Ipswich hold off CoLA for U18 national crown

Ipswich held off a furious late rally from CoLA to secure a first U18 Playoff crown since 2022/23 in nail-biting fashion.

The Londoners, who triumphed in the National Cup final when these two met in January, clawed their way back having trailed by as many as 21 points.

But Ipswich, led by 18-point, 12-rebound MVP Maisie Keyes kept them at bay in a frantic final few minutes.

“It feels great (to win MVP),” Keyes said.

“It’s been a very long season, we’ve had ups and downs. We’ve had a great season, we’ve been in every final possible and it just feels so good that we’ve been able to get this last one. I feel like the whole team played amazing, we fought it out, we did everything we needed to do – everyone could had this (MVP), I’m just so thankful to have them as teammates and coaches.”

Deanna Carrington had 15 points and 10 boards and Holly Ensoll 12 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks as the Suffolk side triumphed.

“It’s incredible,” Ipswich Head Coach Harriet Welham said.

“It’s not expected, one of our starters was out with concussion and Cara got concussed as well during the game. Without two starters we managed to scrape out the win, it’s just absolutely incredible and shows the character of our girls.”

CoLA were led by Ayla Habbal’s 15 points, Adaora Dioramma’s 14 points and 15 rebounds and Debra Wilson-Osuide with 14.

Box score.

The post Ipswich hold off CoLA for U18 national crown appeared first on Hoopsfix.com.