put the game out of the Rocks reach and Fury 23 clear going into the final period. With Lubeigt hitting 10 in the third, Greek forward Greg Foussas finding form with 8 and Jonny Bunyan on 6, the Clark Eriksson side also playing tougher defence, the match was left to be played out with Fury’s young star

s combining well to take that spell 14-13 and a 24 point win. Ben Chok, Ross Gibson, Craig Malcolm and Darren Leitch all getting on the scoreboard with solid play also from Ross Munnoch and Connor Martin. Scott Russell was another Fury key with a solid display at both ends of the floor, working well in his starting role and when giving structure to the younger players in the fourth.

The win gives Fury a 7-0 start to the season and a 77-57 scoring average. Fury Headcoach told Heraldsport “ This was game that saw us give up too many points in the opening 2 periods. We tightened our defence and also found easier ways to score in the third. We were able to get everyone fully involved and they all contributed to the win. We have now 4 games to complete the first half of the season and our opening 7 games have seen us forced to use various starting line-ups and this will be key as the season progresses as we know we will not always be at full strength”.

10 players got on the scoresheet for the Falkirk side with Frenchman Walter Lubeigt top scoring on 20. Lubeigt worked tirelessly at both ends of the floor with his transition defence a key to Fury’s second half performance. Captain Keith Bunyan was again in outstanding form with 19 and showed he can still put up big numbers without a barrage of threes. Greg Foussas hit 10 pts with Jonny Bunyan on 8 and Ross Gibson 7.

This Friday Fury return to the Mariner SC with their 8th league match of the season when they face Glasgow Storm – the Falkirk side will be looking for a strong performance and spectators are welcome – tip off is 8pm with admission from 7.40pm.

Photo of Keith thanks to Alex Johnston.

KEITH BUNYAN HITS 9 THREES IN FURY CUP WIN

2014-10-30T18:33:00.000+00:00

CLARK ERIKSSON FURY 81 TROON TORNADOES 58

Scottish Cup Senior Men – Second Round 14-15

Scottish Cup holders Clark Eriksson FURY moved through to the quarter finals of this years competition with an 81-58 win that saw captain Keith Bunyan turn back the years with 9 threes in 22 minutes of play. Bunyan who played while still not fully recovered from a trapped nerve holds the Scottish record for 3 point shooting when he scored 11 threes against an U18 GB some 16 years ago.

While both teams had a number of players missing Fury took control of the game in a 28-12 third stanza that took them 27 clear going into the final quarter.

Troon who like Fury had several players unavailable elected to play zone – always a dangerous option when facing the Fury captain who was 3 times in his 6 year pro career with the Rocks in the top three 3 point shooting percentage in the BBL. Fury set a blistering 3 point pace as their opening 5 baskets were 3 pointers , Keith hitting the opening three with brother Jonny hitting the fourth and Keith the 5th.

Fury led the opening stanza 17-13. Keith Bunyan added a further 5 threes throughout the match while only playing a total of 22 minutes. Scott Russell who only played the second half and 19 yr old Craig Malcolm who started for Fury added a three each to make it a total of 12 from behind the arc.

A 19-12 scoreline in the second period gave Fury an 11 point half time lead. The Falkirk side’s big surge in the third saw Keith Bunyan hit three of his three shots and Greek forward Greg Foussas chipped in with 8 personal in that spell. Five of Fury’s 9 players were under 20yrs showing the commitment the club have made to their rising stars.

Fury Headcoach told Heraldsport – “ While both teams were not at full strength this was a very positive performance from our players. Our players did not go into the game as well prepared as we have been for a number of reasons and during the game we had to deal with a number of injuries. Our training was back to its usual high standard this week and with our Futures players winning their first game in the D2 Mens league – essentially a development league I am happy the way the team is shaping up this season after significant changes”.

Fury now play Glasgow University away from home in the quarter finals of the Cup .

This Saturday sees the team again on the road when they travel to Glasgow to face the Rocks – Scottish National League team at 10.45am.

