IT has been a busy time in the last couple of weeks for Ayr Storm's U12 girls.

First up was a trip up to Paisley for the second day of their West Regional Championships. After two wins from two on day one, a minimum of second place was confirmed on arrival at the Lagoon Centre as their first opponents of the day, North Lanarkshire Chiefs, were unable to meet Basketball Scotland's required player numbers in order to follow the development rules the teams play by. However, the two teams played out an enthralling game for the spectators.

The game moved from each end of the court at an alarming pace for the age group. Baskets were made from most of the players, and the lead changed hands several times during the game. Monkton Primary's Lauren Coope stole the show. A game-high 13 points was equally impressive as her shooting accuracy throughout the entire 20 minutes of action.

Her link up play on the fast break with Alix McIntosh and Louise Fisher in particular, had the watching Storm Chasers on their feet! Despite being awarded the win, the girls narrowly lost out 29-27, but as had been the case with the previous encounters between the sides in the season, primary school girls basketball was the real winner.

Storm now knew they faced a title showdown with reigning champions St.Mirren. As hard as the girls tried throughout the game the baskets just wouldn't come for them. Doonfoot Primary's Morven Montgomery top scored with five points, but the Ayr girls lost 31-8.

Head coach Laura Nisbet, was still delighted with her young team's season and said: "We performed at a high level today and to come second behind a very good St.Mirren side, is an excellent result for our club. Most of the squad will return at this age group next season, which shows the future of the Storm girls section is in good hands.'

Fresh from their success on the court, the girls were treated to a surprise visitor to their final two trainings of the season at Kyle Academy. Former Storm player, and Queen Margaret Academy pupil, Eleanor Jones, popped in for a visit. Since leaving the club to follow her basketball career, Eleanor has been capped at GB Senior level, and now plays her basketball in the NCAA in Colorado. Eleanor spent time offering coaching tips, taking photos with the youngsters, and signing autographs!

Coach Nisbet added: "It's great to see Eleanor back in the hall where it all began for her five years ago. She's the perfect role model and it's hard to believe with everything she's already achieved in the game that she's still only 19.