This weekend Game Time along with Ravenwood Roofing & Tees Valley Leisure will be hosting a mammoth weekend of basketball topped off with a charity basketball game between Middlesbrough Lions and Newcastle All stars at Eston Sports Academy. The main game will begin at 4pm although spectators are asked to arrive before 3.30pm All tickets are £3 and the game is raising money for the Daisy Chain Charity. The £3 ticket is a weekend pass and allows entry to the Tees Schools and College Finals on Saturday and Sunday prior to main Lions Game.

The Newcastle side will consist of a mix of youth and experience led by Eagles U18 head coach, Marc Steutel. The team will consist of a number of National League players from Tyne Met Trojans as well as some of the best young talent in the North East who have been drafted in for an opportunity to impress Coach Steutel.

From Middlesbrough Lions perspective, another game for the young club will provide another opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities against established sides whilst providing the growing fan base with some more top class action.

Lions look to have a good squad available for selection although head coach; James Thomson has indicated a court sharing policy may be adopted in this game, adding “This is a friendly game and our aims will be to entertain the fans and provide our players with an opportunity to prove themselves as we prepare for next season.” One player who may return for a small cameo appearance is 24 year old guard; Daniel Cooper who has been injured since tearing ankle ligaments on 21st December against Darfield. The shooting guard has been undergoing extensive physio and is only lacking in game fitness. Coach Thomson though has warned not to expect too much too early “For Cooper, the game will provide a small run just to warm him back into things. We need to develop his confidence in a game and also show him that he still has a future at the club. His role on Sunday will be minimal but a big step forward mentally.”

One player who will not be playing is Ben Robinson, who is still recovering from ankle ligament damage.

Nigerian star; Acho Anyigbo will be available after impressing against Menwith Hill Cavaliers and the 6’5” leaper has set himself a personal target of 15 rebounds “I really enjoyed the last game. The crowd was great and if we can play well, I believe we can beat Newcastle.”

Eston Sports Academy will open its doors to a feast of basketball which will begin at 10am Saturday and feature an incredible 14 semi finals and finals. Sunday will again begin at 10am and support is encouraged after such a successful event last season. Nunthorpe School brought over 70 people to support their teams and helped to generate a carnival atmosphere. More than 250 people watched the Year 11 final last season and it is hoped that a large crowd will attend to help make the day memorable for all players involved.

All the players will experience the life of a professional basketball player as the teams will run out to a special intro with lights, music and announcer. “we are looking to create a magical atmosphere so that the players who have done so well to reach the finals will be rewarded with an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.” added James Thomson, head of Game Time & Middlesbrough Lions. Win £100 During Half Time!

There will be plenty of entertainment including cheerleaders and music as well as high profile VIP guests in attendance. During the charity game there will be a number of competitions and youngsters will have the chance to compete in the ‘Kit Dash’ and one lucky adult will have a chance to win £100 with a half court shot!

For more info visit www.game-time.co.uk or call 01642 814221