Photos of Scott, Keith & Craig courtesy of Alex Johnston

FURY WOMAN MAKING PROGRESS DESPITE LOSS

2014-10-30T18:31:00.000+00:00

CLARK ERIKSSON FURY 50 EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY 71
Scottish National League – Senior Woman
Tied at the end of the first quarter Fury’s woman's team had played some of their best basketball of the season after getting out to a 9-4 lead forcing the students Dutch coach to call an early time out. Shannon Flippard hit Fury’s first points of the game – a long three . Jenna Beattie hit a pair of two’s with Kim Flockhart adding a lay-up on the break. After the time-out Fury inserted former Scotland Junior Hannah Murray and she gave the Falkirk side a real boost with 3 play conversions next to the basket. While the first ended tied at 18 apiece and Chloe Lodge opened the second brightly with a three, the Clark Eriksson side could not match that opening quarter scoring and costly errors in straightforward opportunities saw them trail by 7 at the half. Kim Flockhart opened the third for the home side with a long three and points by Fury’s inside players kept them in touch in a 15-11 University quarter. But it was the final period that saw the students pull clear despite a late run by Fury as they trapped in the half court bringing the game to almost single figures. Scotland International Laura Nimmo had 7 personal in that period but a disputed end line call gave the University a key possession that they converted to a three and put Fury too far behind in the closing minutes. Nimmo top scored on 11 with all of Fury’s team getting on the scoresheet.
Fury woman face League pacesetters, Edinburgh Kool Kats in the Scottish Cup this Saturday at the Mariner at 1.50pm and spectators are welcome – the match will be followed by u16 and u18 Division 1 matches as Fury mens teams face Boroughmuir Blaze.

FURY CADET MEN GO JOINT TOP IN DIV 1

2014-10-19T18:40:00.000+01:00

Clark Eriksson Fury Cadet Men took their 4th win in 5 league games this season to go joint top of Scotland’s top under 16 men's league. The 80-67 win over Glasgow Rens puts Fury on top with Glasgow City.

Coach Neil Connell was able to run his whole squad in the 13 point win that saw Scotland Internationals Alex Hall with 33, Mitchell Stirling on 17 and Ben McGinley on 15. The young Fury side can only improve as the season goes on and with a major off court input into their program as the season progresses the players will look to develop their athletic and physical abilitie

FURY JUNIOR MEN WIN IN GLASGOW

2014-10-19T18:37:00.000+01:00

Scottish Champions Fury have had a poor start to the season as they attempt back to back Division 1 titles in the Scottish League but a 60-26 win over Glasgow Rens that saw Fury’s Lithuanian Eddy Leginus hit 29 has put them back in the title race. Holding Rens to single figures in three of the four quarters a 25-6 final period put the game beyond doubt. Ali McDermid chipped in with 11. The juniors also will look to added strength and conditioning programs to improve their season performances.

2014-10-19T18:35:00.000+01:00

FURY STAY TOP OF THE CLASS WITH UNI WIN
Clark Eriksson FURY 72 Edinburgh Uni. 60
Scottish MENS National Basketball League

Scottish Champions FURY had to dig deep as Edinburgh University produced a strong first half to lead 38-30. However, roared on by the usual large home support Fury took control in the third as they produced some of their best basketball of the season to lead by 5 going into the final quarter in a commanding 22-9 period. Fury kept the pressure on by extending their lead to as much as 16 before finishing 12 clear. Fury’s starting 5 produced big performances at various points in the match with Scott Russell keeping the Falkirk side in the game with 13 personal in that poor first half and top scoring on 19. Jonny Bunyan had 18 with brother Keith on 16. Walter Lubeigt found his scoring form in the fourth period with 10 personal in a 12 point game haul. Greg Foussas while not 100% fit was again key throughout and off the bench Richard Thorpe, Ben Chok and Craig Malcolm played key roles. Malcolm had his best game for Fury men with a solid display at both ends of the floor.

