PREVIEW: Sharks look to extend unbeaten start

BBL Championship

Back to BBL Championship action for the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks this Sunday when they head over to the Cheshire Phoenix. The ‘Nix are 0-4 in the league having taken a big loss in front of the Sky TV cameras last Friday but bounced back to run Leicester to the wire in the BBL Cup on Saturday.

Sunday – Phoenix v Sharks – Ellesmere Port Sports Village – 5.30pm

Watch – www.bblplayer.co.uk

Ones To Watch

Ben Mockford – 30 points from the GB guard almost took Cheshire to the brink of victory against Leicester Riders last Saturday but sadly the ‘Nix were edged out by a solitary point at 85-84. Made 8 of his 12 shots from beyond the arc.

Mike Ochereobia – The forward had a monster game off the boards earlier in the season against the Sharks and he was no different last Saturday against the Riders. 12 rebounds including 7 offensive demonstrated his dominance under the hoop.

Namon Wright – A 16 point, 10 rebound double-double for the former Leicester Rider last Saturday against his old side. Explosive scorer who was effective against the Sharks back in October.

Teddy Okereafor – GB starting point guard who is on course to make the most consecutive starts for his country. Big assist game in Leicester last weekend with 10 to go with 10 points, 4 rebounds and a steal.

Last Meeting

October 10^th 2021 – Cheshire Phoenix (Wright 21 Bradley 20 Dickerson 12) 85 B. Braun Sheffield Sharks (Williams 22 Nichols 17 Anderson / Ratinho 11) 78

Shark Bites

The last seven games between the two sides have resulted in a Cheshire victory.

The Sharks are 2-0 against Manchester Giants in league play this season (and indeed 2-0 overall) whereas the Phoenix are 0-2 against their North West rivals.

In the battle of the point guards, Aaron Anderson just shades GB starter Teddy Okereafor by 8 assists to 7.8 respectively.

Five Sharks (Nate Montgomery, Rodney Glasgow, Kipper Nichols, Jordan Ratinho and Joe Mvuezolo) all have better three point shooting percentages than any Phoenix player.

SharkNation

We’re edging ever closer to our return back to the Tank! Put the date in your diary – Sunday November 28^th at 4pm when we welcome Leicester Riders to Ponds Forge for another huge game. Until then, we’re back in BBL Championship action this Sunday when we head over to Cheshire to take on the ‘Nix, looking to extend that 2-0 start to the league season. If you can’t make it to the game, don’t forget you can catch it live and for free on the BBL Player – see the link at the top of this page. Get warming those voices up SharkNation – the Sharks are on their way home! Fear The Fin!

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Adam Bates