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 09/03/2010
National League Meeting
Coalville Basketball Club has a meeting
scheduled for 7.30pm Thursday 18th March at The Bulls Head
public house. The meeting will review our first season both
on and off court, along with looking at the seasons accounts
summary and budget for 2010/11. Ultimately the decision will
be made whether to confirm our entry for next season and to
begin looking at creating a structure for improvement on
this past season.
Any club members wishing to attend are more than welcome and
if you have anything you would like included for discussion
please email
simon@coalvillebasketball.co.uk.
Also our club Chairman, Lee Alesbrook will briefly discuss
plans for the 2010/11 local league season.
 07/03/2010
Coalville Cougars 74 v Nottingham Hoods 100
The Coalville Cougars first season came
to an end today with a brave effort against playoff
qualifiers Nottingham Hoods.
The game started well for Coalville with the Cougars taking
an early lead. Nottingham then started to hit their stride
but Cougars managed to hold on by two points going into the
second quarter. It was then all one way traffic as BBL star
Williamz Omope and Antony Haase began to show their class
for the visitors. The Cougars managed a brief spell in the
third quarter to reduce the lead but with only seven players
they ran out of steam.
A player of particular note for Coalville was Robert
Luczynski who hadn't been with the team since before
Christmas. Robert came into the game and did a great job
shutting down the Hoods leading scorer Guy Renton whilst
picking up a triple double of 26 points to go with his
double figure rebounds and blocked shots.
Overall a great end to a fantastic first season with close
to 100 spectators enjoying the display.
Coalville Cougars
(23, 38, 59) 74
Nottingham Hoods
(21, 47, 76) 100
Cougars Points
Robert Luczynski 26,
Oriol Fernandez 19, Maciej
Krzykowski 14, Ian Poynton 8, Adrian Steeples 5, Mark Jarram
2, Paul Crook.
CLICK HERE for
Cougars Game Statistics.
 04/03/2010
2009/10 GM Season Review
With the final game of the season
approaching this weekend I thought it a good time to look
back over the past year and look forward towards the future
of Cougars National League Basketball.
As this was the Cougars first season in the EBL we always
knew things were going to be challenging but we set
ourselves goals and I am happy to say that we succeeded on
all counts. The main target on court was to finish with a
winning record something that we achieved and some. Then the
important off court goal was to manage the team financially
to give the club an opportunity to continue into next season
and make advances to support the entire club in the long
term. I am also happy to say that this was successful and we
are now in a position to build for the future. This is not
to say that the season hasn't been without its difficulties
both on and off court but we want to keep making progress.
We have already identified many things we want to improve
for next season and have learnt valuable lessons along the
way.
I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate both
Nottingham Hoods and Birmingham Mets who took the two
playoffs spots. They are both very talented teams and it was
a pleasure to be able to play against them. Birmingham Mets
look set to finish the season undefeated but it was actually
Coalville that came closest to causing an upset back in
November as they held the lead on two occasions in the final
quarter. I wish both Hoods and Mets the very best in the
playoffs.
On a personal note I would like to thank the players, not
just for their performances on court but for sticking with
the team when the going got tough and being there for each
other when, on occasion, due to injury they really weren't
even expected to be there.
I would like to thank Coach Mark Ellis for stepping up and
taking the opportunity to coach his first EBL team at senior
level, a job very well done. Also big thanks to Karen Ellis
for helping on game days, Robert John for managing the team,
Maggie Callender for organising our table officials and
everyone else who helped with game days. Without your
support this couldn't happen!
If you are interested in organising and becoming part of our
National League team please email
simon@coalvillebasketball.co.uk with any questions you
might have. We will be holding a meeting over the coming
weeks to discuss plans for our 2010/11 season and we would
be pleased to hear from anyone with interest.
Finally our last game of the season is this Sunday 7th
March, 5pm at the Hermitage Leisure Centre. Entry is free
so bring friends and family for what should be an
entertaining end to the season.
Simon Hoult, General Manager
 27/02/2010
Milton Keynes Lions II 118 v Coalville
Cougars 71
Coalville Cougars completed their away
fixtures away down at Bletchley where they took on a very
determined Lions side that proved to have too much firepower
on the day.
Due to a number of last minute player problems, including
injuries and work commitments, this resulted in the Cougars
being light on numbers. The task of irking out a win on the
road was always going to a huge challenge, and so it proved
to be.
The Lions came out of the blocks fast, shooting a high
percentage from the floor making six three pointers in the
first quarter alone, evidencing the accuracy of their game.
Although the Cougars were down by 25 at the half a strong
push in the third cut this deficit to within 12, until some
late ill discipline saw players receive a number of
technical fouls. This resulted in one player being ejected
from the game. The loss of this player resulted in the team
having to play the last quarter with only five players, one
of which was playing through an obvious injury. The Lions
fully capitalised on the Cougars ill discipline by taking
full advantage of this to win the final ten minutes by the
margin of 38 to 10, giving the final score of 118 – 71 a
somewhat one sided tale of the game.
Milton Keynes Lions II
(34, 60, 80) 118
Coalville Cougars
(19, 35, 61) 71
Cougars Points
Oriol Fernandez 23, Maciej
Krzykowski 19, Ian Poynton 12, Paul Crook 9, Lyle Webster 4,
John Smith 4.
 04/02/2010
Riders Open Up for Cougars
Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders are
pleased to inform fans that their feeder team, Coalville
Cougars, will be playing their important home fixture
against Worcester Wolves II, at John Sandford Sports Centre
on Saturday, with tip off at 4.45pm, prior to the Riders
home game against Marshall MK Lions.