The win keeps Fury in top spot in the league with St.Mirren the only other side who remain unbeaten.

Photos courtesy of Alex Johnson.

2014-10-12T18:43:00.000+01:00

CLARK ERIKSSON FURY 72 TAYSIDE 60

Scottish National League – Division 1 – Cadet Men
22 points from Alex Hall and 21 from pg Ben McGinley were the big numbers in Fury’s third win from 4 starts in this seasons Division 1 campaign. Fury continue to produce key wins in what was seen as a development year for 12 of the 15 players squad who can play next season! Mitchell Stirling chipped in with 11 and thoughts are now that this side could come close to the Fury squad of 8 seasons ago who dominated under age basketball for 4 seasons.

FURY U16 BOYS RACE TO 3 - 4 WITH TAYSIDE WIN

2014-10-12T18:41:00.000+01:00

CLARK ERIKSSON FURY 72 TAYSIDE 60

Scottish National League – Division 1 – Cadet Men

22 points from Alex Hall and 21 from pg Ben McGinley were the big numbers in Fury’s third win from 4 starts in this seasons Division 1 campaign. Fury continue to produce key wins in what was seen as a development year for 12 of the 15 players squad who can play next season! Mitchell Stirling chipped in with 11 and thoughts are now that this side could come close to the Fury squad of 8 seasons ago who dominated under age basketball for 4 seasons.

FURY CADETTE WOMAN ADVANCE IN CUP

2014-10-05T18:44:00.000+01:00

20 points from Ciara Martin saw Fury’s U16 womans team advance to the next round of the Scottish Cup after an 82-23 win over a very young Sooth Lanarkshire Colliers team.

FURY CADET MEN went 2 from 3 for the season with a win in Troon and 35 points from Alex Hall , but the JUNIOR MEN lost by 4 in a tight finish also against Troon.

FURY “KINGS” IN VITAL TITLE MATCH

2014-10-05T18:42:00.000+01:00

CLARK ERIKSSON FURY 80 EDINBURGH KINGS 70

Fury took a key league win at the Mariner SC and now go 4-0 for the season with rivals Kings now on 2 losses. Greek forward Greg Foussas was unstoppable for the Champions with 28. Keith Bunyan had all his 21 pts in what was a superb first half for him. Jonny Bunyan playing his 3rd game in 3 days hit 15. Fury led throughout and by as much as 22 at one point in the final period. The win maintains the Falkirk side at the top of the league with St.Mirren

CADETS REIGN IN 52 PT WIN AS CHAMPIONS LOSE

2014-09-23T18:46:00.000+01:00

Clark Eriksson Fury Junior Men lost their first National League game in over a season with a first game loss to Dunfermline Reign in Fife 67 to 46.

The National League holders were 20-1 down before they picked up their game but could not stop the home side taking the match despite getting back to within 3 at one point.

But it was a dream start for Fury u16 Boys with a 52 point win over Reign. The 86-34 scoreline was achieved with Fury having 9 cadets in their line-up from last season’s u14 double championship winning side – definitely a great sign for the next two seasons!

Top scorers for the Cadets were – Mitchell Stirling on 18, Alex Hall on 17 and Ben McGinlay on 14.

Photo of Mitchell Stirling from last season.

FURY – TRUST CAMPS REACH OUT TO 250 PLAYERS

2014-08-19T18:48:00.000+01:00

Clark Eriksson Fury and Falkirk Community Trust put on 11 Summer Basketball Camps in July and August and as a result had over 250 PLAYERS take part, a record for the Falkirk camps.

In partnership with Fury BC- Falkirk Community Trust set up 6 summer camps – two for 5-7 year olds which drew maximum nos of 20 at each camp; two 8-11yr old camps which drew max nos of 30 at each camp and two 12-16 year old camps which again were full at 20 per camp. The camps saw Fury players and coaches take the developing players and a great deal of future talent was on show.

