KESTRELS ADD GUARD EYNON TO THEIR RANKS FOR REST OF SEASON
Team Solent Kestrels are excited to announce the signing of 6’0 Guard Jake Eynon from NCAA Division 2 school Texas A&M International Dustdevils. Jake signs for the rest of the season and will go straight into the line up for the Hemel Storm game on Sunday 7th January 2018 in the new year. The signing will bolster Kestrels already impressive guard line up as TSK look to keep their NBL D1 title hopes going strong.
Jake originally from Ipswich grew up in the Ipswich Basketball Academy at Copleston High School before venturing out to the states where he started his college career. He attended Jacksonville College and played at the JUCO level for two years whilst obtaining his associates degree before transferring to D2 programme Texas A&M International. Whilst at Texas A&M Eynon played in 53 games over two seasons, including a 23 point, 7 three pointer performance vs. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
The exciting guard had this to say on signing with TSK; “Coming back from playing 4 years in the NCAA, Team Solent was the perfect situation for me to come in half way through the season. I met up with the coaching staff and some of the team during the summer and it felt like a great professional situation for me to start my career.”
Matt Guymon, Team Solent Kestrels Head Coach also weighed in on the signing; “I think Jake will be a big addition for us moving forward as he is an excellent shooter & playmaker on the bounce.
He comes highly recommended from all his former coaches as a true competitor with a team first mentality.”
You can check out Jake’s most recent highlights here; https://youtu.be/rhbh8k_fg6I
Jake originally from Ipswich grew up in the Ipswich Basketball Academy at Copleston High School before venturing out to the states where he started his college career. He attended Jacksonville College and played at the JUCO level for two years whilst obtaining his associates degree before transferring to D2 programme Texas A&M International. Whilst at Texas A&M Eynon played in 53 games over two seasons, including a 23 point, 7 three pointer performance vs. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
The exciting guard had this to say on signing with TSK; “Coming back from playing 4 years in the NCAA, Team Solent was the perfect situation for me to come in half way through the season. I met up with the coaching staff and some of the team during the summer and it felt like a great professional situation for me to start my career.”
Matt Guymon, Team Solent Kestrels Head Coach also weighed in on the signing; “I think Jake will be a big addition for us moving forward as he is an excellent shooter & playmaker on the bounce.
He comes highly recommended from all his former coaches as a true competitor with a team first mentality.”
You can check out Jake’s most recent highlights here; https://youtu.be/rhbh8k_fg6I
THREE MORE ADDITIONS TO THE SQUAD FOR THE NEW SEASON
Team Solent Kestrels are delighted to announce three more additions to this seasons squad by way of a new signing, a player making the jump from our programmes D3/BUCS team and a former junior returnee.
First up is Josh Brown a 6’5 stretch four who has been with Worthing Thunder since his junior days, and he makes the shift across the south coast for the new season. Josh averaged 8.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG & 1.1 SPG last season for the Sussex outfit on 33.2% from the field. He will also feature for Southampton Solent University BUCS Premier South team, as he begins to study his degree, again another sign that the club and university partnership is moving from strength to strength.
Brown had this to say on his south coast switch; “I can’t wait to get started with a new group of guys, it’s a new situation for me and change of system which I am really looking forward to having played for the same team for a number of years. I think with the guys coach Guymon has brought in we can really compete this season and I look forward to playing my part.”
Next up is a guy who makes the jump from TSK II - NBL Division 3 side, Kalvin Anns, the 6’5 swingman impressed through-out last season and Head Coach Matt Guymon was keen to involve Anns in this seasons NDL D1 side. Kalvin who also studies at Solent University, captained last years BUCS side to another Final Eight’s appearance where they would fall to eventual finalists Team Northumbria and pick up a huge win over Basketball powerhouse programme University of Worcester.
Kalvin gave his thoughts on making the jump to the D1 squad; “I’m really looking forward to playing D1 this year as it’s a new challenge and standard for me and with a new group of guys. The season will no doubt be a tough test but I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’m hoping to bring a defensive presence and energy into every practice and game and make the most of this opportunity.”