The Cougars, who play in EBL Division Four Midlands,
currently sit in fourth place in their first ever National
League season, with an 8-3 win-loss record. The Wolves,
after beating third placed Nottingham Hoods by just a single
point a couple of weeks ago, have the same number of wins
and losses as the Cougars, who are undefeated at home so far
this campaign, and have top side Birmingham Mets, who are
10-0, and the Hoods, still to play at home. The game is
therefore crucial in determining who will make the end of
season playoffs, finishing in the top two to gain promotion
to Division Three next year.
Although the Leicester Ladies game against Southend Swifts,
which was scheduled to be played on Saturday 9th January
prior to a Riders game, was cancelled due to bad weather,
this event is part of the Riders showing the extent of their
now comprehensive outreach programme, through their
partnership with the Cougars.
The management of both clubs are looking forward to the day,
with Cougars General Manager Simon Hoult commenting: ‘I know
that the team are very excited to be playing before a Riders
game, and as it is such a crucial fixture, we would like as
many people as possible to come out and support both teams.’
His Riders counterpart, Russell Levenston said: ‘The Cougars
are having a commendable first season in the National
League. We are delighted to be able to have them play before
the Riders game, in what should be a competitive game, and
we will all be cheering them on wholeheartedly on Saturday.’
 30/01/2010
Reading Rockets II 68 v Coalville Cougars 94
The Cougars had a long road trip to
Reading for an important game in their quest to make the
playoffs. In the home fixture the Cougars had edged it by 8
so were expecting a tough game. Travelling with only 7
players it was clear that Coach Ellis was demanding his
players to step up.
In, arguably, their best performance of the season the
Cougars ran home easy winners by some great defence in the
second quarter limiting the Rockets to only 8 points. Points
difference may be a factor at the end of the season so the
team were encouraged to play hard to the end and the 26
points gap reflected the difference between the 2 sides. Top
scorer for the Cougars were Oriol Fernandez with 22 and, for
the second game in a row, Ian Poynton got 20 points.
This weeks home game on Saturday 6th against Worcester is a
must win. It will be played at John Sandford Sports Centre
in DeMontfort University as a curtain raiser for the
Leicester Riders BBL game against Milton Keynes. Cougars vs
Wolves tips off at
4.45pm with Riders vs Lions starting at 7.30pm. Tickets available from the
Riders website.
Reading Rockets II
(21, 29, 42) 68
Coalville Cougars
(26, 45, 71) 94
Cougars Points
Oriol Fernandez 22, Ian Poynton 20, Maciej Krzykowski 18,
Gareth John 15, John Smith 10, Adrian Steeples 9, Mark
Jarram.
 24/01/2010
Coalville Cougars 99 v College of West Anglia
Fury 72
Coalville Cougars entertained a young
Fury team who travelled from Kings Lynn for this fixture.
Cougars were depleted by the absence of Luczynski, Smith,
Bolda and White only suiting up seven players. They were
also hampered by an unwell Coach Ellis being unable to make
the game so Martin White stepped in as coach for the game.
The game was close in the first quarter with a well drilled
Fury taking the honours 26-23. The man-to-man defence for
the Cougars wasn't working and so for the rest of the game
they played a zone which paid off with Coalville limiting
Fury to just 4 points in the second quarter. Fernandez top
scored for Cougars with Poynton (20), Krzykowski (17) and
Webster (17) leading the scorers. Alisauskas for Fury lead
all scorers with an outstanding 37.
Cougars go on the road to take on Reading this Sunday and
the next home game is against Worcester Wolves on Saturday
February 6th. Please note this is not at the Hermitage
Leisure Centre but is at John Sandford Sports Centre at De
Montfort University prior to a Leicester Riders home game.
Coalville vs Worcester tips off at the earlier time of
4.45pm. Tickets available from the
Riders website.
Coalville Cougars
(23, 48, 75) 99
College of West Anglia Fury
(26, 30, 53) 72
Cougars Points
Oriol Fernandez 26, Ian Poynton 20, Lyle Webster 17, Maciej
Krzykowski 17, Adrian Steeples 12, Gareth John 6, Mark
Jarram.
 17/01/2010
Coalville Cougars 102 v Team Birmingham
Bullets 54
Coalville Cougars had a resounding
victory on Sunday against Team Birmingham with an excellent
win 102-54. The team were without White and John but Ade
Steeples made his debut. So, with 10 players suited up Coach
Ellis had 2 units of 5 alternating. Of particular note was
the strength inside with John Smith excelling and some
excellent steals by Lukasz Bolda. Team Birmingham are
rebuilding after having to move from Birmingham to Stoke but
they stuck to their guns and should be applauded for their
efforts. Bolda top scored with 22 and Webster hit 2 nice
three pointers in his 18.
Cougars take on College of West Anglia Fury this Sunday 24th
January at the Hermitage Centre with a 5pm tip... Come on
down!
Coalville Cougars
(26, 50, 72) 102
Team Birmingham
(6, 16, 35) 54
Cougars Points
Lukasz Bolda 22, Lyle Webster 18, Maciej Krzykowski 13, John
Smith 12, Robert Luczynski 10, Adrian Steeples 8, Paul Crook
5, Ian Poynton 4, Mark Jarram.
 12/01/2010
Steeples is Latest Addition
Coalville Cougars have added guard Adrian
Steeples to their roster ahead of this weekends game against
Team Birmingham Bullets.
Timing couldn't have been better with the Cougars missing
two key guards through injury and work commitments. Adrian
plays an up-tempo game with a high level on intensity on
defence. This should add a new dimension to the Cougars
transition play.
Adrian has previously played for the Cougars at local league
level and put in some impressive displays in the Cougars
National Founders Cup campaign. He also brings some EBL
experience with his most recent being a period with
Wellingborough Phoenix.
