PREVIEW: Sharks go Trophy hunting in Cheshire on Sunday

BBL Trophy Semi-Final

All eyes on the North West this coming Sunday as the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks travel to the Cheshire Oaks Arena for a huge BBL Trophy semi-final clash against hosts Cheshire Phoenix. The prize – a place in the showpiece final at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena on Sunday March 26^th where the winners will take on Caledonia Gladiators, conquerors of Derby Trailblazers by 83-65 on Wednesday evening. The Sharks go into the game on the back of that very entertaining 92-74 takedown of Surrey Scorchers last Friday with the ‘Nix losing to Leicester Riders a fortnight ago by 91-105.

Sunday – Phoenix v Sharks – Cheshire Oaks Arena – 5.30pm

Tickets – BBL Trophy Semi Final – Cheshire Phoenix VS Sheffield Sharks Tickets, Sun 5 Mar 2023 at 17:30 | Eventbrite

Watch – Cheshire Phoenix vs Sheffield Sharks, BBL Trophy Semi-Finals – LIVE – YouTube

Ones To Watch

Jamell Anderson – BBL vet who can name Leicester Riders and Manchester Giants as his former clubs as well as being a GB international. No stranger to silverware from his time in Leicester and poured in 24 points against his former side a fortnight ago. Recently became a father – congratulations Jamell!

Maceo Jack – High flyer who competed against the Sharks very own Hensy Sako and Marcus Delpeche in the Cup Final dunk contest. Dangerous if allowed to get hot as his 17 points against Leicester proved. Averages 9.7 points per game for the season, shooting at 50% from inside the arc.

Larry Austin – The ‘Nix skipper has become a hero in the North West for his electric performances over the past two seasons. Those explosive drives into the paint have seen him glean 15.5 points per game this season with joint highs of 27 against Caledonia and Manchester so far. Fine all-round game with 5.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.4 steals this year to boot.

Marcus Evans – The former Bristol Flyer managed a 40 point weekend with 26 points against Caledonia being followed up by 14 in the Leicester defeat when Cheshire were last in action. Speedy guard who also likes to pick a pocket with 2.1 steals per game to his name this campaign as well as 13.2 points and 4.2 assists.

Last Meeting

December 29^th 2022 – B. Braun Sheffield Sharks (Nelson 21 Nichols 17 Banks 11) 73 Cheshire Phoenix (Jack 18 Austin 16 Teague 13) 88

Shark Bites

The Sharks play their first semi final in a BBL competition on Sunday since losing to London City Royals in the last four of the playoffs in May 2019. It will also be the Sharks 14^th Trophy semi final appearance in 29 seasons in the BBL.

The Sharks last win in a one-legged semi final in any BBL competition was on 1^st May 2004 against London Towers in the playoffs at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham.

In all competitions, the Sharks and Cheshire have met in three semi finals with Sharks winning 2 but losing the only previous one legged semi final.

Cheshire and Sheffield have met in 22 games previously in the BBL Trophy with Sharks winning 16. The last time the 2 clubs met at the semi final stage of the Trophy was in 2013 with Sharks winning both legs for a 176-134 aggregate victory.

The previous occasion when the Sharks met Cheshire in the Trophy semi final was 2013, the last time the Sharks won the competition. By coincidence, the last time the Sharks won the BBL Cup in 2011, they beat Cheshire in the semi final.

SharkNation

Now we know you could settle down in front of your TV on Sunday afternoon and cheer the Sharks on from afar but what could be better than being in a packed Cheshire Oaks Arena to roar Atiba, Rodney and the guys on to success in person? We’re on a mission to Glasgow so we’d love to see as many Sharks fans in the flesh as possible over in the North West on Sunday. The ticket link is at the top of the page as well as the livestream details. Whichever way you’re watching, send all your best to the team, who are desperate for a chance at some silverware this season. Don’t forget, 5.30pm is the tip off time to be loud, proud and in full effect as the Sharks look to extinguish the Phoenix flames. It’s been too long #SharkNation! We are the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks – #KnowOurName.

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Adam Bates