Last but by no means least, Kestrels welcome back Theo King, the sharpshooting guard returns from a prep year out in the states where he attended Arlington Country Day prep school. Theo has grown up playing at all age groups for Team Solent Kestrels junior teams and he also featured heavily during the clubs successful promotion campaign in NBL D2 whilst leading the EABL in 3pt FG% (44.4%) for 2015-16 season. He also finished 7th in PPG and APG with 17.8 PPG and 4 APG on Itchen’s way to the Final Four. Again Theo will now suit up for the NBL D1 side as well as the BUCS university team as he begins his degree course with Solent University.
The 6’3 guard commented; “I’m excited and extremely grateful to be welcomed back to the club where it all started for me and am eager to get the season up and running so we can look to improve on last year. I’m pleased to see a nice core group return as well a great variety of new faces, I’m just all round excited to get on the floor with the group and be back being coached by some of the best coaches in the game that helped me develop to this point.”
Kestrels Head Coach Matt Guymon gave his thoughts on all three guys signing with the Kestrels;
“Josh has consistently proven himself at the D1 level the past four seasons, he will be an excellent addition to our team with his ability to stretch the floor at the 4 position and fits our style of play perfectly. Kalvin has had two great years representing the university and D3 team, we felt like this year was the right time for him to make the jump to the D1 level. His toughness defensively and ability to knock the three ball down with be a huge asset for us this season. Finally we are excited to welcome Theo back to the club as he is a home grown talent who has given so much to our program. Theo brings consistent high energy on and off the floor in practice and games and he will help us spread the floor with his shooting range.”
All three guys have suited up through Kestrels pre season and two National Trophy fixtures, your next opportunity to catch them in action will be Saturday 14th October 2017 when TSK welcome Worthing Thunder back to Fleming Park Leisure Centre for first HOME league fixture and will be a 7pm tip off. Kestrels beat Thunder last time out 107-85 in the National Trophy and you can watch all the best bits here; https://youtu.be/bCzb-V73lzQ
First up is Josh Brown a 6’5 stretch four who has been with Worthing Thunder since his junior days, and he makes the shift across the south coast for the new season. Josh averaged 8.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG & 1.1 SPG last season for the Sussex outfit on 33.2% from the field. He will also feature for Southampton Solent University BUCS Premier South team, as he begins to study his degree, again another sign that the club and university partnership is moving from strength to strength.
Brown had this to say on his south coast switch; “I can’t wait to get started with a new group of guys, it’s a new situation for me and change of system which I am really looking forward to having played for the same team for a number of years. I think with the guys coach Guymon has brought in we can really compete this season and I look forward to playing my part.”
Next up is a guy who makes the jump from TSK II - NBL Division 3 side, Kalvin Anns, the 6’5 swingman impressed through-out last season and Head Coach Matt Guymon was keen to involve Anns in this seasons NDL D1 side. Kalvin who also studies at Solent University, captained last years BUCS side to another Final Eight’s appearance where they would fall to eventual finalists Team Northumbria and pick up a huge win over Basketball powerhouse programme University of Worcester.
Kalvin gave his thoughts on making the jump to the D1 squad; “I’m really looking forward to playing D1 this year as it’s a new challenge and standard for me and with a new group of guys. The season will no doubt be a tough test but I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’m hoping to bring a defensive presence and energy into every practice and game and make the most of this opportunity.”
Last but by no means least, Kestrels welcome back Theo King, the sharpshooting guard returns from a prep year out in the states where he attended Arlington Country Day prep school. Theo has grown up playing at all age groups for Team Solent Kestrels junior teams and he also featured heavily during the clubs successful promotion campaign in NBL D2 whilst leading the EABL in 3pt FG% (44.4%) for 2015-16 season. He also finished 7th in PPG and APG with 17.8 PPG and 4 APG on Itchen’s way to the Final Four. Again Theo will now suit up for the NBL D1 side as well as the BUCS university team as he begins his degree course with Solent University.
The 6’3 guard commented; “I’m excited and extremely grateful to be welcomed back to the club where it all started for me and am eager to get the season up and running so we can look to improve on last year. I’m pleased to see a nice core group return as well a great variety of new faces, I’m just all round excited to get on the floor with the group and be back being coached by some of the best coaches in the game that helped me develop to this point.”
