Competing at the University of Worcester Arena, Aspatria’s Samantha Wilson and Barrow’s Tyler Baines, who is set to leave the Panthers for Lancaster Bulldogs, helped England’s North-West team take home the gold in the Under-19 category.
They helped their side get the better of Scotland in the final as they beat club-mates David and James Beattie, with the brothers having joined the Carlisle club from Lothian Phoenix.
Meanwhile Katie Morrow, a Rio 2016 Paralympian, represented Northern Ireland in the Under-19 age-group and came seventh as Neo Borgia and Ciaran Park also finished seventh for England’s North-West team in the Under-15 category.
Ray McBride, who co-founded Cumbria Wheelchair Sports Club, which incorporates Carlisle Panthers as their basketball team, was delighted with the success the club’s youngsters enjoyed on the national stage.
“There is loads of talent and we should be shouting that from the hill-tops,” he said.
“They have all developed over times. Sometimes, you don’t realise it’s happening.
“In her first year, I don’t think Sam got much court-time, but she is quite prominent now.
“The good thing is, with our reputation as a club now, we have people coming from all over Britain to play for us. It’s good for the club and the area, as well.”
Carlisle Panthers’ first-team are set to compete in the British Wheelchair Basketball Premier Division in the 2018/19 season, under new coach Stewart Pimblett, while their second-team will be in the first division.
“If I’m honest, I think we will be looking to just survive. It’s a big step-up,” McBride said on his team’s ambitions in the top-flight.
“It’s like if Carlisle United played a Premier League team.
“They might do alright in a one-off match but will they be able to compete consistently at that level? That is another thing.
“We will see how we go.”
Ahead of their campaign in the Premier Division, Carlisle Panthers are looking to raise funds to buy a mini-bus that can take them to first-team matches. Contact McBride on 07827 447274 for details.
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