The Calm of April After the Storm of March in the French League

Only two teams went through the March undefeated. There is Bourges Basket who are in the process of claiming their first regular season title this century. And there is Villeneuve d'Ascq who have climbed from ninth place in the table to fourth. Both sides have also qualified for the final of the French Cup.

Bourges’ experience in playing midweek games in Europe over the years has helped them in the domestic marathon of seven games in 21 days. Other factors for the success of the club this season appear to be:

They have a professional roster of eleven players for the first time in their elite history. This has given Pierre Vincent the opportunity to cover for injuries. But more importantly the playing time for his players is more balanced with nobody playing an excessive number of minutes every game.

Another factor is the seamless integration of youthful exuberance and seasoned veterans. While the youth players have matured over the season the strength in Bourges has been the way the older players have performed.

Bourges Basket will not mind in conceding the title of March team of the month: to Villeneuve d'Ascq. At the end of February this club had been written off as title contenders. Abou N'Diaye is not a person that hides behind excuses. He gave his players a rest at the end of February. Even the injury to Jucimara Dantas did not disrupt his plans as his developed a strategy for the rest of the season

The result was impressive as Villeneuve came back to live in March.

The metamorphosis was incredible as the team starting winning games,  and the calming effect of Bénédicte Fombonne and Bintou Diémé help the players through some tough moments.

Villeneuve's championship play-off spot is not confirmed yet as they are only one game up on Mondeville and Saint Amand. The last four games will be decisive.

Montpellier have lost the consistence that saw them win ten consecutive games. Still they have assured their play-off spot. . The big question is if Montpellier will be ready for the showdown during the post-season.

USVO were one of the losers in March as they relinquished their regular season crown for the first time this century. Back to back defeats against Challes-les-Eaux and Bourges ended their hold on the regular season championship; USVO are still second in the standing and have already qualified for the play-offs.. They have players with plenty of play-off experience and with Nicole Ohlde this team could still come out smiling in May.

Mondeville and Saint Amand are still in the hunt for a championship play-off spot. But they both will require Villeneuve to drop a few games.

Challes-les-Eaux are back after a few weeks of turbulence. The club has lost four key players to injury. Furthermore they have also lost Jessica Davenport. It may be too late to challenge for a championship play-off spot. Yet their recent success against USVO and Clermont-Ferrand should get them ready for the post -season challenge round.

The bubble has burst for Reims in March with only one win in the league. The dream for a championship play-off spot is over .. Clermont-Ferrand have also had a month to better forget as they have fallen off the pace.

Tarbes are another team that have returned to form. Although it is too late for the real prize but they could do some damage in the challenge round play-off series . Isabelle Yacoubou's return to full fitness has changed the dynamics of the team. It has taken some time but Tarbes are beginning to play the team basketball that the club is renowned for. In contrast Aix-en-Provence are still looking for their game. They started March with full of promise but were unable to keep it by the end of the month.

Sheana Mosch said way back in January that the players were young and still be learning. And once they would get things right it should get better. For 10 minutes against Bourges, with Arras leading (20-17) her statement rang true - things are getting better. March has been good for Arras. They ended their ten-game losing streak and moved out of the relegation zone. Also the new players who have been brought in have more than contributed in the club's revival. r.

COB Calais have not had a good time in March and are now two games down on Arras in the relegation battle. They have no choice but to start winning otherwise NF1 is waiting for them next season.

Mourenx' nightmare season is coming to an end. They are officially relegated and are now playing for pride.

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