Kestrels Head Coach Matt Guymon gave his thoughts on all three guys signing with the Kestrels;
“Josh has consistently proven himself at the D1 level the past four seasons, he will be an excellent addition to our team with his ability to stretch the floor at the 4 position and fits our style of play perfectly. Kalvin has had two great years representing the university and D3 team, we felt like this year was the right time for him to make the jump to the D1 level. His toughness defensively and ability to knock the three ball down with be a huge asset for us this season. Finally we are excited to welcome Theo back to the club as he is a home grown talent who has given so much to our program. Theo brings consistent high energy on and off the floor in practice and games and he will help us spread the floor with his shooting range.”
All three guys have suited up through Kestrels pre season and two National Trophy fixtures, your next opportunity to catch them in action will be Saturday 14th October 2017 when TSK welcome Worthing Thunder back to Fleming Park Leisure Centre for first HOME league fixture and will be a 7pm tip off. Kestrels beat Thunder last time out 107-85 in the National Trophy and you can watch all the best bits here; https://youtu.be/bCzb-V73lzQ
LEAGUE & CUP CHAMPION TAYO OYEFUSI JOINS KESTRELS
Current NBL Division 1 & National Cup Champion, Tayo Oyefusi, has made the move down south from Newcastle, to suit up for the Kestrels for the 2017-18 season. Tayo featured for the league champions Team Northumbria during last season’s campaign and was also an influential part of their success in the national cup competition.
The 6’4 Forward brings a wealth of experience at the National League level across all divisions, where he has featured for Manchester Magic, Team Newcastle University, Lancashire Spinners and Team Northumbria. If one things for sure Tayo has that winning mentality with a number of promotions and league/cup titles under his belt.
Upon signing with TSK, Oyefusi commented; “I’m delighted to have signed with a great club with such high ambition. I’m also excited to get out and perform in front of the fantastic fan base here at Team Solent Kestrels. The club has worked hard across the off season to put together a squad that can really compete for silverware and I’m looking forward to the challenge!”
Tayo averaged 7.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 1.3 APG all whilst shooting 48% from the floor and continuously filling the box score last season.
“Tayo is a player we have been following for 3 seasons now and it's amazing to see how his game has developed over this time. He is a dynamic player that will give us a lot of flexibility with how we can play at both ends of the floor. The biggest thing for me is that Tayo is a team first guy, an excellent teammate and committed to the small details that make teams successful.” Added Head Coach Matt Guymon.
Catch Tayo and the squad in their first action at Fleming Park (Saturday 16th September 2017) in the National Trophy vs. Worthing Thunder, 7pm tip off.
The 6’4 Forward brings a wealth of experience at the National League level across all divisions, where he has featured for Manchester Magic, Team Newcastle University, Lancashire Spinners and Team Northumbria. If one things for sure Tayo has that winning mentality with a number of promotions and league/cup titles under his belt.
Upon signing with TSK, Oyefusi commented; “I’m delighted to have signed with a great club with such high ambition. I’m also excited to get out and perform in front of the fantastic fan base here at Team Solent Kestrels. The club has worked hard across the off season to put together a squad that can really compete for silverware and I’m looking forward to the challenge!”
Tayo averaged 7.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 1.3 APG all whilst shooting 48% from the floor and continuously filling the box score last season.
“Tayo is a player we have been following for 3 seasons now and it's amazing to see how his game has developed over this time. He is a dynamic player that will give us a lot of flexibility with how we can play at both ends of the floor. The biggest thing for me is that Tayo is a team first guy, an excellent teammate and committed to the small details that make teams successful.” Added Head Coach Matt Guymon.
Catch Tayo and the squad in their first action at Fleming Park (Saturday 16th September 2017) in the National Trophy vs. Worthing Thunder, 7pm tip off.
CAPTAIN KIRKMAN RETURNS FOR THE KESTRELS 2017-18 CAMPAIGN
Team Solent Kestrels captain Louie Kirkman returns to the squad hungry for more ahead of the 2017-18 season. The hometown small forward has been a major factor in the Kestrels success over the last few season and will be keen to continue his pursuit of silverware at the Division 1 level.
