Park House School Academy

Park House School in Newbury is working in collaboration with Reading Rockets to provide 11-18 year olds the chance to play basketball whilst studying in an outstanding educational establishment. 

 

Do you feel you want the educational support and freedom to excel academically and can match that with a passion for basketball? Then Park House School might be the right place for you.

 

Driven to excel in both the classroom and the court we hope to offer you the chance to take your further education world wide.

 

If you want to take a visit or have any further questions please contact Matthew Johnson at matthewjohnson1973@gmail.com.

Reading College Basketball Academy

Do you fancy studying anything you like and
play basketball at the same time?

 

Reading College offers you the chance to take your pick of subjects whether it is vocational or theory based they have you covered.

 

This season the Academy has 13 selected performers and another seven players that are part of a development group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVERAGE WEEK:

Each student will get approx. 11 hours of basketball each week on top of their chosen full time College study programme.

The week is split into the following:

Monday
8:15-10am - Position Specific training (Guards/Forwards)
 

Tuesday
8:15-10am - Shooting in groups 1, 2 or 3. (Times staggered)
 

Wednesday
1 - 5pm - Games or inter group scrimmage
 

Thursday
8:15 - 10am - Shooting (as Tuesday)
 

Friday
8:30 - 10am - Conditioning day (SAQ training, Heavy ropes etc)

More Information: contact Matt Johnson matt@readingrockets.co.uk

 

John Madejski Academy - NOW RECRUITING!

 

The 2014-15 season is fast approaching and John Madejski Academy is preparing for its upcoming recruitment of student athletes.

This season we are increasing our focus on girls basketball, with an emphasis on Sixth Form athletes looking to take their education and basketball to the next level.

Our partnership with Reading Rockets allows us to offer Elite level programming and athlete development, supported by its National League Senior and Junior programs.

If you are interested in visiting the academy or taking part in one of the sessions, please do not hesitate to contact Head of Development Mathew Johnson.

Email: mathewjohnson1973@gmail.com
Mobile: 07834372952

The Henley College - Reading Rockets - Player Development Partnership

The Henley College Basketball Academy provides a unique opportunity for student athletes to pursue academic excellence, sporting excellence and gain valuable coaching awards.

 

The Academy Head Coach, Mark Halewood, under the direction of Reading Rockets Head of Junior Development and Reading College Basketball Academy Head Coach Matt Johnson, has implemented a development program working in partnership with The Henley College and Reading Rockets Basketball Club.

The program gives students the opportunity to pursue a wide variety of educational courses, as well as pursue their achievement of excellence in basketball.

 

Unlike many other academies, The Henley College Basketball Academy aims to bring together a high achieving academic environment with that of performance sport. Students attending the College can choose from a wide variety of courses such as A Levels, Extended Diplomas and Level 2 Diplomas. The Academy’s first aim is to ensure its student athletes gain a high standard of qualification while they train.

 

Within the Academy itself athletes will develop their skills through a challenging program consisting of 4 main training areas:

•Individual
•Cooperative
•Shooting
•Strength and Conditioning

Athletes competing at a High to Elite Level will be assessed by a Strength and Conditioning coach and given an individual conditioning program to follow. Each player will be fitness tested, as well as undergoing shooting and skills tests. Along with developing the athlete, the Academy combines the delivery of the UKCC Basketball Level I and II qualification with basketball.

 

Overall, the Academy provides an environment of high achievement on and off the court. With the successful partnership between Reading Rockets and The Henley College, players have the opportunity to play at the highest level of club basketball. Whether it is at a Junior level with our premiership, Conference U18 squads or training with Division 1 or 4, the Rockets system allows players a clear pathway of development into the highest level of senior English basketball.

 

2013-14 AASE Students (Left to Right) Eloise Sneddon, Hannah Whiteley, Freya and Rhiane Szmidt, Denisa Molnar and Jasmine Long

2013-2014 AASE Student Freya Szmidt (No 9) representing GB U20s in World 3 v 3

Under 14, 16 and 18 Teams recruiting for 2014-15 Season!

