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Middlesbrough Lions have captured the highly rated shooting guard; Lee Norton from Wear Valley Warriors in their fourth pre season signing. The addition of Norton will add serious firepower to the Lions offence with the 26 year old from Sunderland hitting big numbers where ever he has played.

Norton’s best scoring season was in the 2004/05 Teesside Basketball League season where he averaged 42 points per game in an incredible personal performance which helped Hartlepool Hornets to the league and cup double. Before this, Lee had attended the renowned East Durham Basketball Academy where he was nicknamed ‘Platinum Wrists’ due to his impressive shooting skills. He enjoyed a successful three year period at the College and during this time led his team to the National League U18’s League Title and Final Four runner up. There was then the opportunity to represent his country in a Academy organised event in Holland where England triumphed and Lee was again an integral part of the success.

Lee has fond memories of his College playing days and attributes a lot of his success down to his Academy Coach; Bob Martin. “I believe he is the best coach I have ever met, he taught me so much about the game and developed me as a player.” said Norton, “I started playing basketball at a relatively young age of 15 through Joy Howden and the East Durham Academy at the time was the National Basketball Academy so the best players around the country were fighting for a place and thankfully impressed the coaches to gain a place and have achieved many amazing experiences.”

One experience Lee will never forget was his taste of top flight basketball with Newcastle Eagles when he played during an Anglo-Scottish Tournament. Norton was invited to play at the tender age of just 17 but rather than be happy going along for the ride, Norton was keen to stamp an impact on the game and against St Mirren was quoted in the press to have ‘turned on the style’ after scoring nine straight points to claw back the game for the Eagles.

At 26 years old, Norton is not even at his peak and views his signing for Middlesbrough as another step forward in his career. “I have played at all levels and in various countries and there is something exciting about the plans at Middlesbrough Lions. I like the set up, the feel of the club is very friendly, there is a good fan base and they are very professional. The team they are putting together is looking a strong one and I think we can do very well this season.” said Norton. “Coach Thomson invited me to play in a friendly game during May and I was very impressed. I think I probably made my decision to sign right after the game.”

Lions Coach; Sid Nicholls is just as enthusiastic about the latest signing. “We are looking strong in a number of areas now. Lee has an all round game with a sweet perimeter shot. Some of his 3 pointers are so high, they come down with snow on!”

Middlesbrough owner; James Thomson has indicated that this may not be the last addition, but along with the core of existing players the team is starting to come together nicely. “Lee is a major piece in our jigsaw and there are a few more major pieces we would like to add, but we hall have to wait and see.”

Lions are now looking to affiliate their successful vehicle with local companies who would like to be involved in a number of ways. The club are looking for commercial partners and advertisers who would like to benefit from association with the high profile club and its large community presence. For more details call the club on 01642 814221 or visit www.game-time.co.uk