Phoenix next up at the Forge

BBL Cup North Group

Sunday 29th September 2019

B. Braun Sheffield Sharks v Cheshire Phoenix

The B. Braun Sharks reach game three of the new season with renewed optimism following last weekend’s stunning home bow against Manchester Giants. This Sunday, Cheshire Phoenix arrive at Ponds Forge, having gone 0-2 on the opening weekend with a short-handed roster but with favourable reports about their squad once it is up to strength.

What to expect

Results-wise, it wasn’t the greatest for the ‘Nix on opening weekend. They dipped on Friday away at Newcastle by 97-68 and followed that up by going down 63-75 to visitors Leicester Riders on Sunday afternoon. Cilo Latinovic top-scored for Cheshire with 15 on Friday and fellow BBL vet Louis Sayers weighed in with 18 on Sunday. The Phoenix have several players with vast BBL experience; as well as Latinovic and Sayers, Disraeli Lufadeju and Mike Ochereobia have been around the league before and the returning Jalen Hayes put up 14.1 points per game in his last spell with the side. New to the club are Parker Jackson-Cartwright at point guard and forward Montell McRae, although like many sides, Cheshire have yet been able to give game time to Karim Mouliom. Despite their start, their roster seems a strong one and it is certain that Coach Ben Thomas will have his side fired up for Sunday’s encounter.

Shark Watch

The Sharks split their opening weekend, losing in Leicester by 75-54 but triumphing in emphatic fashion on their return to Ponds Forge over Manchester Giants by 95-61. The spread of scoring on Sunday was vastly improved from Friday – eight Sharks on the sheet and three with double doubles. Nick Lewis compiled his second 20 point haul, Bennett Koch gleaned a second double double of the weekend, Mackey McKnight dished out ten assists and there was an MVP performance from Rob Marsden. It was expected that new signing Connor Cashaw would be arriving in the UK this week so anticipation is high for another exciting game at the club’s new home of Ponds Forge this coming Sunday.

Last time out

Cheshire Phoenix (Latinovic 28 Gettys 16 Allen-Jordan 9) B. Braun Sharks (Alexander 23 McKnight 12 Williams 12)

Fans Corner

If you were there, you know! If you weren’t there, then you need to get down to Ponds Forge this coming Sunday to find out what it’s all about! Your B. Braun Sharks took down Lancastrian rivals Manchester Giants in stunning fashion last Sunday and Coach Lyons would like to see the SharkNation filling ‘The Tank’ as he bids to repeat the feat against Cheshire. We go again at the new family-friendly time of 5pm this coming Sunday and we need to make use of the great acoustics in our new venue! Come along, make some noise and join ‘the new wave!’

Next home game

B. Braun Sharks v Cheshire Phoenix, Sunday 29th September 2019, Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, 5pm Tip Off.

Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/b-braun-sheffield-sharks-v-cheshire-phoenix-cup-group-stage-tickets-70628685299

Image

Andy Chubb