  

 

***Reading Rockets is currently holding selective open practices for prospective players and parents to try out a practice session, meet with current players and coaches and provide an opportunity to get the feel for the basketball club.***

The Women's and Girl's program is headed up by GB Coach Matt Johnson and supported by AASE academy coaches Manuel Pena Garces, Mark Halewood and club coaches Josh Thorne, Rick Buckner, Steph Johnson and Cat Lutz.

The club is in the process of selecting its junior rosters for the coming season, with the focus on Spring and Summer training. The club wants to open its doors to new members and widen the opportunities for the South of England's most eager and talented young women. 

An example of a typical training week for the teams include:

Under 14s - 1 team practice, involving individual and team drills, and 1 CVL (Central Venue League) based session, which is game based. 

Under 16s - 2 team practices: 1 that is individual and team focused and 1 that is mixed with the U18 girls.

Under 18s - 2 - 3 practices per week: 1 individual and team based, 1 mixed with the Senior women and an opportunity to train with the Seniors for the top 5 U18 players.

U18s also have the opportunity to be involved with The Henley Basketball Academy and the John Madejski Basketball Academy, which provides players an extra 10+ hours of individual, strength and conditioning and game based opportunities for those players wishing to take their games to new heights.

If you wish to get involved with a Rockets training session please email steph.johnson6@gmail.com to arrange a visit.

U18 WOMEN CLINCH 2ND PLACE WITH 77-59 WIN OVER HORNETS

Game Report - 15/02/2014

Bucks Hornets 59 v Reading Rockets 77

By Coach Buckner

 

This weekend's game between 3rd place Buck's Hornets and 2nd place Reading Rockets was always going to be a tense affair as whoever won would cement 2nd place and become the favorite to grab a spot in the play-off's. After a crushing defeat by just 3 points last week it was great to see the girls working hard and showing real focus in training, this definitely paid off in the game.

 

We started well and the ball movement that the coaches have been emphasizing in training was put into good practice, we were just too quick for Bucks and always had an open player, with Bucks mainly playing zone defense this meant we had to find the gaps and hit some shots, something that our girls do well. By the end of the quarter we were up 18-12.

 

The 2nd quarter was tighter, a few turnovers crept in and Bucks started to play a bit more fluidly, but we relied on our defense and even though Bucks were looking better we limited them to 13 points and scored 15 ourselves. So at half-time Rockets were up 33-25 and for once have no players in foul trouble!

 

After we re-grouped and had a chat I asked the girls for a big 3rd quarter, normally they don't disappoint! This time was no different, we came out firing and hit Bucks on the fast break repeatedly and finished our breaks very well under pressure. This set the tone for the rest of the game, we either ran hard on the break or passed quickly when in set offence to push our lead and win the game, at the end of the 3rd we were up 57-41 and cruising.

 

As ever though, there were a few twists and turns before the game was over, Bucks hit some big shots and our offence stalled for a minute or so despite a time-out and further discussion, at one stage the lead was down to just 9 points. Over the course of this season the Rockets girls have developed some resilience and determination though and nothing was going to stop us from winning this game! The passing stepped up a gear and then suddenly we had open attackers all over the court again, the scoring increased and even though Bucks stepped up too we made sure that we won the 4th quarter as well as the previous 3. The final score was 77-59, with some big contributions from Freya, Eloise and Denisa who scored 20, 18 and 17 respectively, but this was a team effort and all 9 players worked so hard for the team the get the result we needed, the no-nonsense defense we played and selfless passing were the keys to this win.

U18 Continue Push for the Play-Offs After Suffering 3pt Defeat

Game Report - 08/02/14

U18 Ladies

Reading Rockets v Hertfordshire Warriors

 

On Saturday, the U18 Lady Rockets welcomed the league leaders to The Rivermead Centre, with the Rockets team in confident mood, feeling last time these two teams played the game was theirs to win but slipped away from the Rockets in the 4th quarter. The game started well and the Rockets were moving the ball nicely on offence, even though the Warriors' fast break and dribble penetration kept them in the game, and they finished the quarter 4 points up at 19-15 and were looking good.

