Lockerbie Tornadoes basketball club prepare to tip off for the new season

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A local basketball club is getting ready to tip off for the new season.The Lockerbie Tornadoes, the only competitive team in the region, are about to embark on their next season in the Strathclyde League and are reflecting on their last campaign.Last year the club had their most successful season ever, finishing second in the top tier of the Strathclyde League with just two losses and reaching the Scottish Cup quarter-finals in their debut in the competition.Previously the Tornadoes played in a local Cumbrian league but entered division four of the Strathclyde league and have worked their way to the top level.The Tornadoes are coached by Robin Laidlaw, who is putting the team through their paces to get ready for the upcoming season.He said: “Reflection is an important part of progression; last season was exciting, and we did a lot of things well.

This year we have a good core of players, and we are starting this year in an acceptable position. We were competitive throughout the year, and we are eager to build on its success.“We have been incredibly lucky in the past with the players that we have been able to attract to the club, players from south or the border as well as Slovakia, Lithuania, France, and the USA, but we are always looking for more.“We are a true testament of what basketball does, bringing people together.”The Tornadoes will be competing on the Strathclyde League and the Scottish Cup this year with their preparation for the season already underway.The Tornadoes are the only competitive basketball team in Dumfries and Galloway, so far the club has been self funded but are keen to attract sponsors.The Tornadoes practice at Lockerbie Academy 7-9pm every Tuesday night.