To see Steeples first game for the Cougars against Team
Birmingham Bullets visit the Hermitage Leisure Centre on Sunday
17th January. The games gets underway at 5pm.
 10/01/2010
Worcester Rescheduled as Cougars open up for Riders
The Coalville Cougars are pleased to
announce that their home game
originally scheduled for 7th February 2010 has now been
moved forward to Saturday 6th February 2010. In
conjunction with the
partnership with the Leicester Riders the game will tip at
4.45pm at the John Sandford Sports Centre prior to
the BBL matchup between Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders
and Milton Keynes Lions.
This will give basketball fans in the City of Leicester a
chance to see the new Coalville Cougars team in their debut
season. Leicester Riders season and game tickets are valid for the Cougars
game and can be purchased on the door or online via
www.leicesterriders.co.uk.
06/01/2010
Birmingham Mets Rescheduled
The Coalville Cougars home game
originally scheduled for 21st February 2010 has now been
moved to 14th February 2010 and has a new tip off
time of 3pm.
This change will create a double-header weekend for the
Cougars and Mets with both teams already scheduled to play
on Saturday 13th February. The Cougars will play away to
Team Gloster Jets on that Saturday at 5pm.
16/12/2009
Coalville Lady Cougars...?
It has been many years since Coalville
Basketball Club last had a ladies team competing in the
local league.
Following on from the successful expansion on the local
Men's, Junior and National League teams it seems the time is
right to look into the possibility of putting together a
team to compete in the LWBL (Leicestershire Women's
Basketball League) for the 2010/11 season.
We would be very happy to hear from anyone interested in
playing, coaching and administrating a new ladies team. Past
players, new players and ladies new to the game of
basketball are more than welcome to get involved.
If this is of interest to you please email
info@coalvillebasketball.co.uk and we will get back to
you as soon as possible.
05/12/2009
Nottingham Hoods 71 v Coalville Cougars 59
The Cougars took on Nottingham Hoods last
Saturday losing 71-59. The delayed start due to referees
being late for the tip did not help the preparation for this
important game held in an excellent venue. This was a
tough game as Cougars were missing both Martin White and
John Smith. Cougars were always chasing the lead after the
first quarter which they lost 23-14. After that it was
pretty much even with Cougars and the Hoods tying the second
half. The top three scorers for Cougars were Fernandez (14),
John (12) and Luczynski (12) but to pull back that first
quarter deficit proved too much. They worked hard on defence
but were unable to stop enough to make a difference.
Nevertheless Coalville will be confident that when the Hoods
visit the Hermitage that they will be capable of gaining a
win especially with White and Smith back.
The Cougars next home game is Team Birmingham with a tip at
5pm on 17th January at the Hermitage Leisure Centre. Buy
your tickets here.
Nottingham Hoods
(23, 39, 57) 71
Coalville Cougars
(14, 27, 43) 59
Cougars Points
Oriol Fernandez 14, Gareth John 12, Robert Luczynski 12,
Lukasz Bolda 8, Maciej Krzykowski 7, Ian Poynton 4, Mark
Jarram 2, Paul Crook.
CLICK HERE for FIBA Live Statistics.
29/11/2009
Coalville Cougars 90 v Milton Keynes Lions II
87
Coalville Cougars defended their 100%
home record with a tight win over third placed Milton Keynes
II going to 5-2 overall record for the season and keeping
themselves in 4th place. This was a close game throughout
and showed that Cougars have the capacity to win in tight
situations where, in a big game, 'bottle' becomes as
important as ability.
The team showed that they can defend well against a
competitive and talented Milton Keynes team. However, the
real strength of the squad is highlighted by the fact that
five players had double figures. Robert Luczynski top scored
with 18 points picking up his points inside the paint. A
complete contrast was Gareth John (17) and Oriol Fernandez
(16) scoring the majority of their points from behind the
three point line with 5 three pointers and 4 respectively.
Lukasz Bolda (15) and Maciej Krzykowski (10) were the others
to get double figures. But this was a great team effort with
contributions from the whole squad, only marred by an injury
to Martin White who it is hoped will be back for this weeks
game.
Coach Ellis will be pleased with this performance taking the
Cougars into an away game at 3rd placed rivals Nottingham
Hoods at the weekend.
The next home game for the Cougars is in the New Year
against Team Birmingham Bullets on Sunday January 17th (5pm)
at the Hermitage Leisure Centre.
Click here for tickets details.
Coalville Cougars
(27, 47, 70) 90
Milton Keynes Lions II
(28, 45, 61) 87
Cougars Points
Robert Luczynski 18, Gareth John 17, Oriol Fernandez 16,
Lukasz Bolda 15, Maciej Krzykowski 10, Martin White 5, John
Smith 5, Ian Poynton 2, Mark Jarram 2, Paul Crook.
21/11/2009
Birmingham Mets 73 v Coalville Cougars 69
Coalville Cougars travelled to top of the
table Birmingham Mets to lose 73-69 in a tense affair. The
first quarter was neck and neck in a physical but fair
encounter with the Mets taking the advantage by a single
point. The second quarter started well for Cougars but
Birmingham showed why they are the only team unbeaten going
into half time up 43-26.
The Cougars showed great fighting spirit winning both the
3rd and 4th quarters to just fail to win. The Cougars even
led the game with 6 minutes on the clock and then again with
3 minutes to go. The players and coach should take great
comfort from this performance and will look forward to
playing the Mets on their home court.
The game introduced John Smith for his debut with the
Cougars. Although playing limited minutes, due to training
with the team only once, he gave a sneak preview of what
Cougars fans can expect for the remainder of the season.
John displayed some skills not normally associated with a
player his size.
Leading the scorers for Cougars were White with 22 and
Lukasz Bolda with 20.