 

Things didn't go as well in the 2nd quarter though, too many turn-overs through forced passes and bad shot selections, along with three of the Rocket's forwards were called for a few fouls and by the time the half ended the Rockets had Freya, Rhiane and Levi all on 3 fouls, which is not ideal against a team that likes to attack the basket. The quarter ended with the Rockets leading 30-29 so the game was still in the balance.

 

The Rockets normally provide some fireworks in the 3rd quarter and this game was no different, they found some confidence again and pushed the ball up the court for a few fast-breaks, with the guards also starting to shoot from outside. Halfway through the quarter the Rockets were in a good place but unfortunately both Freya and Levi got called for their 4th fouls, both a little dubious according to Coach Rick Buckner, and this proved crucial to the flow of the game as the Rockets' captain had to sit on the bench just as they were looking to increase the lead and give themselves a buffer for the 4th quarter. Levi stayed on and did a good job to finish the game without further fouls.

 

Jas Long

Going into the 4th the Rockets were up 48-42 and should have been in control but unfortunately they were playing last year's National Champions and the difference between the two teams showed in the 4th. They lost composure on offence and forced too many bad passes and over-dribbled the ball, these mistakes were pounced on by the opposition and converted into points down the other end. With time running down the Warriors took the lead for the first time in the game and things weren't looking great for the Rockets. With less than 30 seconds left the Rocket's were down by 3 points and if any team in the league could come back though it was the Rockets. They gained some composure and ran an offence that ended with the 3 point shot from Jas Long to tie the game but it wasn't to be and the game ended Rockets 60 v Warriors 63.

 

Coach Buckner was quoted after the game saying "Even though we lost against the Warriors our push for the play-off's is still very much alive and next weeks away game to Bucks Hornets is crucial. The girls were a little upset after the game but I know they'll be 100% focused tonight at training and give their all for the team".

A Captains Journey - Steph Johnson

A Captains Journey!

My love for the game started at 14 years old at Secondary School when a group of us realized that there was a game out there that was more exciting than netball!! (I know you would never believe it!). So we threw our netball skirts aside and swapped them for some baggy shorts and a vest that fell off your shoulders. We found the tallest teacher we could in the school which was actually a female and convinced her that she looked more like a basketball coach than anyone else and would she sit every lunchtime in the sports hall with us so we could practice and give up some afterschool time for fixtures! (I don’t think we were really asking a lot).

Amazingly she agreed and I continued to play all through school and had a brief spell training with the under 16 England Squad. At 16 I finished at Theale Green and continued my passion for sport at Henley College where I also joined Division 1 outfit Thames valley Tigers Women’s team. This was a huge experience in my basketball life as I learnt that you travel more than about 20 minutes to get to an away game and also that coaches can really shout a lot when they aren’t happy.

This was the toughest experience I have ever had of being publically ripped to pieces by a coach. What also didn’t help is that he was Hungarian so most of the time I had no idea what he was saying anyway. I spent many a training session moving to the back of drill lines hiding behind 6”4 females to watch what we actually should be doing. However this experience at the elite end set me in good stead to deal with the highs and lows of playing sport at the top end.

Unfortunately 2 seasons later the team collapsed due to the sponsor pulling out!!

This was a blessing in disguise as this led me to find the Rockets after being spotted at a Sunny D 3v3 competition. I went along to Queen Anne’s School for my first session at 17 and I never looked back!

At 18 I was due to go to Brighton University to study sport, however I deferred my entry and proposed an opportunity to the Rockets that they simply couldn’t turn down!!!!! The plan was to dedicate a year to becoming a fully qualified professional coach for the club. This was achieved and after a year I had the coaching bug and turned down my place at Brighton and changed to Reading Uni so I could continue my work with the club. My dream was to set up the Rockets first every girls programme to compliment the women’s team they already had running. Through much support from the club we are here 13 years later with a strong and ever growing girls programme and in my opinion the best women’s team we have ever had!

My journey so far has been an incredible mix of experiences with a spell coaching on the England Basketball National programme, 2 summers coaching in the states, getting a degree, Qualifying as a nutrition specialist, a children’s fitness instructor and a gym instructor oh and also getting married and having 2 amazing children (well I would say that!!)