Fury held their own team camps of which their were 4 separate camps , two for their 5 development squads and two for their National League men and womans programs. Guest coaches included Glasgow Rocks Pro assistant Ross Hutton and athletic development coach David Cooper. The Fury players worked hard all week in preparation for the new season.

The Summer camps were completed when a once a week drop in session was held for those over 16yrs and this proved a great success with an average of 20 players attending the game based sessions.

Fury Headcoach John Bunyan who organized the camp programs commented “ I have never seen such a huge amount of players at our camps and everyone had potential – we are working hard with Falkirk Community Trust at present to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to play basketball and the best chance possible to develop to our Development Squads and ultimately to our National League teams where they have an opportunity to play against the best players in Scotland and be one of the best players in Scotland!

Basketball has a fantastic pathway – we had once gain 20 players playing for their country from Ellis Walker at 10yrs to Jonny and Laura playing for the Senior International teams – camps was a key to their success and the club will continue to use them as a vehicle to develop players”.

FRASER & MALCOLM ARE EURO NO 1’S

2014-08-04T18:49:00.000+01:00

CLARK ERIKSSON FURY have in fact had the top scorer in Euro B twice in the last 4 years!!

While Fury fans celebrated Fraser Malcolm’s stunning performances in this season’s Euro B – one of the club’s former stars ALI FRASER in 2010 when the Scots finished 14th was also the competitions top scorer!!!

Fraser was in the top ten of no fewer than 11 individual stats and was no 1 in 5 of the categories!!! Fraser’s points per game was an impressive 20.6 with double figure scoring in all of his teams 8 games. Fraser hit 33 against Luxembourg and 29 against Portugal and had 3 double –doubles .

FRASER OR MALCOLM – EURO BEST ??

It’s an incredible stat that our club has twice in the past 4 seasons produced the leading scorer in a competition of the standard the European B Championships!!

GO FURY!

MALCOLM & MAKUSHA SET FOR EURO CHALLENGE

2014-07-22T18:51:00.000+01:00

Clark Eriksson Fury’s Junior Men – Fraser Malcolm and Kenny Makusha fly out today (Tuesday) to Bulgaria with the Scotland Junior Men’s Team to compete in the demanding European B Basketball Championships. The Fury pair fresh off a season that saw the Falkirk side capture two National titles – the Scottish Junior Men’s League – where they were undefeated and the National Play-Off Championships where they confirmed themselves as the no.1 team in the country at u18 level. Now it’s a much tougher test for the duo and with Malcolm looking to play in Europe next season it will give him a taste of what’s to come.

The Scots play 5 games in 5 days – no moaning here about playing twice a week – Euro basketball campaigns are tough and testing and after the 5 group games the team face at least another 3 matches in a further 4 day spell!

With 20 tough basketball nations in the competition there is not an easy game for the Scots. They open up on the 24th against hosts Bulgaria then face the Ukraine, Ireland, Denmark and Portugal. A win in Euro B is an achievement for Scots teams as there are no easy games. With Germany, Sweden, Holland and several top Eastern European sides in the competition the battle at the top end will be tight with countries looking for the big time basketball of Euro A.

Malcolm is Scotland’s captain and has developed to be one of the Fury success stories that could see him join a number of Fury players who have made Great Britain teams. A tall, rangy player, strong on the boards with good execution at the basket and from distance. With the Scots undersized he will likely have to guard much bigger opponents but Malcolm who trained all season with Fury’s championship winning men’s team is used to playing against bigger bodies.

Makusha has made a great recovery from an operation that put him out for several months and is looking very sharp. The athletic two guard is a strong defender who can penetrate to the basket well and has improved his mid range jump shot.

The games can be followed on the FIBA website.

FURY'S FALKIRK BATON BEARERS IN ACTION

2014-06-25T18:54:00.000+01:00

Our 6 Falkirk baton bearers who were honoured to be chosen to carry the baton around the district. Well done to all!