Coalville face MK Lions II at the Hermitage Leisure Centre
this Sunday 29th November at 5pm. The teams are level in the
league and the Cougars will want to maintain their 100% home
record. Get your tickets here or
on the door.
Birmingham Mets
(13, 43, 56) 73
Coalville Cougars
(12, 28, 50) 69
Cougars Points
Martin White 22, Lukasz Bolda 20, Maciej Krzykowski 8,
Robert Luczynski 6, John Smith 5, Gareth John 5, Ian Poynton
3, Mark Jarram, Paul Crook.
 15/11/2009
Coalville Cougars 103 v Team Gloster Jets 60
Coalville cougars hosted Team Gloster
Jets in a National League game with a convincing 103-60 win.
A decent crowd saw a low scoring first quarter with the
Cougars going in 15 9 up but it should have been more. Some
sloppy defence and poor rebounding letting Gloster stay in
touch. As in previous games a slow start by Coalville was
improved upon with some tight defence in the first quarter
leading to a well deserved win. John top scored with 27,
White netted 21 and Bolda contributed 17. A solid win but
Coach Ellis will be expecting the team to do much better in
the first quarter and to avoid the high number of turnovers.
The Cougars go on the road next week to top of the table
Birmingham Mets followed by a home game against a strong
Milton Keynes team on Sunday 29th November (tip off 5pm).
Coalville Cougars
(15, 42, 64) 103
Team Gloster Jets
(9, 28, 49) 60
Cougars Points
Gareth John 27, Martin White 21, Lukasz Bolda 17, Maciej
Krzykowski 16, Ian Poynton 8, Robert Luczynski 6, Mark
Jarram 6, Paul Crook 2.
 07/11/2009
Worcester Wolves II 83 v Coalville Cougars 75
Coalville Cougars hit the road to take on
Worcester Wolves II on Saturday in a National League
encounter going down 75-83. The Cougars took the court with
only 8 men. An early lead from the Wolves was not helped by
some poor shooting from Coalville scoring their second
basket in the 7th minute.
The team were always in chasing mode at one point being
twenty points behind but some hard work on defence paid
dividends with the Cougars winning both the 3rd and 4th
quarter. A feature of the play, however, was sloppy
turnovers and coach Mark Ellis will wish to address that in
training in the week.
Martin White top scored with 24 followed by Lukasz Bolda
with 15 and Gareth John with 11. Cougars will want to bounce
back this weekend with a home game on Sunday at the
Hermitage Centre against Team Gloster Jets with a tip off of
6pm.
Worcester Wolves II
(18, 41, 63) 83
Coalville Cougars
(12, 29, 53) 75
Cougars Points
Martin White 24, Lukasz Bolda 15, Gareth John 11, Robert
Luczynski 10, Mark Jarram 9, Ian Poynton 4, Maciej
Krzykowski 2, Paul Crook.
 02/11/2009
'Beast' to roam for Cougars
Coalville Cougars have signed American
centre John Smith.
Standing 6' 8" and weighing in at 20 stone, Smith has earned
himself the nickname 'Beast' on the court, although the
personable South Carolina native is far from that off court.
Smith joins Cougars from Kaarinan Ura Basket in the Finland 1st Division
where he was the
starting centre. He finished the season averaging 15.3
points and 11.6 rebounds per game, whilst he shot 54.8% from
the field.
Prior to Finland, Smith had spells at the Leicester Riders
(BBL), Äänekosken Huima (Finland Div.1),
BC Jyväskylä, Weert, Amsterdam, Maccabi Hadera (Israel), Anernas
(Belgium) and the Harbour Heat in New Zealand where he was
amongst the league's top 20 in scoring.
Cougars General Manager, Simon Hoult said, "We are very
pleased to have secured the services of a centre with such a
vast amount of European experience. He has played at the top level in Finland and Holland and
produced good numbers in both. The key thing about John is he's a total team player. He's
a guy who always has the benefit of the team in mind and has
a great work ethic, gives 110% all the time and that is important to
us".
Coalville are hoping to receive John's international
clearance in time for this weekends game where Cougars are
away to Worcester Wolves on 7th November.
25/10/2009
Coalville Cougars 81 v Reading Rockets II 73
Coalville Cougars celebrated their first
ever National League home game with a tense 81-73 win
against a tough Reading Rockets II to go 3-0 in the league
season.
The Hermitage Centre was the venue for the game with a
decent crowd egging on the Cougars. The game was tight
throughout with Reading leading at half time by 4. The 3rd
quarter belonged to the Cougars winning it 21-7 based on
some excellent defence. The scoring was spread around with
Lucasz Bolda top scoring with 15 and Martin White, Robert
Luczynski and Maciej Krzykowski all scoring 10.
Another good all round performance sees a free weekend
coming up followed by an away game at Worcester on November
7th with the next home game being Sunday 15 November against
Team Gloster Jets with a tip off at 6.00pm.
Coalville Cougars
(20, 37, 58) 81
Reading Rockets II
(22, 41, 48) 73
Cougars Points
Lukasz Bolda 18, Martin White 10, Robert Luczynski 10, Maciej Krzykowski
10, Oriol Fernandez 9, Ian Poynton 8, Gareth John 7, Mark Jarram
5, Lyle Webster 4.
17/10/2009
College of West Anglia Fury 67 v Coalville
Cougars 88
The Cougars made the long trip to Kings
Lynn to take on the Fury in the second league game of the
Cougars EBL season.
Coalville went behind early on with Bamfield draining three
from behind the arc. The Cougars responded well to this
early set back and soon picked up the pace and led 16-21 at
the quarter and after that never looked back. Going into the
second half only 6 ahead the Cougars played some great
defence to win comfortably in the end. Gareth John led the
scorers with 20 points including four 3 pointers. Lukasz
Bolda had another excellent game with 18 points and all the
team pitched in with points. This was an excellent team
effort to make it two from two in the league.