Kirkman, a product of the club’s junior program spent a season in Iceland back in 2011/12 before returning to the club and playing a pivotal role in the rise through the divisions. The 6’5 Kestrels stalwart captained the side to back to back promotions including, two league titles and two playoff finals appearances, before helping the side to a 6th place finish in the club’s inaugural division 1 campaign.
TSK play caller Matt Guymon gave his thoughts on the re-signing; “It's fantastic to have Louie back this season as he has been instrumental to our success the last 5 years. He is an unbelievable competitor who fills the stat sheet night after night. Each year he has been able to adapt his game to the raised level of competition & I’m excited to see what he can do in his 2nd season in D1.
The versatile wing contributed across the board last season, posting averages of; 13.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.2 SPG and 46% from the field.
“Last year was a great first season in division one and I'm really excited to see what we can do this season. We've got a strong looking squad and I really think we can make a strong push for silverware this season.” Commented Kirkman upon his re-signing.
Remember to pencil Saturday 16th September 2017 in the diary, 7pm @ Fleming Park Leisure Centre, when Kestrels host Worthing Thunder in the first game of the season in the National Trophy.
Kirkman, a product of the club’s junior program spent a season in Iceland back in 2011/12 before returning to the club and playing a pivotal role in the rise through the divisions. The 6’5 Kestrels stalwart captained the side to back to back promotions including, two league titles and two playoff finals appearances, before helping the side to a 6th place finish in the club’s inaugural division 1 campaign.
TSK play caller Matt Guymon gave his thoughts on the re-signing; “It's fantastic to have Louie back this season as he has been instrumental to our success the last 5 years. He is an unbelievable competitor who fills the stat sheet night after night. Each year he has been able to adapt his game to the raised level of competition & I’m excited to see what he can do in his 2nd season in D1.
The versatile wing contributed across the board last season, posting averages of; 13.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.2 SPG and 46% from the field.
“Last year was a great first season in division one and I'm really excited to see what we can do this season. We've got a strong looking squad and I really think we can make a strong push for silverware this season.” Commented Kirkman upon his re-signing.
Remember to pencil Saturday 16th September 2017 in the diary, 7pm @ Fleming Park Leisure Centre, when Kestrels host Worthing Thunder in the first game of the season in the National Trophy.
LEON HENRY SWAPS STORM FOR KESTRELS FOR 2017-18 SEASON
Former Hemel Storm and Leicester Warriors guard, Leon Henry becomes Team Solent Kestrels’ fifth signing of the summer ahead of the new campaign. Leon featured heavily for the Hertfordshire outfit last season and joins the Kestrels with two excellent seasons of production at the NBL D1 level under his belt.
“Leon impressed me in both our outings against Hemel last season with his high energy & explosively quick style of play. He excels in transition but is also a consistent outside threat that can play a number of positions and our staff are really looking forward to working with him this season.” Were the thoughts of Head Coach Matt Guymon.
The 6’2 guard will look to build on his 10.1 PPG, 2.1 RPG and 2.1 APG averages from last season as he joins TSK’s backcourt for 2017-18.
Upon signing with Kestrels Leon had this to say; “I’m really excited to be apart of such a successful club as Solent. Having played against the guys in previous seasons, Solent was always a club I could see myself being a part of in the future. The future is here and I can’t wait to get my hands dirty with the team in what I look forward to being a bright 2017-18 campaign for us.
Catch Leon and the rest of the team in action in their first outing of the season in the National Trophy – Saturday 16th September 2017 when they host Worthing Thunder, 7pm @ Fleming Park Leisure Centre.
“Leon impressed me in both our outings against Hemel last season with his high energy & explosively quick style of play. He excels in transition but is also a consistent outside threat that can play a number of positions and our staff are really looking forward to working with him this season.” Were the thoughts of Head Coach Matt Guymon.
The 6’2 guard will look to build on his 10.1 PPG, 2.1 RPG and 2.1 APG averages from last season as he joins TSK’s backcourt for 2017-18.
Upon signing with Kestrels Leon had this to say; “I’m really excited to be apart of such a successful club as Solent. Having played against the guys in previous seasons, Solent was always a club I could see myself being a part of in the future. The future is here and I can’t wait to get my hands dirty with the team in what I look forward to being a bright 2017-18 campaign for us.
