Work in progress, but a promising future

Sheffield Junior Sharks vs Leeds Tigers

October 17th, 1.00pm

David Young Centre, Leeds

Leeds Tigers2517 1316 71

Junior Sharks14 5 1617 52

There were a few sighs when it was found that Leeds Tigers were the first fixture for the U15s as the Sharks know their pedigree and it was also felt that it may take some time for the new squad to find their feet. This was not the “baptism of fire” that they would have asked for. As the game started what they didn’t want to happen was to allow Leeds to come fast out of the traps. Unfortunately this is how the game started. 6-0 down in the first minute before Denis put Sharks on the board. This was soon 13-2 and it seemed as the new U15 players had not had time to settle down. A new five were sent on and even though it was the U14s playing up, their seasons experience of playing together soon paid dividends. From this point on the first quarter was shared 12 points apiece with Connor, Josh and Marcus racking up the points. The team was rotated again and Lemar finished off the quarter with a free throw. Although the early damage had been done they were holding their own towards the end.

It was hoped that this improvement would be worked on in the second quarter but Leeds dug in. Basically the laws of Physics mean you cannot go through another person, Leeds closed the Sharks out and the only points that they could register were all from free throws courtesy of Daniel, Dale and Lemar whilst Leeds’ quick breaks meant they had built up a 23 point lead at half time.

The supporters' observations at half time were that they team could do with a bit more passion and that a few more games previous to this may have helped gel them as a team. It was as if the bench had been listening. Passion and communications kicked in and a new look team took to the court. Lemar and Dennis supported by Connor soon had the supporters thinking a comeback may be on the cards. Newcomers Tommy and Wesley were working hard with Wesley grabbing a basket. Dale started to take advantage of the numerous Leed’s fouls by getting 3 points all from free throws Unfortunately Leeds were too strong to let the Sharks back into the match but a moral victory was achieved by winning the quarter.

More of the same followed in the last quarter. Eddy and Tyler had both battled all afternoon and Eddy’s reward was to bag one out of two free throws and then a nice basket. Also Lemar and Dennis continued to demonstrate they could play off each other with both getting baskets and also Dennis getting his second trey of the game. Wesley seemed to have spent a lot of time upside down during the game but eventually he was on the scoresheet again. All in all another quarter that the Sharks won with them starting to look like a team.

So, what did the supporters feel about the defeat? Funnily enough there was an upbeat air of optimism about the afternoon. All the things the team had lacked were things that can be put right and will develop as they get more competitive court time together. This being the case means that there are better times to come and maybe when the rematch takes place in December Leeds may come across a much better prepared team. A well done to the squad as it was always going to be a tough start to the season.

Team and scorers

Dennis Kaka (14), Connor Dixon (11), Lemar Darien-Campbell (6), Dale Stennett (5), Wesley Skaines (4), Daniel Jenkinson (4), Josh Edwards (3), Eddy Brownell (3), Marcus Welsh (2), Tommy Price, Tyler Gayle, David Frost

Fouls: Leeds 28, Sharks 16