FURY AGE GROUP NEWS

2013-01-15T17:40:00.003+00:00

Clark Eriksson Fury’s other 4 Division1 National League sides had mixed fortunes, but a standout win by 39 points for the Junior Men saw them retain 3^rdspot in their National League. A 94-55 win over Dunfermline Reign saw Scotland star Fraser Malcolm hit 31 points as the juniors swept to victory in Fife. A 29 point performance from Connor Martin continues to question his non selection to the Scotland junior squad this season as Fury’s top scorer in the National League this season was again in excellent form. 16 year old Kenny Makusha had his best game of the season and drew admiring comments from the Fife fans over his speed and basketball ability. The Junior team continues to show what hard work in training and attention to off court detail can bring with the whole team a fantastic example of what the club strives to achieve on and off court in their players.

The Cadet men suffered a one basket loss to Reign in what provoked a strange call from one match official as he denied Fury a pressing stratedgy late on in the game – saying as Fury had not used this tactic earlier that could not use it and “surprise” their opponents at the end of the game –simply bizzare! Despite 40 points from Fury’s Lithuanian Eddy Leginus his tally was not enough to save the match for the Falkirk side. Leginus continues to show he is one Scotland’s top talents yet in another National team issue for the club Leginus match time in recent Scotland games was minimal causing the Fury Headcoach again to question the way some of the National teams are being coached and selections for them being made.

While Fury have a large number of Scotland players – 20 last season and the number will be similar this season – two of Fury’s top scorers in their respective junior teams – Nikoline Laidlaw and Connor Martin were not selected causing Fury coaches to simply be amazed at these non selections.

The Junior and Cadette woman faced tougher challenges against St.Mirren sides siting at the top of their respective leagues. Going down easily, there were few noteable performances from the womans teams. Shannon Flippard played with her usual intensity in the junior game with Nikoline Laidlaw managing a double double with 12 points and 11 boards. Only Laura Young made any impact in the Cadette game hitting 20 points with hard working performances from Sarah Beattie in both games.

While the Fury mens teams continue to challenge for honors the under age womans teams will need to take a leaf out of their senior teammates if they are to have any chance of doing anything in the up and coming Play –Off Finals.

FURY WOMAN SINK SAINTS WITH 16 POINT WIN

2013-01-15T17:39:00.000+00:00

CLARK ERIKSSON FURY 54 ST.MIRREN BC 38

Scottish National Basketball League Senior Woman

A 20 point performance from the ever improving 19 year old Laura Nimmo was the cornerstone of a great away win for the Falkirk side against what is recognized as one of Scotland’s most consistent womans programs – St.Mirren. Its been a couple seasons since the Clark Eriksson womans team have managed to put a W on the board against the Paisley club but this was a match Fury dominated, winning every quarter and looking very comfortable throughout. Fury’s young side with an average age of 20 yrs were a step sharper in every aspect of defence and offence. Playing a match-up zone, Fury closed down Saints perimeter threat and protected the basket well with some excellent rotations. While Nimmo was Fury’s big scorer, this was a great team win with all 12 players contributing and getting court time , with no player playing more than 25 minutes.

The opening quarter saw Fury pull clear with 11 of their 14 points from Nimmo who was just too strong and quick for the Saints defence. The second period saw former Saints player, Kerri Marshall, in her second season with the Falkirk side open the scoring followed by great work on the boards from 17 year old 6ft 1” centre Nikoline Laidlaw who took Fury clear by 6 points. Back to back baskets from 19year 6ft centre Hannah Murray and then a great outside basket from captain Jen Gallacher had the Buddies on the ropes as they failed to penetrate Fury’s tough defence. A 13-7 second quarter gave Fury an 8 point half time lead. That moved to 13 by the end of the third as Nimmo who opened up with 3 straight baskets – Laidlaw with two big inside baskets and Marshall with a long range 3 were cruising against their opponents. The final period saw 16 year Shannon Flippard who had controlled the point with teammate Ailie Gardiner get points on the board as did Kim Bunyan, Alicia McFadden and Jenna Beattie – all working tirelessly in defence and holding Saints to 9 points in that final stanza.

