Sharks 13 23 36 56

Lions 27 40 64 77

The Sureshot Cup Semi-Final was the 2nd fixture of the weekend for the Sharks and expected to be a tough and close contest. Problems arose before the game started however as despite confirming they would play in gold, Two-time national Champion MK Lions turned up in black. Sheffield had no way of getting a Yellow kit to the venue on time so the teams had to play Navy vs. Black – not ideal.

Despite this Sheffield got off to a good start, taking a 4-0 lead. The old problem of this group (playing at 50% in an apparent state of confusion) then reared its ugly head and before too long the talented and organised Lions were up 8-4. This continued throughout the period with the Sharks apparently not learning lessons regarding ball movement vs. over-dribbling as a few players were way out of control attempting to force penetration before throwing the ball away. Did the similarity of the teams’ Jerseys have anything to do with this, maybe? But Sheffield must take at least 90% of the responsibility for poor decision making.

A change in defence for the 2nd stanza seemed to slow Milton Keynes down but the Sharks offense was producing little to no results. More poor decisions led to off-balance, low percentage shots but even when there was good ball movement – the open shots would roll around or ricochet off the basket, anything but go in! Despite a closer contest (10-13) Sheffield went into the locker room down 17 points.

The players memories were cast back to the last time they were down 17points in the semi-final of a major competition. That time Solent Kestrels, endured a furious and high paced fight back from the Sharks and the rest is history. It was not to be this time round however as for whatever reason the intensity did not appear and the same frustrations were on display. By the end of the 3rd the Lions lead had grown to 28.

The 4th period began and Sheffield finally found their desire. Aggressive and frantic defence caused a number of turnovers and led to fast break points. The Sharks were all over every loose ball, outrebounding opponents who were significantly taller than themselves and playing with pride. The quality of the Lions showed however and a couple of timely outside shots broke the heart of the Sharks. Their comeback, which had led to them winning the final stanza 20-13, was valiant but far too late in the day. Milton Keynes progress to the final to face their familiar rivals, Manchester Magic.

Credit must go to Milton Keynes, they are a big, strong team with excellent shooters, they moved the ball very well, defended brilliantly and were the worthy victors. The Sharks however are left wondering what could have been if only they had played with the desire they showed in the 4th from the opening tip? I suspect the result may have been a little different.

The lesson to be learned is very simple and has been repeated dozens of times already this season:

Play team basketball with aggression & pace = winning performance

Sit back and wait for opposition to attack = frustration

Heads must be lifted however as there are still many games to be played and many chances for redemption. Now is the time to move on & prove how good we really are!

George Brownell: 19pts, 4 rebs, 4 steals, 1 assist, 1 blk

Josh Adams: 13pts, 9 rebs, 2blks, 1 steal, 1 assist

Henryk Krajniewski: 8pts, 8 rebs (100% shooting)

Conor Faulkner: 8pts, 6 rebs, 2 assists, 2 steals

Aidan Appleyard: 4pts, 4rebs, 2 assists, 1 steal

Callum McKenzie: 4pts, 3 rebs, 2 steals

Renny Nascimento: 2pts, 1 reb, 1 assist

Sheu Matewe:1 reb, 1 assist

Quincy Kaka

Zach Fenech – DNP – coach’s decision

Jonni Shepherd – DNP – coach’s decision

Dennis Kaka – DNP – coach’s decision