KitKing Trophy 2024/25: Semi-finalists now confirmed, draw made

Eight became four this weekend, as the 2024/25 KitKing Trophy semi-finalists were confirmed.

All four group winners progressed, with home victories for Milton Keynes, Hemel Storm, Reading Rockets and defending champs Derby Trailblazers.

The competition is organised by NBL1 Men's clubs in partnership with naming rights holder Kitking.co.uk and Basketball England.  

It saw all 13 NBL1 clubs, plus a trio of invited Division Two sides, competing in four regional groups of four.

The semi-final draw has now been confirmed, with Reading Rockets hosting Derby Trailblazers, whilst Hemel Storm will travel to Milton Keynes Breakers.

We take a look back at all four quarter-final games below.

MK's Chris Tawiah is back with the Breakers

Milton Keynes Breakers 95-68 Bradford Dragons

Milton Keynes eased into the next round with a comfortable 27 point victory over last season's finalists Bradford Dragons. 

A 22-20 opening quarter gave both teams a shot in this one, but the hosts took the second frame to lead 47-35 at the main change, further extending their advantage in the second half.

MK shot an impressive 56% from the floor, and won the rebounding battle 47-25, to sweep aside the Dragons, who struggled down low and conceded 56 points in the paint.

That led to a productive afternoon for Adrian Scarborough (16pts, 10reb, 7/7FG), KJ Johnson (20pts, 7ast) and Nate Robinson (20pts), whilst returning forward Chris Tawiah (12pts, 6reb, 6/8FG) eased back into life with the Breakers across 13:51 of action.

Bradford managed to pull their deficit back to 14 points early in the final quarter, but their opponents would pull away for good shortly after. Jevon Laidler (16pts) led all scorers for the visitors, with Micah Savery-Richards adding 12 points and six boards from the two-man Bradford bench.

Hemel Storm 95-82 Loughborough Riders

Hemel booked their place in the last four with a 95-82 victory over Loughborough Riders.

A four point ball game going into the last 10 minutes, this one was up for grabs throughout before the hosts peeled off a 22-13 final quarter to take the W.

Like the Breakers, Hemel were also able to win the key battles around the basket, out rebounding the Riders 46-40 and piling up 54 points in the paint.

Standout guard Sam Newman enjoyed a quality outing, putting together a 13 point, 10 rebound, 14 assists triple-double around key performances from Trent Monkman (24pts, 7reb) and Matthew Ellis (22pts, 8reb).

Loughborough were able to keep the reigning D1M playoff champs within touching distance thanks to the exploits of Victor Ndoukou, with the Riders man dropping a game-high 31 points on 50% shooting (12/24), as Edward Onyia (12pts, 12reb) added a double-double off the Loughborough bench.

All smiles for Derby's Malcolm Smith this weekend (Nick Higgins)

Derby Trailblazers 105-95 Team Solent Kestrels

Derby were pushed all the way by a dogged Solent on Saturday night, with the Trailblazers doing just enough to outlast their D2M opponents.

Solent led for most of the first quarter before finishing the opening 10 minutes tied up, allowing the hosts to then move in front. The current KitKing holders were unable to pull out of sight though, with the Kestrels keeping their opponents in check until they finally surrendered a double-digit lead late in the fourth.

All five of Solent's starters would score 14 or more, led by recent Team of the Week pick Isa Brandon, who had a 21 point, 15 rebound double-double alongside Russell Gariepy's 21 points and eight assists.

Solent's team approach couldn't overcome DTB's heavy hitters though, with Leighton Elliot-Sewell (32pts, 9reb) and Malcolm Smith (32pts, 4reb, 4ast) both putting up huge stat lines to edge their team into the semi-finals.

Reading Rockets 98-90 Thames Valley Cavaliers

A standout performance from guard Mitch Clarke saw Reading past Thames Valley Cavaliers in yesterday's only game.

Clarke was on fire, dropping 29 points that included 6/8 from beyond the arc, adding eight assists and four boards to a solid afternoon's work.

Victor Olarerin (21pts, 6reb) added to Reading's damage from the guard spot, providing a one-two punch that TVC couldn't overcome.

The Cavs certainly had their moments, leading 26-19 after the first quarter and levelling the scorers at 48-48 early in the second half. A rapid 15-2 run would break the game open for the hosts shortly after though, giving the visitors too much to do the rest of the way.

Justin Robinson (29pts, 5reb) was in great form for the Cavs, with Ed Lucas (20pts) and AJ Roberts (17pts, 8reb, 4ast) providing the support.

This weekend's results

Saturday 28 September

5pm - Milton Keynes Breakers 95-68 Bradford Dragons - LIVE STATS

7pm - Hemel Storm 95-82 Loughborough Riders - LIVE STATS

 7:30pm - Derby Trailblazers 105-95 Team Solent Kestrels - LIVE STATS

Sunday 29 September

4pm - Reading Rockets 98-90 Thames Valley Cavaliers - LIVE STATSLIVE STREAM

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Main image credit - Charlie Dodd