THE Basingstoke Junior Blizzards under-12s finished third at a tournament held in Winchester.

It took a game for the juniors to warm up and they just lost their opening match to Bucks A, but they were straight back on court and recorded their first win against JMA Reading, coached by JMA director of basketball Matt Johnson, who was out scouting for talent as well.

The team went on to record two more victories, against Winchester and Bucks B, but the young Blizzards were put in their place by the eventual tournament winners, Southampton side Kestrals.

There were great debut appearances from young Katie Baren, her older brother Thomas and Josh Wright.

Junior Blizzards under-12 regulars Ethan Fraser, JJ Tauro and Ethan Wyatt were all praised by Johnson.

Michael Dahlen, Mattie Hamilton and Jacob Stanton also turned in solid performances.

Blizzard coach Simon Wyatt was pleased with the way the tournament went and their third place finish overall.

He also praised the players for their enthusiasm and the parents for their non-stop support.

The under-12s are now preparing for the end of season handicap tournament at Eastleigh on May 9.