Essen overpowered AS Soleuvre 111-63 in a U18 friendly at Zolwer/Scheierhaff, taking control from the opening tip and never letting go. The visitors burst to a 0-7 start (five from Leo) and piled up 33 first-quarter points. By halftime it was 27-57, and Essen methodically won every quarter. The margin peaked at +50 late in the fourth (57-107) before closing at +48.
Essen's scoring was broad and constant. Leo (ESE) led with 28 and closed strong in the fourth with a three and repeated trips to the line. Nino (ESE) and Jona (ESE) added 15 each, Hugo (ESE) struck from deep for 12, and Robin (ESE) chipped in 10 after entering in the second quarter. Devin (ESE) and Luca (ESE) had 9 apiece, while captain Klaas (ESE) posted 8. As a team, Essen converted 38 two-pointers, 9 triples and 8 free throws, repeatedly finding seams in transition and half-court.
Soleuvre's brightest stretches came after the break. Pol Diedenhofen (SOL) led with 14 through steady mid-range and inside finishes. Diego Fine (SOL), 17, from France, tallied 13 and knocked down a late three in the fourth. Lex Lahure (SOL) had 9 with an early triple and later free throws, matched by Nik Lahure (SOL) on 9 including a second-quarter three. Kyan Braunshausen (SOL) added 9 while navigating foul trouble.
Foul management mattered for Essen: Jona picked up four personals and Klaas also reached four, yet neither fouled out and both remained productive. Short bursts dotted the flow Dwayne (ESE) sank back-to-back free throws in Q2, Malik Bah (SOL) answered with two in a row in Q3 but Essen's sustained pace and shot-making under their coach kept the gap growing throughout.
(AI generated)