United Basketball builds fan loyalty during Open Day

Open Day is a big success!

On Saturday 24 September, the basketball public of Gelderland got to see the squads of top-sport organisation United Basketball. United Academy VU21, Dreamfields Dolphins, Lekdetec and Yoast United all played during the open day. Many spectators found their way to De Kooi and enjoyed some great matches on the court. That bodes well for the coming season!

VU21 lose to Jolly Jumpers

The day started at 10.00 with the VU21 match against Jolly Jumpers. These teams had already faced each other in preseason, and just as in preseason, victory went to our guests from Tubbergen, 44-86.

United Academy top scorers: Ka Rosmalen (13), Mandy van Lente (10) and Noor Schraven (8).

Dreamfields Dolphins come close to their first upset

After their first league match was rescheduled at Den Helder Suns’ request, the Dreamfields Dolphins went straight into a match against reigning champions Lokomotief from Rijswijk. Three Dolphins players made their debut: Stefanos Oude Bos, Pim de Vries and Duncan Joosten. Matthew van Tongeren and Sigo Jörissen were absent, both currently abroad.

Although the Dolphins started strongly, helped by two three-pointers from Brian van den Weijenberg, it was Lokomotief who dominated the first half. Michael Schuurs’s team visibly needed time to settle into the new season. After a 23-42 half-time score, the second half told a completely different story. The Dolphins were sharp, their defence clicked, and they crept closer step by step. Halfway through the final quarter, Winston Hoft brought the gap down to 63-68. After Lokomotief’s time-out, Bart Bijnsdorp and Snorri Vignisson made sure the win stayed just out of the Dolphins’ reach.

Dolphins top scorers: Olaf Jansen (14), Brian van den Weijenberg (13) and Pim de Vries (8).

Women’s Basketball League opens with a Lekdetec.nl win

The season got off to a good start for the Lekdetec.nl women. Jeroen van Vugt’s team defeated Topkip Lions, the very team that knocked Bemmel out of last season’s WBL semi-final.

Both teams struggled to get scoring going; Landsmeer did slightly better than Bemmel, but after Q1 the scoreboard at De Kooi read 6-14. From that point on, Lekdetec.nl, led by Lisanne de Jonge and Anne van Vlijmen, crept closer and closer to level the score at 21-21 by half-time.

Lekdetec started the second half well and quickly built a 6-point lead, but the Lions certainly didn’t give up easily and kept closing the gap, after which Lekdetec pulled away again. After an enjoyable and tense second half, the final score was set at 68-60.

Lekdetec top scorers: Lisanne de Jonge (24 points and 16 rebounds), Anne van Vlijmen (14), Asa Kantebeen & Yfke Hoek (9).

‘A night on the court’ hosted by Jochem van Gelder

After the Lekdetec match, the arena was transformed into a dining room that many a restaurant would envy. Over 50 business partners took their seats to enjoy a wonderful dinner on the court. The food was served by Lekdetec’s players, and guests were thoroughly spoiled. During dinner, a unique basketball auction took place hosted by Jochem van Gelder, with lots ranging from sponsor spots on the kit and court to a weekend away at a holiday home in southern Spain.

Van Gelder, who contributed a lot himself, guided the evening successfully and raised a nice sum for United Basketball and Energy4all.

Yoast United close out their preseason with a resounding win over Leverkusen

At 20.30 came the finale of the United Basketball open day: the match between Yoast United and Pro-A side Giants Leverkusen. Yoast United started sharply and, led by Vince Cole, Francis Lācis and Spencer Levi, boldly took the lead against the strong German opponents. The crowd was treated to a spectacular match full of fight and great plays. Yoast United’s victory was never really in doubt, but there was absolutely no coasting either, as the visitors played solid, good basketball.

Final score 92-67.

Yoast United top scorers: Vince Cole (24 points), Francis Lācis (17) and Spencer Levi (17).

It promises to be a great season for Paul Vervaeck’s men. Don’t miss a minute — get your season ticket via our website soon!