Coach Ellis was particularly pleased with the performance
and highlighted how well the defence performed to keep Fury
to 67.
Coalville Cougars have their first ever EBL National League
home game on Sunday 25th October at the Hermitage Leisure
Centre at 5pm against Reading Rockets II...
click here for ticket information.
College of West Anglia Fury
(16, 35, 47) 67
Coalville Cougars
(21, 41, 64) 88
Cougars Points
Gareth John 20, Lukasz Bolda 18, Mark Jarram 11, Robert
Luczynski 10, Paul Crook 8, Maciej Krzykowski 8, Ian Poynton
7, Oriol Fernandez 4, Lyle Webster 2.
13/10/2009
National League Basketball comes to Coalville!
Coalville Cougars need your support as
they bring National League basketball to Coalville for the
first time. This historic day for Coalville Basketball Club
takes place on Sunday 25th October at the
Hermitage Leisure Centre as the Cougars match up against
Reading Rockets II in one of the most exciting sports in the
world.
The game starts at 5pm and doors open at 4.30pm. Fans of the
new National League team will see why basketball is one of
the most popular and fastest growing indoor sports. Along
with the spectacular basketball and great family atmosphere
you will be able to take advantage of the great facilities
at the Hermitage Leisure Centre. Maybe have a dip in the
pool before the game or have a drink with the players in the
bar afterwards?
For ticket information please CLICK
HERE.
11/10/2009
Team Birmingham Bullets 73 v Coalville
Cougars 101
Coalville Cougars got their Division 4
programme off to a fine start with a 73-101 win over Team
Birmingham Bullets at the Aston Centre in Birmingham.
The game started late with Bullets having issues over
registrations and the score board but the Cougars came
firing out of the blocks to take the first quarter by 17
with a 23-6 lead at the break. The Cougars proceeded to win
each quarter with smaller margins in a very physical game
played in a good spirit by both teams.
Lukasz Bolda, in his first game for Coalville, top scored
with 24 with an excellent performance. Gareth John nailed 3
from 4 from behind the arc and 6 from 6 free throws
(including 4 when the Birmingham coach was ejected) ending
up with 20 points. Robert Luczynski and Ian Poynton also did
some good work inside to bag 27 points between them. This
was a good team performance all round however coach Ellis
will have noted that some sloppiness crept in towards the
end as the Cougars seemed to become somewhat complacent.
Coalville Cougars take on College of West Anglia Fury away
on Saturday 17th October followed by their first league home
game on Sunday 25th October at the Hermitage Leisure Centre
at 5pm against Reading Rockets II...
click here for ticket information.
Team Birmingham Bullets
(6, 23, 54) 73
Coalville Cougars
(23, 45, 79) 101
Cougars Points
Lukasz Bolda 24, Gareth John 20, Ian Poynton 16, Maciej
Krzykowski 13, Robert Luczynski 11, Martin
White 10, Paul Crook 5, Mark Jarram 2, Liam Jefferson.
 08/10/2009
SPECIAL OFFER on Reversible Training Kit
Along with the launch of our new
online store we are offering
Cougars reversible training vests or shorts for just £6
each. You can also buy the full kit for £10, thats nearly
60% discount off the RRP.
At the Cougars Store you can purchase tickets, clothing, and
other Cougars and basketball related products. We are just
building up our product catalogue so expect new items to be
added soon. Also if you have an idea of something you would
like to see in our store please let us know by emailing
shop@coalvillebasketball.co.uk.
We are currently offering FREE DELIVERY on all items!
 29/09/2009
Mark Jarram points the Way
Coalville Cougars have added leadership
and a calm head in the form of assist first Point Guard,
Mark Jarram. In the light of Cougars initial turnover
problems Mark should bring stability with his 10 assists to 3 turnovers
ratio in EBL National League play.
Mark spent this summer coaching basketball and working on aspects
of his game in Elizaville, New York where he will be
returning next summer to continue his coaching career.
Before this Mark played under Coach Mark Ellis at the Leicester Colts alongside
the Cougars Liam Jefferson. Mark was also part of the
Worcester Wolves Academy programme and played for the Worcester Wolves II in
their National League team for
three years and will now be facing them this
season.
Mark said "I'm very excited to have signed for the Cougars. I've
played under Mark Ellis before so know exactly what to
expect in his coaching style and philosophy. After my
summer in New York I've learnt more than I anticipated and
look forward to bringing some of that experience with me.
I'm happy to slip into any role I'm given. Having played
for Worcester Wolves at this level last season I know just
what to expect from this league and look forward to working
with coach Mark, the staff at Cougars and some familiar faces
on this new team to try and help the first season for this
club at National League level to be a successful one."
The Coalville Cougars first ever EBL league game is on
Sunday 11th October away to Team
Birmingham Bullets. Whilst the Cougars first home game takes place
on Sunday 25th October at 5pm against Reading Rockets II...
click here for ticket information.
 28/09/2009
Bolda Cleared to Play
Polish guard, Lukasz Bolda has today been
given International Clearance to play for the Coalville
Cougars after missing the teams first two Cup games whilst waiting
on the Polish Federation.
Lukasz gets his clearance in time for the Cougars first ever league game on
Sunday 11th October away to Team
Birmingham Bullets. Whilst the Cougars first home game takes place
on Sunday 25th October at 5pm against Reading Rockets II...
click here for ticket information.
 27/09/2009
Derby Trailblazers 119 v Coalville Cougars 62
Coalville Cougars were knocked out of the
National Cup in the first round losing 119-62 to the
Division 1 Derby Trailblazers.
