Magic 2336 5168

Sharks 2028 4257

The Sharks took the trip across the Pennines to face old rivals, Manchester Magic. Sheffield were keen to show that the previous result between the sides was not a fair reflection of themselves and play with more determination & composure. The day did not start well however as sharp-shooter, Aidan Appleyard called to say he could not play due to an ankle injury. The Sharks would have to do without Aidan’s shooting touch and without Neil Appleyard’s excellent stats.

The rest of the squad made significant improvements in the first period limiting mistakes and not panicking under the full court pressure of the Magic. Despite this, the home side took a commanding 16-7 lead early on. The Sharks refused to lie down as they had done before and mounted a comeback led by 7 straight points from Josh Adams, cutting the gap to 2 points at 16-14. Indeed, Josh was proving un-guardable as his quickness and athleticism led to 16 points personal in the quarter. Sheffield went on to take the lead at 20-19 before it was the Magic’s turn to come back and finish the stanza up 23-20.

The 2nd period was the worst for the Sharks who simply couldn’t get the ball to go through the basket. The team simply cannot run its offense effectively at the moment and poor shooting accuracy highlighted by a run of 10 straight missed free throws was not helping the cause. Sheffield’s defence was keeping them within reach however, Henryk continues to improve and severely limited Manchester ability to get to the basket. In addition Renny and Conor were effective at forcing red shirts into the traps. Half-time: Sheffield down by 8.

The third period continued to display two outstanding defensive teams both limiting the others offensive production, the difference being Manchester’s better outside shooting. For the Sharks, highlights included George and Conor, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, putting some points on the board and the team finally making a free-throw, courtesy of Renny. Again the Magic edged the stanza 15-14.

The final quarter followed a similar script as a tough contest was slowly slipping away from the visitors due to some poor finishing, this time featuring missed lay-ups as well as outside shots and a further 4 missed free throws. Some late pressure from the Sharks proved too little too late who went down 68-57 at the final buzzer.

In summary, this result evokes mixed feelings. On the one hand Sheffield’s much improved character and intensity resulted in a 40 point swing from the previous meeting and is cause for praise. However, poor execution leaves feelings of what could have been if chances had been taken. Several missed lay-ups and a whopping 18 missed free throws (25% from the line in total) played a significant part. However, the Sharks have proved to themselves that they still belong among the elite and have firmly instilled a belief that they can beat the tough and talented Magic, hopefully in the Sureshot Cup Final.

Scorers

Josh Adams – 25pts

Conor Faulkner – 11pts

Renny Nascimento – 11pts

Henryk Krajniewski – 4pts

George Brownell – 4pts

Callum McKenzie – 2pts

Sheu Matewe

Quincy Kaka

Dennis Kaka

Zach Fenech – DNP, coaches decision

Jonni Shepherd – DNP, coaches decision