Every weekend involves a trip on the M4 with a bag of balls and a buggy in the boot Peppa Pig on the IPad and Pom Bears on tap!!!!

It has been an honour to be the Rockets captain over the last 9 years and I know with the committed and talented group we have this year I hope to lead them towards a league victory!

Yours

Steph

U18 Women Come Home with a Victory!

Game Report

Gloster Jets - 34 v Reading Rockets - 54

 

We went into this away game against an improving Gloster team minus 4 players, Denisa and Levi were selected to play for the seniors away at Cardiff on the same day, Eloise was away on holiday and unfortunately Milly was ill. So this gave a chance for a few players to step up in terms of game time and positions played, I'm happy to say that they all rose to the challenge and worked tirelessly for the team.

 

This was a game of 2 halves as they say, we struggled to score in the first half and the 12 Gloster players ran hard and hit some shots. After the break though we were a different team and produced a 30-8 point 3rd quarter that any team in the country would have struggled to compete with.

 

Jas Long brought the ball up for 38 minutes of the game, scored 6 points and barely turned the ball over or made a bad pass, this was key to our offence and wasn't easy with Gloster playing full-court defense on her throughout. Offensively Gloster just had no answer for Freya, 31 points, countless rebounds and I rested her for the whole of the 4th quarter as the job was done! Rhiane, Hannah, Lakiesha and Ellie chipped in the rest of the points.

 

Defensively Rhiane was just epic, I think she may have actually scared a few players off the ball! I'm not sure how many steals Rhiane had but it was easily over 10 and she took 3 charges too, this set the tone and pretty soon we had Ellie, Hannah, Lakiesha, Matylda and Libby scrapping for the ball all over the court, this attitude from the team kick- started our offence, limited Gloster to just 14 points in the 2nd half and won us the game.

 

With some big games coming up and of course the 4 missing players to return this was ideal preparation and shows us that we are in good shape and ready to compete with anyone.

106 - 40 Win for Rockets Ladies!

Rockets Senior Ladies took a depleted squad of 7 to Wales due to an U18 clash with Gloucester and some injuries. It was a new hurdle to face for Coach Thorne and in his preparation and pre game talk with the team focused heavily on playing for 4 quarters and not in the moment. Having only taken 2 guards and 5 forwards it was important that U18 Denisa Molnar and Natacha Paris played with composure and smarts, any foul trouble could of had a major impact on the fixture. It was a tough task playing for Coach Thorne because he still wanted aggressive defense, ball pressure, wing and corner traps and the group did a fantastic job of trying to execute the teams tactics.

Before the game started, we were forced to sit three under 5s on the opposite side of the court without supervision which was a huge shock to us and the home team. The highlight of the day was how well behaved they were. Fantastic job Raphael, Josh and Gabriel. Their mums are super proud of you!

If anything this decision fired up our group which showed in the first quarter score line of 27-9. Cardiff came out in a 2-3 zone and this showed they were willing to let us shoot the ball. This is one of the squads strengths and Cat Lutz hit back to back 3s in the first few minutes soon followed by Denisa Molnar scoring a team high 11 points in the quarter.

The focus this game was to let the defense create the offense. We aimed to play solid defense, create deflections and steals, and create advantage scenarios on offense which we did to great success. Captain Steph Johnson scored 12 points and during the 2nd period did not miss a shot.

The game also allowed the group to practice a variety of defenses and to perfect their out of bounds plays in dead ball situations. Cat Lutz led the way with 42 points, 24 of which were from behind the three point line. Cat continues to play with an abundance of energy on both ends of the floor and on the sideline to help fire up her teammates during games.

Cardiff tried hard for the 40 minutes with veteran Joelle Moreno playing aggressive defense and some fantastic off the ball cuts to keep the Archers energy levels high. Having watched her play the previous week at the National Cup finals with there Division 1 team, we knew she was going to be a handful. Archers could possibly have used her in their away loss to Nottingham.

With 4 games left in the regular season the league is really taking shape. Bristol got a huge win over Oxford Women and this has meant the top 4 are super close with no team being in a position to lose games in the hunt for the league title and playoff spots.