Can Do, Will Do
Sheffield Junior Sharks V Trafford
All Saints RC High School (Goals), Sunday October 4th, 4.15 pm
1 2 3 4 Final
Sharks:25281418 85
Trafford:28151016 69
Sunday afternoon at all Saints was a much welcome opportunity for supporters to be gathered together on tiered seating rather than the wall-line at Springs where you only get to appreciate the basketball experience with those either side of you. Not so at All Saints. This ‘getting sorted’ game was all the more a shared basketball experience because of it. This was an engrossing game to watch and kept everyone alert to what was happening on the court in this second win of the season.
Though Manchester’s ‘playing-up’ teams are clearly younger than others in the Leagues, it is always foolish to under-estimate them and think that they can be subdued. Plain to say then that the first quarter was Trafford’s who played in harrying and muscular fashion from the start. Despite their known style it did not stop the home team being surprised and they allowed the Mancunians too much space in which to play. It took too long to realise that the response was in their own hands, and feet if they cared to use them. Not a quarter to savour.
Sharks lost the tip and after losing the advantage an attempt to quell the opposition was made with a Joseph Baugh Dunk. Trafford simply replied with a three from the available space. Thereafter it was a matter of trying to deal with Trafford amidst loose handling and passing and telegraphing intent to deny hoop success. Conor Faulkner made a welcome entry to the first quarter making it to the line and taking one point after the appearance of being rugby tackled. Louis Francis-Edge showed a tremendous leaping capability to match the big men. All the starters made the score-sheet. Jim Rose picked up fouls for his earnestness, and John Stewart starting fishing for fouls that came with three points from four throws. Mykel Moody similarly endeavoured, as did Captain Ben Cepulis. Trafford’s press sometimes caught the home team’s inbounding off balance because the help needed was not readily there. One noted help to the better was Joseph’s close follow up to put-back to the basket when the ball went astray. The quarter ended Sheffield Junior Sharks 25 points, Trafford 28 points.
The second quarter made up for many of the ills of the first, but not all, after a wobble at the opening where Trafford took the first points. Coach Ransom was busy throughout the period, with his “Body, not hands” instruction echoing around the All Saints hall. Joseph and John took more command and made nine points in quick succession including a three from Joseph. Trafford answered before John pulled up sharp and made a three before fishing along the baseline. Unbowed by potential foul trouble Jim took four secure points in a pair of straight baskets. Conor and Josh Adams took to floor to make an impression and attracting fouls against them for their efforts. Louis contributed again. At the half the score was resolved, with Sheffield Junior Sharks on 53 points, and Trafford on 43 points. The break was welcome relief in what was an extremely busy game where the Sharks were getting tougher.
The third stanza had a less than slick Sharks opening. Home team players worked well to support one another and make the running with some genuine creativity. In the face of this Trafford did not fall away in what was the lowest scoring quarter of the game. Jim still persisted despite being attributed fouls. Dave Price made a welcome contribution as did Louis, Conor who took another two points from the line and involved in what was a ruck. The quarter ended Sheffield Junior Sharks 67 points, Trafford 53 points.
The fourth quarter saw Trafford seeking a way back and it was they that posted the first points before Mykel set things straight with two consecutive baskets. John took his own score above thirty knowing that the only way to deal with the situation was to pile up as many points as possible. Ben and Joseph added for good measure and before long both Ben and Jim became fold victims and were fouled out. Vonn Tapiz, Quincy Kaka and George Brown were added to the last stanza mix, and they prevailed before the game concluded with Sheffield Junior Sharks on 85 points and Trafford on 69 points.
A number of players dug deep on the day when perhaps they did not expect to have to. This match was timely then. The game will have been a welcome early lesson about what can be done with concentration and application, and what is lost when the focus is not maintained. The next game against Derby ought to be the place to show an increased tightness and much improved housekeeping. This team has intelligence and athleticism. It will do well in the season with all players playing their part and executing the plays according to the direction of the coaches and responding to the leadership of senior players on the court. And already we are an eleventh of the way through the regular season.
Thanks go to Joe and Alex Moodie for the impeccable stats, and to the coaches and supporters.
Player statistics: John Stewart 35 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals, 1 blocked shot. Joseph Baugh: 17 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 2 blocked shots. Ben Cepulis: 14 points, 1 rebound, 7 assists, 3 steals. Mykel Moodie: 9 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 6 steals. Jim Rose: 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal. Conor Faulkner: 3 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals. Louis Francis-Edge: 1 rebound. Dave Price: 1 Steal. Josh Adams: 1 Steal. Vonn Tapiz, Quincy Kaka, George Brownell.
Next game: Derby at Noel Baker School, Saturday October 10th at noon. Bracknell Drive, Alvaston, Derby, DE24 0BR
