York Vikings Basketball Club’s under-16s team, who are looking for new players, soared to a comfortable 67-36 triumph over Derbyshire Arrows.

The York ranks opened the scoring in their first game of the season with a three-pointer from Will Freeman following approach play in which all the team were involved. While maintaining great team defence, with Harry Dodds outstanding, the starting five built up a 20-12 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The Arrows came back strongly at the start of the second quarter with two baskets in quick succession.

But the emphasis changed again when a steal by Ben Campbell set the Vikings up for a successful fast break with James Boyes earning another two points for York, followed by Stephen Dodsworth sinking a three-pointer.

More strong work from Derbyshire, though, meant they were able to narrow the Vikings’ lead and go in at half-time trailing 32-27.

The Vikings came out energetically at the start of the third, with more determined rebounding and a focus on making fast breaks count.

A seven-point run by the Vikings at the end of the quarter opened out the gap between the teams to 23 points.

In the fourth quarter the Vikings introduced three players from the U15s – Chris Ross, Alex Tuddenham and Mat Theakstone – and they continued where the original starters left off with confident teamwork.

The Vikings are looking for talented players to join the U16s squad. To arrange a trial session contact the club on yvjbc@yorkvikings.org.uk