The gulf in divisions between the two teams was reflected in
the final score yet the Cougars did themselves proud by
sticking to fighting hard throughout the game. There were a
number of lessons to learn for this young team. However
with 32 turnovers coach Mark Ellis will need to get his
players to work on looking after the ball.
Krzykowski led scorers with a strong 28 points and 7
rebounds with Gareth John netting four 3 pointers with 12
points as second top scorer. Playing with only 9 men the
team did well in the first half going into the locker room
only 22 points behind against a full strength Derby team fielding ex-BBL
players such as Stedroy Baker. The Field Goal shooting at
39% compared with Derby's 68% was a big difference between
the two sides.
The team should be proud of a hard working display against a
team in the top EBL division and are now well set up for
their first ever league game on October 11th away at
Birmingham. Whilst the Cougars first home game takes place
on Sunday 25th October at 5pm against Reading Rockets II...
click here for ticket information.
Derby Trailblazers
(27, 56, 88) 119
Coalville Cougars
(10, 34, 47) 62
Cougars Points
Maciej
Krzykowski 28, Gareth John 12, Cevil Bishop 9, Ian Poynton
6, Liam Jefferson 5, Robert Luczynski 2, Paul Crook, David Mills, Martin
White.
 20/09/2009
Wellingborough Phoenix 104 v Coalville
Cougars 73
Coalville Cougars crash out of the
National Shield in the first round after a 31 point loss to
the division 3 Wellingborough Phoenix.
The first ever National level game for the Cougars was a
brave display led by Cevil Bishop with a game high 22
points. Considering the Cougars took to the court with only
7 training sessions and no pre-season games under their belt
many positives can be taken out of the game. The Cougars
improved each quarter but it was the second half of the game
when Coalville produced their best work. The third quarter
was much closer and saw Wellingborough win it 26-22 but it
was the final quarter that impressed as Cougars outscored
the opposition for the first time in the game.
The main difference between the teams and the telling factor
was the Cougars poor free throw shooting. Hitting only 23 of
the 45 free throws taken and making double the turnovers of
Wellingborough with 18 it was always going to be a tough
game.
Head Coach, Mark Ellis commented after the game "This game
proved very useful. We are starting to get an idea of what
assets each player will bring to the game and this will help
develop our squad. We have to use these cup games as our
pre-season and move forward into our own division".
The Cougars management would like to express how proud they
are in the way the team handled themselves as they refused
to get involved in any of the extras and concentrated on
their game throughout.
The Cougars "baptism of fire" continues next Sunday at 3pm
away to division 1 team, Derby Trailblazers in the National
Cup. Whilst the Cougars first home game takes place on
Sunday 25th October at 5pm against Reading Rockets II.
Click here for ticket information.
Wellingborough Phoenix
(24, 57, 83) 104
Coalville Cougars
(10, 29, 51) 73
Cougars Points
Cevil Bishop 22, Martin White 19, Ian Poynton 13, Gareth
John 8, Robert Luczynski 6, Liam Jefferson 2, Maciej
Krzykowski 2, Lyle Webster 1, Paul Crook, David Mills (C).
CLICK HERE for FIBA Live Statistics.
18/09/2009
Ellis adds to Roster prior to National Shield
Coach Mark Ellis has added five more
players prior to this weekends National Shield first round
game bringing the total to twelve players.
The 6' 6" forward Ian Poynton joins from Burleigh playing in
the Leicestershire League and is joined by
Lyle Webster and Riders youngster Cevil Bishop, known as CJ.
Cougars have also managed to secure the services of former
Leicester Riders star, David Mills who is making a return to
the game after a large break. Cougars are excited about the
experience David brings to the squad and look forward to him
rolling back the years to the Granby Halls days.
Also Riders development player,
Matthew Curtis joins the squad but will unfortunately miss
the first game due to work commitments.
 17/09/2009
Cougars sign Polish Trio
Coalville Cougars have added the Polish
trio of
Lukasz Bolda,
Maciej Krzykowski and
Robert Luczynski ahead of their first ever EBL game.
Entering his forth season with the club Maciej Krzykowski
steps up from the Cougars local league whilst Robert
Luczynski will play for the Cougars for the first time.
Unfortunately Lukasz Bolda will miss the first round of the
National Shield this weekend whilst he is waiting on
International Clearance from the Polish Federation to enable
him to play. We hope that clearance will come in time for
next weeks National Cup clash against the Division 1, Derby
Trailblazers.
The first game tips off at 2.30pm Sunday 20th September
away to Wellingborough Phoenix.
Whilst the Cougars first home game takes place on Sunday
25th October at 5pm against Reading Rockets II.
Click here for ticket information.
 16/09/2009
Local League training is Scheduled
After a summer of concern over the future
of Coalville Basketball Club we are now able to confirm that
King Edward VII Science and Sports College will be our Local
League venue for the 2009/10 season.
Training will start for all four local league teams on
Tuesday 22nd (8pm) and Wednesday 23rd September (7.30pm).
Games or training will continue throughout the season at the
following weekly times:-
Coalville B and Coalville C
Tuesdays 8pm - 10pm (Games tip 8.10pm)
Coalville A and Coalville Retro
Wednesdays 7.30pm - 9.30pm (Games tip 7.45pm)
 15/09/2009
Ellis signs Gareth John
The latest addition to the Coalville
Cougars National League squad for the 2009/10 season is
6'2'' guard Gareth John. The 18 year old combines his
Cougars playing duties with his gap year job as Press
Officer and Community Coach for the Leicester Riders.
