REPORT: Marcus steers Sharks to Delpeche Derby success

Saturday 3^rd December 2022

BBL Championship

Bristol Flyers 72 B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 76

The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, still without the services of Sa’eed Nelson, put up another superb defensive stand to take down long-time leaders Bristol Flyers on the road in the South West. Marcus Delpeche was the hero of this particular ‘Delpeche Derby,’ claiming a huge double-double to get one over his brother, Bristol’s Malcolm. The Sharks now march on at 7-6 in the league ahead of a trip to Plymouth on Wednesday.

Starting Fives

Flyers: Olison, Bell, King, Malcolm Delpeche, Miller.

Sharks: Nichols, Banks, Ratinho, Glasgow, Koch.

Key Moments

The Sharks had Kipper Nichols and Nate Montgomery returning to the roster after their absence in the BBL Cup and raced out to a 3-7 lead after Channel Banks trey in transition. Nichols jump shot extended the advantage to 5-11 and Banks made the difference 10 from the line at 7-17. Bristol ended the first period with scores from VJ King and Malcolm Delpeche but the Sharks could be satisfied with a 14-21 scoreline after ten minutes play.

The Flyers set about reducing the arrears at the start of the second quarter. In-form guard Jelani Watson Gayle made a three from the corner and this was followed by back-to-back triples from Brandon Mahan as Bristol levelled matters at 27-27. The Sharks were undeterred – Marcus Delpeche connected on Channel Banks pass for the alleyoop before Bristol edged back in front through Corey Samuels, Thomas Bell and VJ King. A technical foul on Flyers Coach Andreas Kapoulas saw Rodney Glasgow close a deadlocked first half with the score at 36-36.

Signs that the Sharks could inflict a home defeat on the Flyers came to pass in a 10-18 third quarter. The sides were still tied at 44-44 midway through the stanza but a pair of Bennett Koch hook shots saw the Sharks finally steal an advantage. A Channel Banks stepback mid-range effort extended it to 44-51 and by the time Koch managed his own successful mid-ranger, eight points was the difference at 46-54.

A flurry of three point shots marked the start of the fourth period. Kipper Nichols and Channel Banks replied to efforts from VJ King and Jelani Watson-Gayle before Watson-Gayle hauled Bristol back into contention with another from downtown at 62-64. Their 12-2 run came to an end on Thomas Bell’s and-one play as their lead became 69-66. Once again the Sharks fought back through Jordan Ratinho and Rodney Glasgow and as Bristol went into the penalty, Javion Ogunyemi saw the Sharks out to 69-74 from the line. Tevin Olison connected on another three but with a mere 2.2 seconds left on the clock, the writing was on the wall. Two more free throws from Channel Banks sealed a memorable 72-76 win in one of the toughest BBL gyms to visit.

MVP

Three more season high displays were key to another tough Sharks away victory. Skipper Rodney Glasgow poured in a season-best 15 points with 6 rebounds and 2 assists with some clutch shots down the stretch. The ever-improving Channel Banks was also at his combative best. His 18 points, 2 rebounds and a steal came on 60% shooting and he even had the luxury of completing a free throw he intended to miss in order to run down the clock! Winning the MVP plaudits was the Sheffield-based half of the Delpeche family of basketball brothers. Marcus got one over his Bristol-based twin sibling Malcolm with a superb 17 point, 12 rebound double-double that also included 2 assists and a blocked shot as the Sharks cemented themselves in fourth place in the BBL Championship table.

Next game

Plymouth City Patriots v B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, Wednesday December 7^th 2022, Plymouth Pavilions, 7.30pm Tip Off.

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Adam Bates