Fury coach John Bunyan was deleighted with the win which keeps the woman in 4^th spot in the league and with a 46% shooting percentage from the floor on the night, holding Saints to a miserly 38 points, the win gives a great boost to the young Fury side.

QUARTER SCORES

14-12 13-7 14-10 13-9

Scorers:

Laura Nimmo 21 points 9 rebounds

Nikoline Laidlaw 7 points 10 rebounds

Jen Gallacher 6 points 6 rebounds

Hannah Murray 4 points

Jenna Beattie 4 points

Kerry 4 points

Alisha 3 points

Kim Bunyan 2 points

Shannon Flippard 2 points

Ailie Gardner 1 point

FURY REIGN SUPREME AT 12 -0

2013-01-15T17:16:00.001+00:00

CLARK ERIKSSON FURY 80 DUNFERMLINE REIGN 52

Scottish National Basketball League Senior Men

A 48 -24 first half scoreline saw Fury cruise to their 12th consecutive league win this season and as well as staying undefeated remain at the top of the Scottish National League. Nearest challengers Edinburgh Kings who Fury defeated at the Mariner Centre earlier in the season also swept to victory, easily disposing of Troon Tornadoes to stay on one loss. Fury secured their victory on the back of a solid defensive performance and for the first time this season played extended periods of zone defence which caused too many problems for a poor Fife side.

With starting point guard and centre not available for Fury, captain Keith Bunyan stepped up his game and showed why he was once one of the top 3 point shooters in the pro BBL. Bunyan hit five 3’s playing limited minutes and hitting a game high 22 points.

A 21-9 opening quarter saw Scotland star Scott Russell hit over half Fury’s point with 11 personal. Fury’s other starters, Frenchman Walter Lubeigt, Bunyan, Richard Thorpe and 6ft 10 centre Stuart McKay also all got on the scoreboard as Fury ran their half court offences to good effect. The second saw Keith Bunyan hit 14 personal with 4 threes as he Russell and 6 from Bryan Munnoch saw the Clark Eriksson side scoring at will. The third quarter saw Bunyan and Russell close out the game as it went beyond 30 and a fourth and final period saw Fury sit all their starters and run a group of players under 20yrs of age and still maintain their extensive advantage. Teenagers Daniel Chok, Craig Malcolm and 6ft 8 Ross Gibson all put points on the board as the Falkirk side took the match by 28 points.

Fury Headcoach John Bunyan told Heraldsport “ This was an important game after our xmas break and the players showed they have not lost their desire to take the league title. The team was focused and played for each other. It was always going to be a slightly different dynamic playing without Jonny and the players showed they are capable of playing through this spell with solid numbers and performances. We were 46% from the field; 33% from three point range; had only 8 turnovers, 36 rebounds and a huge 24 assists. Bryan Munnoch as well as hitting double figures completed a good game with 7 assists and that is what we wanted all our guards to step up with Jonny out. We also had 22 points from the bench was very encouraging, however, Stuart McKay picked up an injury in the 3^rdquarter and did not complete the match so its worrying that yet another of our 6ft 10 players may be out. Our game this week against the Rocks will be a tough test as they stayed in touch with us for quite a bit of game one but if we can get through it we know the following weeks game against St.Mirren away from home will be key to the whole season”.

QUARTER SCORES

9-21 15-27 14-16 14-16

Scorers

Keith Bunyan 22

Scott Russell 16

Bryan Munnoch 12

Richard Thorpe 11

Walter Lubeigt 5

Stu McKay 4

Daniel Chok 4

Ross Gibson 2

Craig Malcolm 2

Ross Munnoch 2

This Friday Fury Men play Glasgow Rocks Scottish League side at the Mariner SC. Tip off is 8pm and spectators are welcome.