Gareth played National League basketball from Under 14
through to Under 18, for Leicester Beauchamp Cannons
Basketball Club, whilst attending Beauchamp College. Prior
to Beauchamp, Gareth captained the Lancaster School to three
County Cup victories in two years, whilst leading the team
in scoring. As well as being a starter for the East Midlands
Area Performance Team for two years, he also enjoyed
numerous successes at the college, including a National
Schools title, three County Cup victories in four years, and
reaching the National League post-season play-off quarter
finals in three of his four years at Beauchamp Cannons.
The Cougars EBL season tips off on Sunday 20th September
away to Wellingborough Phoenix in the National Shield.
Whilst the Cougars first home game takes place on Sunday
25th October at 5pm against Reading Rockets II.
Click here for ticket information.
 14/09/2009
Cougars add White and Crook
Coalville Basketball Club are pleased to
announce that Cougars Coach Mark Ellis has added both Martin
White and Paul Crook to his roster.
The 6' 1" shooting guard, Martin White has National League
experience after playing for Birmingham, Mansfield Giants
and last season helping the Leicester Warriors gain
promotion to EBL Division 1. Martin also represented Great
Britain Maccabi men's basketball team in 2008.
Paul Crook is 6' 4" and can play the shooting guard or small
forward position. Paul's basketball background is the
opposite to Martin with only ever playing for local league
teams. The most recent being the Bosworth Blazers playing in
the Leicestershire Basketball League.
The Cougars EBL season tips off on Sunday 20th September
away to Wellingborough Phoenix in the National Shield.
Whilst the Cougars first home game takes place on Sunday
25th October at 5pm against Reading Rockets II.
Click here for ticket information.
 14/09/2009
Cougars first EBL signing is Jefferson
Cougars Coach Mark Ellis announces his
first signing for the 2009/10 season with 6'3" shooting
guard Liam Jefferson. Currently studying at Sheffield Hallam
University, Liam comes to the Cougars after spells at
Leicester Colts and Derby Trailblazers in the National
League.
During his time at Leicester Colts he was coached by Mark
Ellis so Liam will know exactly what is expected of him for
the upcoming season. During his career Liam has played for
the East Midlands at U13-U16 levels and attended England
Trails on three occasions.
Liam was also offered a scholarship to Holy Trinity
Episcopal Academy High School in Florida following Year 12
at Burleigh College, where he averaged 28.9ppg, 7.2apg and
8.3rbg. This unfortunately fell through due to
technicalities with schooling but Liam continued to play the
game captaining Burleigh College teams to 2 League Titles
and 4 Semi-Final appearances in Leicestershire Schools
Leagues between 2003-2007 averaging 23.6ppg across the 4
years.
The Cougars EBL season tips off on Sunday 20th September
away to Wellingborough Phoenix in the National Shield.
Whilst the Cougars first home game takes place on Sunday
25th October at 5pm against Reading Rockets II.
Click here for ticket information.
 13/09/2009
Robert John comes to Cougars
Coalville Basketball Club are pleased to
announce the appointment of Robert John as Team Manager for
the Cougars EBL team. Robert fills this important position
after 3 years with the Leicester Beauchamp Cannons in the
National League U16's and U18's.
Robert played basketball to a high standard at school in the
starting five that got through to the semi finals of the
national under 18's. He also represented West Sussex at
basketball, football and cricket. His sporting activity
after leaving school concentrated on football and cricket,
and he still plays cricket for Makers Edge Taverners in the
Leicestershire Senior League.
Robert moved to Leicester 20 years ago from London and
rejuvenated his interest in the game by becoming a fan of
the Leicester Riders and supporting them for the last 19
years where he attends every home game and travels away when
he can.
Cougars
representative, Simon Hoult said, "I am looking forward
to working with Robert. He brings a wealth of experience and
new ideas to the club but I'm particularly impressed with
his enthusiasm. It is rare to find someone with such passion
for a team that he has only just joined. I wish Robert and
the rest of the team the best of luck for the 2009/10
season".
The Cougars EBL season tips off next Sunday 20th September
away to Wellingborough Phoenix in the National Shield.
Whilst the Cougars first home game takes place on Sunday
25th October at 5pm against Reading Rockets II. Ticket
information can be found here.
 03/09/2009
Support Coalville Basketball... and Save Money at the
Same Time!
Coalville Basketball Club are pleased to
offer members, friends, family and work colleagues a 3 year
breakdown policy provided by Mondial Assistance, for an
amazing price of £180 for UK recovery or £216 to include
European cover.
This breakdown cover is based on the vehicle and includes:
Roadside, Home Start, Nationwide Recovery, Optional European
cover, Free Call Out and Free Labour (at the scene).
All you have to do is visit
www.supportasport.co.uk, choose "Coalville Basketball
Club" and purchase the product you require. Coalville
Basketball Club will then receive between £50 and £75 for
every
breakdown cover sold.
For more information click
here or visit
www.supportasport.co.uk now to take advantage of this
great deal.
 14/08/2009
Abacus Lights the Way
Nottinghamshire business, Abacus Lighting
Limited, have pledged funding to assist Coalville Basketball Club
with their developments for the 2009/10 season. Coalville
Basketball are proud to be associated with the market leader
of sports lighting and hope that this partnership will
continue for years to come.
Abacus Lighting have a reputation for engineering excellence
and a customer service ethos second to none, they pride
themselves on setting the highest standards and maintaining
them. What sets Abacus apart from other companies is that
they offer end to end solutions, from detailed design at the
planning stage to installation and commissioning.
In the field of sports lighting, Abacus has lit everything
from the world’s largest sports lighting installation, the
Dubai Nad Al Sheba horse race track, to more everyday
applications such as local football and multi-use
facilities. Abacus’s product quality, which they take pride
in showing up close to their customers, leads the pack.
For more information about Abacus Lighting visit their website at
www.abacuslighting.com.
