“Hyères-Toulon relegated as Berck and Pont-de-Chéruy celebrate survival in NM1”

All that for that… Last summer, after the title of French NM2 champion won by Laurent Sciarra’s team, Hyères-Toulon almost died. But the team of the new president Vincent Masingue moved heaven and earth to find 400,000 euros in 15 days and the HTV was finally able to commit in extremis in National 1. Except that behind, the players did not ensure on the field and sent the mythical Var club back to the fourth division… A logical sanction, given the eleven initial defeats and the two absolute underperformances to conclude the season against teams with nothing left to play for (55-65 against the Pôle France and 77-87 in Les Sables) while a single victory would have been enough to ensure maintenance… But Hyères-Toulon had nevertheless been able to do what was necessary in the heart of winter to give itself the means to get out of it, to First by winning the matches needed for the playdowns (two victories against Kaysersberg) then by starting the low pool with three victories in a row. A formidable series without a future, if not a return to the anonymity of the National 2. Painful for an institution of French basketball, which deserves better than the economic and sporting troubles experienced for more than a decade…

ABBR and SOPCC arm in arm…

The defeat of HTV in Les Sables d’Olonne gave rise to unprecedented scenes on the floor of the Berck hall: the teams of ABBR and Pont-de-Chéruy celebrating their retention together, accompanied by northern supporters. However, less than two hours before, the tension was palpable, with the promise of a guaranteed rescue for the winner and the prospect of relegation to NM2 for the loser, if Hyères-Toulon won in Vendée. But without financial embezzlement that resulted in five penalty points, Dounia Issa’s side had nothing to do so low (11th record of NM1, in total, with 19v-15d) and proved it by dominating Berck ( 90-71) with in particular two capital performances of its interiors: 18 points at 8/11 and 9 rebounds for the former limougeaud Yasmin Mambo, 10 points and 16 rebounds for Lucas Thèvenard. Defeated by a breath in the final of National 2 last year by Hyères-Toulon (73-75), the ABBR took its revenge. Between these two historic clubs, it is he who will continue his journey in NM1 next season!

The results of the 6th day of the low hen:

• Berck – Pont-de-Chéruy: 71-90
• Les Sables – Hyères-Toulon: 77-67
• France Pole – Kaysersberg: 79-72
• Tarbes-Lourdes – Cergy-Pontoise: 90-66

Hyères-Toulon, Cergy-Pontoise, Les Sables d’Olonne and Kaysersberg are relegated to National 2