It was a landmark weekend for the Derby Trailblazers, headlined by a historic title win for our Blazers U12s and a string of gutsy performances across the divisions. From dominant championship victories to clinical upsets over undefeated rivals, the club has shown incredible character and skill on every court. Here is a look at the results from around the club this week…
TRAILBLAZERS U18 PREM HAND MAGIC FIRST LOSS OF THE SEASON
Derby Trailblazers U18S Premier side pulled off an impressive result this weekend, travelling to Manchester and handing the previously undefeated Manchester Magic their first loss of the season. In a high-stakes clash against a side that entered the game 9-0, the Blazers relied on a potent mix of clinical scoring and dominant rebounding to secure a statement 78 to 67 victory.
Derby’s offence was spearheaded by a masterclass from Casey Burr, who scorched the nets for a game-high 28 points. While Burr handled the heavy lifting on the scoreboard, the Blazers’ “Bigs” were relentless in controlling the interior. David Felix anchored the defence and the glass, recording a gritty double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Dovydas Kilmas proved to be a constant menace in the paint. Kilmas racked up 18 points and 7 rebounds, including 5 crucial offensive boards that kept vital possessions alive for the visitors.
Linking it all together was Jarom Howlett, who acted as the ultimate floor general. Howlett dictated the tempo and flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and a brilliant 10 assists. While Burr provided the fireworks, this win was built on a total team effort; the Blazers’ ability to outwork Manchester on the boards and find the open man proved too much for the league leaders to handle.
DERBY TRAILBLAZERS U12S CROWNED REGION 1 CHAMPIONS AFTER DOMINANT HOME FINALE
Derby Trailblazers U12 National League team secured the Region One Championship in spectacular fashion this month, clinching the title with two games to spare following a clinical 91-47 victory over Sheffield Sharks. Far from taking their foot off the gas, the young Blazers squad returned to the court this past weekend to sign off their home campaign in style, dismantling Sheffield Elite 118-52. This latest win maintains their incredible unbeaten streak, a testament to the pace they have set for the rest of the league since the very first jump ball of the season.
Securing the silverware so early in the calendar is a massive credit to the effort and commitment shown by the players. Throughout the campaign, the team has stood out for its fitness and discipline, combining a relentless fast-break offence with the basketball smarts to slow the game down and execute set plays when required. Much of this success stems from the squad’s coachable attitude; the boys have consistently listened, learned, and applied the coaching staff’s instructions, proving themselves to be one of the most organised units in the National League.
Off the court, the chemistry of the group has been just as vital as their on-court performance. The genuine friendships and mutual support within the squad have translated into a selfless style of play where every individual has stepped up in key moments. Reflecting on the achievement, Head Coach David Attewell noted that it is “lovely for the squad that they have enjoyed such success in their first National League season,” adding that the progress made both individually and collectively has been immensely pleasing to witness.
While the trophy is already in the bag, the Blazers’ job isn’t quite finished yet. The team faces one final test: a tough road trip to face second-placed Leicester Dynamite. Facing a well-organised opponent, the boys will be looking to finish their championship-winning season exactly how they started it—playing together and working hard for one more win. The club also wishes to extend a huge thank you to the parents, whose unbelievable support, long drives, and constant cheering from the sidelines have been the backbone of this special, undefeated journey.
DERBY TRAILBLAZERS D2 SECURE THRILLING VICTORY OVER NOTTINGHAM ATHLETIC
Derby Trailblazers D2 side delivered a performance defined by maturity and tactical discipline this weekend, edging out local rivals Nottingham Athletic in a 98 to 90 thriller. In a game that tested their resolve, the Blazers proved they have learned from past pressures, remaining composed during the high-intensity moments that had previously seen them falter. It was a victory built on a meticulous adherence to the pre-game scouting report, with the squad successfully translating the coaching staff’s plan into a high-stakes win that keeps their championship aspirations firmly alive.
What stood out most in this balanced offensive display was the depth of the Derby roster, as four players finished in double figures. This “total team” approach ensured that the scoring burden was shared, making the Blazers incredibly difficult to defend throughout the contest. The head coach spoke of his immense pride following the final whistle, noting that the players “rode the waves” and refused to cave in under pressure, ultimately deserving a result that he described as worthy of a championship-calibre side. While the team remains reliant on other results across the league to go their way, the focus within the camp is strictly on controlling their own destiny by “handling business” for the remainder of the season.
The message from the locker room is clear: despite the hurdles, this group believes they are the best team in the league with even more potential still to be tapped. As the Blazers head into a week off, the intensity isn’t expected to drop, with potential exhibition games against the first team touted to keep the players sharp. Looking ahead, a tough road trip to Greater Manchester looms, a fixture that promises to be even more physical than this weekend’s derby. However, with the momentum of this 98-point performance behind them, the Blazers remain locked in and ready to prove their championship credentials once again.
DERBY TRAILBLAZERS U16 GIRLS SHOW FIGHT IN FIERY CLASH AT LEICESTER
Derby Trailblazers U16 Girls delivered a spirited and gritty performance this weekend, narrowly missing out on their second win of the season in a hard-fought 4-point loss away to the Leicester Riders. With many players on both sides familiar with one another through the Aspire programme, the contest was predictably fiery from the opening tip. It was a physical, high-intensity encounter that saw the officials kept busy throughout; both teams saw key players foul out of the game, while several others finished on the brink with four fouls in what proved to be a relentless defensive battle.
Ultimately, the result was decided by a slow start in the first quarter, which left the Blazers trailing by 13 points at the half-time interval. However, a productive locker room discussion at the break sparked a significant shift in momentum. Emerging with renewed belief, the Derby girls were arguably the better side for the remainder of the contest, clawing back the deficit and putting the Riders under immense pressure. While the work rate remained exceptional for the full duration and the defence held solid, the Blazers struggled to finish their plays under the basket. Had the team shown a bit more composure with their shooting in the paint, they had enough high-quality scoring opportunities to have won the game by a significant margin.
Despite the narrow defeat, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance, alongside clear areas for growth. Turnovers remain a hurdle for the young side, and tightening up the rebounding will be a focus moving forward. However, the grit shown to fight back into the game provides a massive boost heading into the final stretch of the season. With three games remaining, including matchups against Sheffield Arrows and Bromsgrove Bears, the Blazers have every opportunity to translate this improved form into wins. While a mid-February trip to Northants promises a stern test, the squad will view it as a vital chance to sharpen their skills against top-tier opposition before the season concludes.
