USA Select’s Davis Browne named National Cup MVP!

Most Valuable Player Davis Browne (203-C-84, college: Appalachian St.), Bristol Academy Flyers
12 points, 13 rebounds
Bowne is a product of USA Select Basketball.

With an ending that rivals any basketball game from this season, the Bristol Academy Flyers won their first major trophy after defeating the Manchester Magic 63-61 in overtime.

In a highly defensive battle that saw a lot of shots taken and few drop, the Flyers and Magic gave the Sheffield crowd something to shout about as time ticked away in the fourth quarter.

With the score locked at 55, Stefan Gill’s floater gave the Magic a two point lead with just over a minute remaining. A series of misses at both ends followed until, with two seconds left, Bristol’s (another USA Select product) Doug McLaughlin-Williams pulled up for a three but was fouled by the Magic’s Yann Fasbender. The result was three free throws for McLaughlin-Williams, with all pressure on the Bristol forward.

The travelling Bristol faithful were left with their hearts in their throats as the American missed his first, but he regained composure to sink the last two leaving the game tied at 57.

Coach Jeff Jones called timeout with just enough time to run an inbounds play from the halfway mark. An almost perfectly executed lob pass was sent to Gill, but he rimmed out forcing the extra period.

Youngster Josh Houghton made up for a couple of missed threes in the final minute of the fourth as he drove with the left hand to open the overtime scoring. Bowne replied nearly two minutes later to level, but Gill’s 28th point at the minute and a half mark gave the Magic a 61-59 lead.

Bristol’s Anthony Berry (200-C-78) was sent to the line by Lee Goldsbrough, where he converted one of two, but the Flyers regained possession and Berry’s hook in the paint gave them the 62-61 lead. Houghton missed from long range at the other end leaving the Magic forced to foul Jack Stannard, whose one of two free throws was enough to secure the win.

Bristol Academy Flyers coach Andreas Kapoulas was a delighted man:

‘Winning the National Cup is a major milestone in our club’s history,’ he said. ‘It is such a great achievement and a huge recognition for our players, supporters, coaches and Bristol basketball in general. I am so proud of our players’ commitment, work ethic and determination. They really deserve this recognition.’

‘The win was a product of our hard work and demonstrated the depth and toughness our team possesses. I am so happy to be part of this group. The Cup means a lot to the Flyers and Bristol basketball. We now hope to continue our success in the league campaign.

‘I would like to thank our sponsors Big Tall Order, DTM LTD, Yaskin Sports and Initially Yours for the support they have given us. Most importantly, though, I would like to thank Filton College and the Principal Kevin Hamblin who have been vital to our success and the rise to the top of English Basketball.’