Catch Leon and the rest of the team in action in their first outing of the season in the National Trophy – Saturday 16th September 2017 when they host Worthing Thunder, 7pm @ Fleming Park Leisure Centre.
HERM SENOR II TAKES THE REINS FOR KESTRELS
We are delighted to announce Herm Senor II as our second American signing of the summer, the Quincy University graduate will join former college team mate Joe Tagarelli on the floor for the Kestrels this season.
“I’m very excited to get over to the UK and start playing with the team. The experience will be great and is a once in a lifetime opportunity! It’s truly a blessing to further my career as well as my education with the Kestrels, all whilst being in a new country.”
Senor, a 5’11 Point Guard who hails from Springfield, IL spent four years at Quincy University where he would most recently take his team to the 2nd round of the NCAA DII Tournament finishing with a record of 25-7 on the year. He was able to contribute in an number of areas for the Hawks with 11.6 PPG, 6.4 APG, 3.2 RPG, 1.4 SPG and all combined with shooting 38% from beyond the arc.
Again, with the Team Solent Kestrels and Southampton Solent University partnership continuing to blossom, Herm will also have the opportunity to obtain his masters degree and feature for the BUCS team at the university in doing so.
Team Solent Kestrels Head Coach Matt Guymon expressed his excitement in securing the services of Senor; “Herm stood out to us from the early footage we saw of his time at Quincy University, where you could see straight away that he is a true point guard that brings the best out of his teammates. He is a player of extremely high character and we look forward to welcoming him to our Kestrels family.”
If you don’t want to wait until the first game of the season, you can take a look at Herm’s highlights from his time at Quincy University here; https://youtu.be/oQTFC79h8BU
Team Solent Kestrels vs. Worthing Thunder (National Trophy) – Saturday 16th September 2017 [7pm Tip Off @ Fleming Park Leisure Centre]
“I’m very excited to get over to the UK and start playing with the team. The experience will be great and is a once in a lifetime opportunity! It’s truly a blessing to further my career as well as my education with the Kestrels, all whilst being in a new country.”
Senor, a 5’11 Point Guard who hails from Springfield, IL spent four years at Quincy University where he would most recently take his team to the 2nd round of the NCAA DII Tournament finishing with a record of 25-7 on the year. He was able to contribute in an number of areas for the Hawks with 11.6 PPG, 6.4 APG, 3.2 RPG, 1.4 SPG and all combined with shooting 38% from beyond the arc.
Again, with the Team Solent Kestrels and Southampton Solent University partnership continuing to blossom, Herm will also have the opportunity to obtain his masters degree and feature for the BUCS team at the university in doing so.
Team Solent Kestrels Head Coach Matt Guymon expressed his excitement in securing the services of Senor; “Herm stood out to us from the early footage we saw of his time at Quincy University, where you could see straight away that he is a true point guard that brings the best out of his teammates. He is a player of extremely high character and we look forward to welcoming him to our Kestrels family.”
If you don’t want to wait until the first game of the season, you can take a look at Herm’s highlights from his time at Quincy University here; https://youtu.be/oQTFC79h8BU
Team Solent Kestrels vs. Worthing Thunder (National Trophy) – Saturday 16th September 2017 [7pm Tip Off @ Fleming Park Leisure Centre]
SHARPSHOOTING CHRIS SCARLETT RE UPS FOR NEW SEASON
Sharpshooting guard Chris Scarlett returns to the Kestrels for the 2017-18 season, in what will be his third season since rejoining the club on his return from the US.
Scarlett, a product of the Team Solent Kestrels junior program, has featured heavily for Coach Guymon’s side during the previous two seasons providing a constant threat from beyond the arc. Upon his return from Garrett College stateside, Chris helped the Kestrels take the NBL Division 2 crown and clinch promotion to NBL Div. 1 with some stand out performances down the stretch against promotion rivals London Greenhouse Pioneers and Loughborough Student Riders.
Head Coach Matt Guymon stressed the importance of having Chris back in the side for next season and had this to say; "It's great to have Chris back for another season. He has been a huge part of our success the last few years with his ability to make big plays on both ends of the floor."
Chris heads back to the side on the back of averaging a little under 7 PPG in just under 20 minutes of action whilst also contributing 1.6 APG and 2.3 RPG.
