The Westminster Warriors claimed their second straight Patron’s Cup Trophy with a 98-64 victory over Ipswich. Point Guard Juan Manning lead the Londoners with 20 points and six assists, to take home MVP honours.
Battle At SportsDock
Both sets of fans filled the Sports Dock to create one of the best atmospheres at a division two game in recent memory. The players rose to the occasion putting on an electrifying first half, full of highlight plays. No player relished the atmosphere more than Warriors Guard Flo Damptey who really woke up the crowd with a thunderous dunk early in the first quarter. Postgame, Damptey spoke about how much the crowd meant to him.
“It’s crazy for me to say but its low-key a dream come true. For me personally and the work I’ve put in and the love I have for the game, to be able to play in East London in front of my friends and family is huge”.
Rocky Start
The Warriors clearly fed off the crowd in what was effectively a home game for the team. Despite many fans travelling down from Ipswich they were sorely outnumbered by those in Warrior green. Westminster needed every bit of their fans support as they faced a tough start to the game falling behind 18-20 at the end of the first quarter.
The Price Is Right
Westminster were handicapped on offence as leading scorer Justin Hitchman got in early foul trouble, sending him to the bench. After coming out hot, making back to back three pointers to start the game, Hitchman and company had to look on as Ipswich big man Ethan Price took over the first half.
Price went off, dropping 21 points in the first half alone. He was a game changer on both ends, throwing down dunks on offence while also blocking and altering shots on defence. It quickly became clear that to have any chance of reclaiming their title, the Warriors would need to find a way to stop Price, and quickly.
“We were shocked with how productive he (Price) was. He came out very, very aggressive but it’s not the first time a player has unexpectedly done something against us and it’s just a testament to our team to show how well we can adjust.” Damptey explained post match.
Defensive Adjustment
As Damptey said after the game, Westminster showed what an experienced ball club they are, completely altering their defensive game plan during the halftime break. After being almost un guard-able in the first half, Price was held to only two points in the second half and did not score in the final 18 minutes of play.
As Price flamed out so did his team, Ipswich were blown out in the third quarter losing the period 28-9. Westminster found their rhythm right out of the break and did not let up until the final buzzer.
Ipswich’s Downfall
The youth and inexperience of Ipswich really showed in the second half as they looked exhausted by the start of the fourth quarter.
Ipswich Head Coach John Ellis credited the Warriors experience in a post-game interview.
“Westminster are a tough, veteran, well drilled team and it showed in the second half. We game planned for the first half to play out as it did, and it showed, but that break (halftime) was tough and then maybe the occasion got to the team after that.”
More Titles To Come?
It’s a real exciting time to be a warriors fan. Westminster sit second in the league table and are in great position for the end of season playoffs. After taking home the first trophy of the season, Flo Damptey ensures fans that the team are still hungry for more silverware this season.
“We want to finish top of the league and we still have the playoffs to come. Those are two chips right there that were looking to collect and we will make sure we collect them.”
