Basketball Match Report: Uplands Academy vs Uckfield College

Uplands Academy’s U16 squad travelled to Uckfield College on Tuesday 10th March with a strong group of seven players: Will S (Y10), Teddy B, Alfred S, George S, Matilda D, Barney R and Tom H (Y11).

First Quarter

Uplands took to the court following a very quick warm-up practicing some lay ups, but it took time for the team to find their rhythm. Uckfield started confidently, spreading their scoring across four players to build a 9–3 lead. Teddy responded with an excellent lay-up and a free throw, before Alfred produced a stunning near–half-court three-pointer that left both the Uckfield bench and supporters in awe!

End of Q1: Uckfield 9 – Uplands 6

Second Quarter

Motivated by Alfred’s long-range effort, Uplands entered the second quarter with renewed energy. The game quickly became an end-to-end showcase of district basketball, even drawing a crowd of Uckfield students to the balcony.

Teddy began to dominate offensively, scoring eight points with strong post play and composed finishes—his National League experience clearly on display. Uckfield’s own former National League player responded with seven points, setting up an exciting duel between the pair.

Tom and Barney added four points each with determined drives to the basket, helping Uplands edge a thrilling quarter.

Quarter score: Uplands 16 – Uckfield 15

Half-time: Uckfield 24 – Uplands 22

Third Quarter

During the time-out, the Uplands squad confidently declared to Mr Doe they were going to win, and they played like it. With renewed focus, they tightened up defensively. George, Tilly and Will worked tirelessly to track runners and protect the paint, while rebounds became far more decisive.

With this platform, Teddy, Tom and Barney repeatedly drove at Uckfield with pace and purpose. Uplands dominated the quarter, sharing the scoring across four players: Teddy (8), Barney (4), Tom (3) and Alfred (2). Many of these points came from powerful runs into the key and well-executed lay-ups.

Quarter score: Uplands take the lead

Fourth Quarter

Uplands entered the final quarter with a six-point advantage. As expected, Uckfield came out aggressively, scoring six quick points to tie the game within two minutes. The final quarter became a tense, back-and-forth battle.

Uplands dug deep: Teddy added four more points, Barney three, and Alfred two. However, Uckfield edged the quarter 14–9, setting up a dramatic finale.

A thrilling, hard-fought win for Uplands! Every player showed outstanding effort, determination and teamwork throughout, and securing a victory away at Uckfield made the result even sweeter.

Final Score: Uplands Academy 49 – Uckfield College 48