The 6’0 guard was also keen to express his excitement ahead of the coming season; “I’m really looking forward to another season in D1, we showed last year that we can compete with anyone in the country at this level and hopefully we can go one better in picking up some silverware this season. It was an easy decision for me to return to the club and play under Coach Guymon for an another season and I can’t wait to get on the floor with the guys.”
Stay tuned to our Instagram (@solent_kestrels) and Twitter (@SolentKestrels) for the all the latest signing news!
Scarlett, a product of the Team Solent Kestrels junior program, has featured heavily for Coach Guymon’s side during the previous two seasons providing a constant threat from beyond the arc. Upon his return from Garrett College stateside, Chris helped the Kestrels take the NBL Division 2 crown and clinch promotion to NBL Div. 1 with some stand out performances down the stretch against promotion rivals London Greenhouse Pioneers and Loughborough Student Riders.
Head Coach Matt Guymon stressed the importance of having Chris back in the side for next season and had this to say; "It's great to have Chris back for another season. He has been a huge part of our success the last few years with his ability to make big plays on both ends of the floor."
Chris heads back to the side on the back of averaging a little under 7 PPG in just under 20 minutes of action whilst also contributing 1.6 APG and 2.3 RPG.
The 6’0 guard was also keen to express his excitement ahead of the coming season; “I’m really looking forward to another season in D1, we showed last year that we can compete with anyone in the country at this level and hopefully we can go one better in picking up some silverware this season. It was an easy decision for me to return to the club and play under Coach Guymon for an another season and I can’t wait to get on the floor with the guys.”
Stay tuned to our Instagram (@solent_kestrels) and Twitter (@SolentKestrels) for the all the latest signing news!
JOE TAGARELLI BECOMES FIRST NEW FACE FOR 2017-18 SEASON
Former Quincy University Hawks stand out and Wisconsin native Joseph Tagarelli, has put pen to paper for Team Solent Kestrels for the 2017-18 season. The 6’5 forward who was named to the GLV all conference 1st team after the 2016-17 season becomes the first new face to join the Kestrels squad for the new campaign.
Joe joins the Kestrels on the back of two stellar seasons at QU where they would finish up 25-7 overall on the year last season and bow out of the NCAA DII Tournament in the 2nd round. Posting a team high 19.8 PPG in a little under 28 minutes a game, whilst averaging 8.2 RPG and shooting over 55% form the field was what caught the attention of the Kestrels coaching staff.
The Kestrels & Southampton Solent University partnership continues to thrive as Joe will also study for his master’s degree during his time with the Kestrels, featuring for the BUCS South Premier side.
Joe had this to say ahead of his move to the UK; “I’m excited to be given this opportunity to play with a great organisation and great people. I think we have a real shot at competing for silverware and I can’t wait to touch down and get to work.”
Team Solent Kestrels Head Coach Matt Guymon also added; “Joe will be a great addition for us, we are very excited to have him join our club and university programs. He comes highly recommended after a great NCAA career and I have no doubt that he will make a huge impact in this league”
You can take a look at some of Joe’s highlights here; www.youtube.com/watch?v=oofnAielu0c
Joe joins the Kestrels on the back of two stellar seasons at QU where they would finish up 25-7 overall on the year last season and bow out of the NCAA DII Tournament in the 2nd round. Posting a team high 19.8 PPG in a little under 28 minutes a game, whilst averaging 8.2 RPG and shooting over 55% form the field was what caught the attention of the Kestrels coaching staff.
The Kestrels & Southampton Solent University partnership continues to thrive as Joe will also study for his master’s degree during his time with the Kestrels, featuring for the BUCS South Premier side.
Joe had this to say ahead of his move to the UK; “I’m excited to be given this opportunity to play with a great organisation and great people. I think we have a real shot at competing for silverware and I can’t wait to touch down and get to work.”
Team Solent Kestrels Head Coach Matt Guymon also added; “Joe will be a great addition for us, we are very excited to have him join our club and university programs. He comes highly recommended after a great NCAA career and I have no doubt that he will make a huge impact in this league”
You can take a look at some of Joe’s highlights here; www.youtube.com/watch?v=oofnAielu0c