WARRINGTON’S Sir Thomas Boteler High School got their English Schools basketball season off to a good start with a win over Furness Academy – a school twice the size of Boteler and currently topping their local league.
Speedy Furness caught the home side on the hop and took an early six point lead.
The fight back was led by Cameron Burrows with the first two baskets and an assist, so that when the first time 
out was called the scores were close at 12-10.
Tighter defending and superior rebounding by Renz Agpoon, Josh McLean and Jacob Lloyd soon gave Boteler greater defensive control while offensively the home side began to win more second phase possession too, allowing their outside shooting to compensate for a lack of open layup opportunities.
Josh Carmichael made an immediate impact on his return to competitive basketball and he pushed Boteler further ahead with his first open shot.
Liam Hickson came on to create problems for the Furness defence with his speed around the 
court and he was rewarded with two free throws at the end of the first half, both of which he scored to set up a five point lead of 23-18.
In the second half with Furness’ one-dimensional style of motion offence covered, Boteler increased the gap between the teams.
Aaron Ashton scored from outside and both Cameron Burrows and Josh McLean scored three pointers to stretch the lead as well as controlling possession with their match-playing experience and dribbling skills.
The benefit of a large yet competent squad was evident when Dylan Waters and Matthew McCready joined the game to inject energy into a tiring defence, working hard underneath the basket at both ends.
Furness ultimately had no answer to Jacob Lloyd at point guard, whose individual skill on the ball and in distribution ensured Boteler were never in danger of being caught in the final stages of the match.
Final score was 48-33 to Boteler.
Pictured: Renz Agpoon (top) and Jacob Lloyd
