There’s something about walking into a gym before a basketball game that just puts me in a good mood. I was there to cover Oxford Hoops for the first time, and this particular game had a bit more on the line than your average pre-season friendly. Town vs Gown.

Oxford Hoops hosting Oxford University Blues on their home court. As a basketball photographer in Oxford, this was exactly the kind of game I wanted to be shooting..

A Tight First Half

The first half was tight throughout. Oxford University Blues had home court on their side, technically sharp and organised on familiar ground, and for two quarters neither side could really pull clear. I was moving around the court looking for angles, but I kept finding myself half-watching the game, briefly forgetting I had a job to do. That’s always a good sign. When a game pulls you in like that through a lens, you know there’s something worth photographing.

The coach was a constant presence on the sideline. Pointing, directing, reading every play. Watching him work was a story in itself.

Oxford Hoops Pull Away

The third quarter is where things shifted. Oxford Hoops started to find another gear away from home, and once the gap began to open up it kept growing. Jamie “JC” Cummins led the way with 20 points, playing with the kind of calm confidence that only comes from someone who’s been here before. Errol Otto added 11 of his own with real physicality around the basket, and Cooper Pantano controlled the tempo from the point. The scoreboard started telling its own story, and it was all going in the GUEST column.

What I loved most to photograph and watch at the same time were the dunks. There’s a fraction of a second where you’re framing the shot and then it just happens in front of you, explosive, fast, loud, and you’re a photographer and a fan at the exact same time. Those were the moments I was there for.

Full Time: Oxford Hoops Win

By the final buzzer it finished Oxford University Blues 56, Oxford Hoops 71. A deserved away win against a competitive home side that pushed them hard for a full half of basketball. For a pre-season friendly, it had the feel of something with a bit more on the line. The Town vs Gown rivalry has a way of doing that, even before the season has officially started.

The handshake line at the end summed it up well. Competitive, yes. But respectful. Two teams who clearly enjoy going at each other and mean it when they shake hands afterwards.

More Oxford Hoops Basketball Photography

This was a great first shoot with Oxford Hoops and I’m looking forward to more. If you want to see more from the day, the full gallery is up on the portfolio page and my Instagram post. Lastly, if you’re a club or team looking for your own coverage, take a look at my sports photography.

Photography by Angel Chira — Angenloski Photography, Oxford All images shot on Sony A6600