Caledonia already have a win on the board. They overturned a third-quarter deficit to beat newcomers Liverpool Basketball 78–73 last weekend, outscoring them 24–17 in the final period. For the Sharks, Sunday is the first chance to put their new-look roster to the test in front of SharkNation.
Sunday 27 September – Sharks v Gladiators – Canon Medical Arena – 4.00pm
Tickets: Book your seat
The Match-Up
Caledonia’s opener offered an early look at what Sheffield may face. The Gladiators made 12 three-pointers against Liverpool and came up with 11 steals and seven blocks. Al-Amir Dawes led their scoring, while Terry Roberts hit an important late three as Caledonia completed the comeback.
The Sharks will want to make their own mark on the game: protect the ball against that defensive pressure, contest shots on the perimeter and make Caledonia work at the other end. There is a battle inside, too, after Gladiators forward Matt Zona opened his season with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
There are familiar faces on the Sheffield side of this fixture. New signing Prince Onwas spent three seasons with the Gladiators, while Fahro Alihodzic has also worn Caledonia colours. The Sharks have added guard Lu’Cye Patterson ahead of the new campaign, giving Head Coach Atiba Lyons another option as the season gets underway.
Ones To Watch
Maceo Jack – Sharks: A new face for Sheffield fans to get behind. Jack arrives from Newcastle, where he averaged 15.7 points per game last season. His scoring gives the Sharks a threat to call on in their opening outing.
Al-Amir Dawes – Gladiators: Caledonia’s leading scorer in their first game, Dawes finished with 23 points against Liverpool, including four three-pointers. Keeping him from finding space on the outside will be one of Sheffield’s early challenges.
Last Meeting
10 April 2026 – B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 113 Caledonia Gladiators 75
The Sharks finished last season’s series with a convincing home victory, with Alihodzic contributing 16 points and seven rebounds. Both squads have changed since then, and Sunday begins a new chapter in the match-up.
SharkNation
A new season, a home opener and a chance to get behind the Sharks from the first tip. Join us at the Canon Medical Arena on Sunday afternoon and make some noise for the team. It’s time to #FearTheFin!