 14/08/2009
Leicestershire Officiating Courses
Leicestershire & Rutland Basketball
Association in partnership with Leicester Beauchamp Cannons
are pleased to facilitate a Level 2 Referees Award
and Level 2 Table Official Award for interested
Clubs, individuals and students.
The Level 2 Referees Award course will be completed
over one weekend, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September
2009, between the hours of 10.00am and 5.00pm each day. The
course is rated at 14 hours, which includes a theory paper.
Practical assessment will take place on Sunday 20th
Sept 2009 at Beauchamp College U13 regional Tournament.
The Level 2 Table Official course will be completed
on Saturday 12th September from 1.00pm to 5.00pm. The
course includes a theory paper and Practical Assessment will
take place on 20th September at Beauchamp College
10 – 5pm.
Coalville Basketball Club will pay all fees for club members
wishing to attend either course or for any individuals who
are not currently members of the club but are willing to
support Cougars. So to reserve your place please contact
Simon Hoult at
simon@coalvillebasketball.co.uk and we will complete the
booking forms and arrange for payment on your behalf.
 13/08/2009
AMB Sports support Cougars
Coalville Basketball Club would like to
thank AMB Sports Ltd for providing a significant
contribution towards the development of Coalville Cougars
Basketball earlier today.
AMB Sports are a firmly established company employing highly
motivated and skilled staff with over one hundred years
combined experience in the design and construction of sports
facilities and associated works.
AMB Sports are committed to the development and construction
of high quality sports facilities in consultation with the
Governing Bodies of Sport together with players and
officials at all levels of participation to ensure the
ultimate in sporting performance and enjoyment is achieved.
AMB Sports offer a Free of Charge service to conduct site
surveys, offer advice and provide comprehensive
specifications and quotations.
For more information about AMB visit their website at
www.ambsports.com.
31/07/2009
Cougars EBL tryout is a Success
Coalville Basketball Club would like to
thank all players that attended the first Cougars EBL
tryout. The session saw a healthy mix of current local
league, national league and experienced overseas players as
they battled for an invite to train with the Cougars and the
possibility of a place in the final squad.
Cougars Manager, Simon Hoult was pleased with the session,
"We are very excited with the way things are developing.
Mark Ellis, our Head Coach, felt that the quality of the
players at the first tryout was very promising and all
involved agree that the standard was higher than expected at
this stage. The partnership with the Leicester Riders is
certainly creating some interest and the possibility of
progressing to train with and move into the Riders BBL squad
is very appealing to many players".
The work for Coach Ellis is just beginning as tryouts
continue next week. The session will take place on
Tuesday 4th August 2009 at 7pm in the Loughborough
University sports hall. If you are unable to attend this
session but are still interested in being part of the team
please email
simon@coalvillebasketball.co.uk to attend a training
session.
 07/07/2009
Curlywilly joins Cougars Team
Coalville Basketball Club are pleased to
announce that Dorset based Curlywilly Productions will be
working with the Coalville Cougars to create their new
mascot, Colin the Cougar.
Cougars Chairman Lee Alesbrook commented "Although primarily
for our National League games, ‘Colin the Cougar’ will be
helping the club with many events whilst promoting
basketball within the community. I’d like to take this
opportunity to thank Curlywilly for what will be an
excellent asset to our team”.
Curlywilly Productions have over 20 years experience of
working within the TV and Theatre Industry, Andrew as Master
Carpenter/Stage Manager/Production Manager and Carol as
Wardrobe/Costume Designer B.A. Hons. Their credits include
Disney, English National Opera, Northern Ballet, Opera
North, Carlton TV, Sadlers Wells, Royal Shakespeare Company,
numerous west end shows including national touring.
The
Curlywilly Productions team have practical experience and
knowledge of theory in all aspects of theatre production and
management and Coalville Basketball Club are proud to be
associated with such a quality brand.
The company itself was established after being approached by
several small companies who wanted high quality Costume and
Props at a realistic price. They still adhere to this and
always work to their promise of never missing a deadline, no
wasteful or unnecessary jargon, complete honesty, all items
made by Curlywilly in their studios and just good old
fashioned high quality service!
For more information please visit
www.curlywilly.co.uk.
25/06/2009
Cougars search for
Team Manager
Coalville Basketball Club are on the
lookout for a Team Manager for their EBL National League
team. The role of team manager is vital to the successful
operation of the Cougars and we need a committed individual who will fit in
with our team.
The team manager is responsible for the smooth running of the
team and would be very much a part of the actual squad! This should not be
confused with the administrational role of General Manager.
Please find below a summary of potential tasks:-
- Assist the Coach at training and with any game day
requirements
- Prepare the Team
Sheet on
the day of play
- Send results through to England Basketball after home games
- Care of team kit and equipment
- Assist with team travel arrangements for away games
It would also be beneficial if the team manager had a
First Aid certificate such as “First Aid at Work” or “Emergency Aid”
although this is not a requirement.
If you are interested in discussing the role or require
further information please contact Simon Hoult at
simon@coalvillebasketball.co.uk.
12/06/2009
Leicestershire League is Safe
After a concerning month for all clubs involved with the
LBBL (Leicestershire Basketball League) the league is finally safe and all
divisions will go ahead for the 2009/10 season.
The LBBL held an EGM at Anstey WMC on Wednesday 10th June with the primary
goal of electing new officers in key positions of the league. The full list
of new officers is below.
Chair: Panny Gaitanos
Vice-Chair: Terry Byng
General Secretary: Shirley Hammersley
Assistant Secretary: Jon Davies (new position)
Committee Members: Matt Atkinson and Anthony Upton
It was proposed to add another position to the committee due to the job of
General Secretary being the most difficult by appointing an Assistant
Secretary. Jon Davies was nominated and accepted unanimously.
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