Match Report: Derby Trailblazers 87 – 66 Nottingham Hoods

The Nottingham Hoods U14s travelled to Derby at the weekend in search of another strong performance, arriving with an 11-player squad after one late withdrawal through injury. Facing a Trailblazers side boasting significant height and physicality across their roster, the Hoods knew they would need to rely on speed, teamwork, and discipline to stay competitive.

Q1 – Fast Start, Fierce Exchange

The Hoods won the opening tip, only for a quick interception to hand Derby the first scoring opportunity. The hosts opened the score, but Hoods responded immediately with excellent perimeter shooting. A well-worked three-pointer punished Derby’s deep defensive setup, and the Hoods’ speed in transition created repeated openings.

Confidence grew when two more long-range efforts dropped, giving the visitors valuable early momentum. Despite the Trailblazers’ imposing height and strong shot-blocking presence, the Hoods stayed composed and matched their opponents basket for basket. A buzzer-time score left Hoods trailing by just one at the first rotation, 14–15.

Derby struck quickly after the swap following a turnover, and some loose passing from the Hoods invited unnecessary pressure. A rolled ankle forced a Hoods substitution, and Derby used their size to swat away several inside attempts. Still, the Hoods kept fighting, converting from strong passing sequences and capitalising when the hosts switched off defensively. By the end of the quarter, Derby held a narrow advantage at 26–19.

Q2 – Battling Against Momentum

The second quarter began scrappily, with neither side finding early rhythm. The Hoods broke the deadlock through determined post play, adding two strong inside finishes. The Trailblazers retaliated with neat passing moves and fast-break conversions created by turnovers.

With Derby continuing to block shots in the paint and pressuring passing lanes, the gap widened. A timeout with three minutes remaining offered the Hoods a chance to regroup, and a driving basket briefly halted the hosts’ run. However, missed layups and another foul allowed Derby to reassert control and take a 46–33 lead into halftime.

Q3 – Persistence Amid Pressure

Nottingham opened the third quarter with a composed finish from open play, but turning good ball movement into points remained difficult against Derby’s physical defence. Accurate free throws helped keep the Hoods within reach, and a sequence of strong stops at the defensive end stalled the Trailblazers’ momentum.

At the mid-quarter swap the score sat at 54–39. Derby again pulled away following errors in ball-handling, though a well-timed three-pointer from the Hoods briefly lifted spirits. The hosts’ ability to punish second-chance rebounds proved costly, extending their lead to 68–46.

Q4 – Courage to the End

The final quarter saw the Hoods continue to show resilience, despite early missed opportunities from the free-throw line. A deep three and a turnover followed by a composed finish sparked renewed belief, forcing Derby into a timeout.

Although Derby replied with a three of their own, the Hoods fought back with unselfish play and persistent rebounding, reducing the deficit to 17. A strong defensive stand and a rebound score highlighted their determination. But tired legs and Derby’s relentless pressure eventually told as the hosts finished strongly to secure an 87–66 victory.

Despite the scoreline, the Hoods showed heart, teamwork, and character throughout — qualities not always captured in the final numbers.