Development of players driving on at Inverness basketball club Highland Bears thanks to £10,000 donation from Arnold Clark
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PLAYERS from Highland Bears secured major investment to help them realise their full potential on the international stage.
Car dealership Arnold Clark donated £10,000 to the Inverness basketball club to enable current and future players to compete for Scotland and help grow development at the club.
Charlotte Alexander, Grace Alexander, Madison Croall, Emily Hill and Baileigh Matte played for Scotland at the Under-14 Tri-Nations Tournament against England and Wales last weekend.
Scotland recorded victories over Wales and put in creditable performances against England in Dundee during three days of action.
Bears coach Jeni Alexander says all five girls produced excellent performances on the international stage.
“All the girls did well, they all played and got on the scoresheet,” she said.
“We beat Wales and defended well against a good, technical England team and we have closed the gap on England compared to what it used to be.
“Head coach Donnie MacDonald was delighted with the girls performances across the board. Their tenacity, determination, fitness and defence was phenomenal.”
Alexander says after making their international debut, the quintet are determined to represent Scotland in the future and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
“The girls enjoyed the experience and want to do it again, so we need to work harder over the summer,” she said.
“We will be working on shooting and ball handling and we will look to be a better team in the future.
“Other players at the club will look at what they have achieved as they have become positive role models and go for the national trials next time.”
Arnold Clark gave Highland Bears £10,000 to help progress the players at the basketball club, which included financing kit and travel as well as accommodation and money left over for future development of any players who go down the national programme.
A spokesman for Arnold Clark says they were pleased to offer financial assistance.
“Arnold Clark is delighted to sponsor and continue to support Highland Bears.
“It is brilliant that five of their players have been selected to represent Scotland as they took part in the Tri-Nations against England and Wales.
“A big well done to the girls and coaches who have worked so hard in everything they’ve achieved so far.”
