The West Lothian Wolves basketball club are celebrating double national success.
That’s after the club’s under-16 women and under-18 men were both crowned Scottish Cup champions in Dundee.
And while it was disappointment for the senior men as they were defeated by Boroughmuir Blaze, it was an historic achievement as they reached their first-ever Scottish Cup final.
Despite a strong opening quarter from the Wolves - which ended with them down by just two points - the Blaze ultimately ran away with the contest and secured a commanding 111-61 triumph.
The under-16 women picked up the club’s first piece of silverware as they got the ball rolling thanks to a hard-earned 55-48 victory over Falkirk Fury which left coach Stephen McCall bursting with pride.
Speaking to the Courier, he said: “It was a fantastic game against a really good side who pushed us all the way.
“Both teams gave 100 per cent and it was end-to-end basketball throughout and we’re just delighted to have come out on top. To win the Scottish Cup really is a special occasion for us all.”
He added: “The girls have put in so much work in training over the last year to get to this point. We need to remember that the majority of this squad failed to qualify for the national challenge competition at the under-14 and have now become one of the best under-16 teams in the country.
“That’s all down to their hard work and determination to get better with every game and training session. I am really proud to lead this team along with Javier Ramos and Emma Buckle.
“The girls really are an inspiration to girls in sport and continue to show the ‘we are one’ mentality.”
The under-18 men were able to replicate that success the following day as they defeated the Glasgow Rens 77-44 and become the first male Wolves side to lift the Scottish Cup.
Their coach, Aiden Gallagher, commented: “For the Wolves, this win was a part of history - the first Scottish Cup victory on the male side of the club.
“I can’t truly express my pride in the players and all the focus and praise should be firmly be on them because they are some of the most dedicated players in Scotland.
“The cup might have been lifted on the day but it was won through how they came together in incredibly trying times during the covid pandemic.
“The heart and soul of this squad was formed during their hard work and commitment during that time.
“I’m delighted for them because the trophy represents what they’ve collectively put into this team. They’ve been winners in my eyes for a long time but they now have something physical to prove it.”
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