Barrow Thorns under-18s’ final game of the season ended with a heavy 111-49 defeat at home to top-of-the-table West Lanc Carmel last Sunday.

The first quarter was a fantastic start for the Thorns with the speed of Dan James and Abe Brown beating the Carmel press and setting up Shea Whelan for an easy opening three-pointer.

These two continued to cause havoc for the opposing defence and Joe Carroll benefited most from this, scoring three consecutive fast break layups and getting to the free throw line. On the other end a great team effort in the zone defense held West Lancs to only 13 points to lead 17-13. Unfortunately this hot start did not continue for Barrow as the visitors adjusted defensively and this allowed the visitors to pull away with a 49-27 lead going into half-time.

During the second half, the Thorns could not pull back the deficit, despite the scoring efforts of Whelan, Carroll and James.

Even with the best efforts and energy of these younger players, Barrow could not get back to their first quarter form and Carmel continued to pull further clear.

It has been a season of ups and downs for the Thorns in terms of results, but the team has consistently shown great heart and effort, even when competing with the best the league has to offer.