Sharks play their part despite opening day defeat

Thursday 14th September 2023

British Basketball League Regular Season

Newcastle Eagles 79 B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 72

There was to be no fairytale start to the British Basketball League Regular Season for the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks but they more than played their part in an entertaining opening day encounter. After clawing back an early six point deficit, Atiba Lyons’ men claimed a lead until deep in the third quarter. A touch of early season fatigue set in during the fourth period and despite a sixteen point haul from Jalon Pipkins, it was the hosts who took a seven point win.

Starting Fives

Eagles: McGill, Austin Jr, Ward-Hibbert, Johnson, Delpeche.

Sharks: Ramsey, Allen, Pipkins, Ratinho, Adekoya.

Key Moments

Predictably, the new look Newcastle roster took their side out to an 8-2 lead on Rickey McGill’s unconverted and-one play in front of their partisan crowd. Jubril Adekoya knocked down a three point shot to begin the Sharks renaissance as a 0-9 spurt concluded on a Jalon Pipkins alleyoop, assisted by Terrell Allen. The introduction of newly-appointed joint captain Bennett Koch garnered further points as the scoreline went out to 13-19 and Parker Stewart announced his arrival with a trademark triple. Former Manchester Giant Tahj Green had the final say; five late points narrowed the gap in an entertaining first quarter that ended 22-25.

The Sharks decidedly had the better of the second stanza too. Jordan Ratinho’s three on Allen’s kickout saw the difference begin to increase once more at 26-32 and the visitors held that at 28-34 when Pipkins mid-range effort late in the clock hit the mark. The Sharks entered the penalty inside the final two minutes but Newcastle were unable to capitalise as pull-ups from Koch and Devearl Ramsey saw the half end at 35-40.

Newcastle levelled early in the second half through McGill’s and-one play but another Stewart triple and a neat 15 foot shot from Terrell Allen saw the hosts calling for time at 42-49. Pipkins continued to demonstrate his offensive threat, making the steal and laying-in as the Sharks kept in front by 48-51 but the Eagles finally re-took the lead through a big Will Neighbour trey with two and a half minutes remaining. Parker Stewart hit his third shot from beyond the arc to put the Sharks back on top but a Larry Austin basket saw the period come to an end – Newcastle shading it by 56-54.

The short time the Sharks have been together and the early season drive for full fitness became apparent in the fourth quarter. Devin Whitfield’s triple saw the Eagles advantage open up at 65-58 and despite Terrell Allen driving to the hoop at 67-65, the final four minutes belonged to the home side. The ebullient Green finished McGill’s alleyoop pass, converted a pair from the line and dunked home to make it a ten point game at 79-69. Devearl Ramsey connected from distance but three further attempts from the Sharks failed to hit the target and the game concluded at 79-72 in Newcastle’s favour.

MVP

The game was not without it’s positives for the Sharks, who will clearly build on a promising early foundation. Parker Stewart’s three point prowess caught the eye and the wise head of Terrell Allen provided 5 assists on their regular season debuts. Joint skipper Bennett Koch added 11 points with 5 rebounds, 1 steal and a block from only 17 minutes court time. Devearl Ramsey displayed his all-action game which gleaned 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal but the MVP plaudits went the way of another of the Sharks returnees. Jalon Pipkins looked to be the Sharks greatest offensive threat, finishing with 16 points and converting 70% of his attempts from inside the arc as the men from South Yorkshire ultimately fell just short.

Next game

Cheshire Phoenix v B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, Sunday September 24th 2023, Cheshire Oaks Arena, 6pm Tip Off.

Image: Adam Bates