Match Report: Northampton Neptunes U14 vs Nottingham Hoods U14

Date: 17 January 2026
Final Score: Neptunes 110 – Hoods 65

The Nottingham Hoods U14s returned to action in a rearranged home fixture against Northampton Neptunes, facing an athletic opponent with significant height through the centre. Fielding a strong lineup, the Hoods knew they would need discipline and composure to match the Neptunes’ physicality and pace.

Q1 – Bright Moments, Costly Errors

The Hoods made an encouraging start, attacking with intent through individual driving runs and converting well from the free throw line. A turnover briefly handed the Neptunes an easy score, but the Hoods responded immediately with a laser-sharp pass leading to a foul, followed by quick Neptune points on the counter.

At 11–16 midway through the quarter, mounting fouls on the Neptunes kept the Hoods in touch, though missed opportunities from the line proved costly. Offensive errors allowed the visitors to capitalise in transition, and despite a well-worked move creating space in the paint, the Neptunes’ speed and physicality stretched the lead. The quarter closed with the Hoods trailing 14–32.

Q2 – Best Basketball of the Season

The second quarter saw the Hoods raise their defensive intensity, limiting Neptunes scoring opportunities and forcing tougher shots. A fantastic offensive sequence resulted in a clean three, igniting a high-tempo spell where both teams traded baskets end to end. This passage of play marked the best basketball the Hoods have produced this season, prompting a Neptunes timeout.

As the game settled, both sides exchanged free throws before the Neptunes regrouped and reasserted control. Despite the Hoods’ improved rhythm and effort, the visitors edged away once more, taking a 55–35 lead into half-time.

Q3 – Physical Battle, Hard Lessons

The Hoods struggled to find momentum early in the third quarter, with small errors in pass selection and shots failing to drop. The Neptunes took advantage, extending their lead with unanswered scores.

Eventually, a strong drive and composed finish produced an and-one, halting the run, but the Hoods continued to find life difficult against Neptunes’ strength in the paint and ability to stretch the floor. Free throws added points, yet the gap widened further, leaving the Hoods 46–82 down heading into the final period.

Q4 – Individual Effort to the End

The final quarter opened positively with a long-range three for the Hoods, but too many easy scores at the opposite end limited any sustained momentum. A strong individual performance kept points ticking over for the home side, even as structured build-up play proved difficult to establish under pressure.

Despite the challenge, the Hoods continued to compete and show attacking intent, closing out the game with determination as the Neptunes ran out winners, 110–65.

A tough test against a powerful opponent, but flashes of progress and confidence continue to emerge for the Nottingham Hoods U14s.