Sheffield Junior Sharks V Northants Moulton

 Springs LC, Saturday October 3rd, 3.15 pm

1 2 3 4 Final

Sharks: 37132911 90

Northants:15202111 67

With the first game and a largely new team playing their first League fixture it was always going to be an interesting afternoon’s spectating. So it proved to be, and with a furiously paced first quarter where the Sharks men dominated in their intensity and team play. All the starters registered on the score-sheet racking up thirty seven points. There were good individual skills that were put to good effect on behalf of the team, such as the slick behind the back Joseph Baugh pass to Ben Cepulis. John Stewart muscled through for sixteen points including a dunk, and Captain Ben Cepulis teased out eleven. It was good to see new-comer Dave Price take to the court and show his potential. The quarter ended with Sheffield Junior Sharks 37 points, and Northants Moulton 15 points.

The second quarter was no worthy sequel to the first and discipline was lost. Northants determined not to be buried by the first period and came back at the home team with success from inside and outside shots. Failing attention to basics and loose ball handling cost the team dear, with team fouls being early in appearance for good measure. The offense was playing hide and seek. Jim Rose showed solidity taking six high for the quarter, Conor Faulkner was tight, and Vonn Tapiz showed powerhouse speed that earned him two points that brought the fifty up. In the analysis it was Northants’ quarter. Sheffield Junior Sharks 50 points, Northants Moulton 35 points.

Discontent with the second period appeared to give some cause for players and staff to regard the third quarter as time to consolidate and retrieve better composure. Northants had more than tasted the fruits of what was possible when digging deep. Another busy period saw Quincy Kaka (BigQ) looking sound, Mikel Moodie his typically tough and unstated self. Joseph came more into his own taking eight points. The quarter ended Sheffield Junior Sharks 79 points, Northants Moulton 56 points.

The final period was relatively low scoring, but at least it opened with a Sharks three-pointer, courtesy of Joseph, more remarkable by its singularity. George Brownell provided an object lesson in close marking and concentration in the face of his opponents. A beautiful and selfless assist to Quincy. Dave showed some good judgement again as he continued to settle into the team. Josh Adams got into the play and took the please of the last basket and the ninetieth point for the home team.

Reflecting on the statistics the impression gained through the game is confirmed that basketball basics matter a great deal. More effort on these and sticking to the team script will no doubt be the focus over the coming weeks. A beginning of the season now to build upon.

Thanks go to Joe and Alex Moodie for the wonderful stats, and to the coaches and supporters.

Player Statistics: John Stewart: 27 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 blocked shot; Joseph Baugh: 19 points, 18 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, 1 blocked shot; Jim Rose: 17 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals; Ben Cepulis: 17 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals; Mykel Moodie: 4 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 7 steals; Vonn Tapiz: 2 points, 2 steals; Quincy Kaka: 2 points, 1 rebound: Josh Adams: 2 points; Conor Faulkner: 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal; Dave Price: 2 rebounds; Louis Francis-Edge.