Super League Basketball Championship
It’s tight at the top! The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks return home to the Canon Medical Arena this Friday for a swift rematch against Cheshire Phoenix, this time in the Super League Basketball Championship. Just one win separates the Sharks and Leicester Riders from leaders London Lions with the ‘Nix creeping ominously into fourth place. The Sharks toughed-out that victory against a tricky Surrey 89ers side last weekend with Cheshire snatching a thriller on the buzzer against Newcastle. Factor in a debut for Sharks’ new signing Scottie Lindsey and it all adds up to another unmissable encounter in the Tank on Friday night!
Friday – Sharks v Phoenix – Canon Medical Arena – 7.30pm
Tickets - https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures?fanStoreType=Fixtures&clubId=216
Ones To Watch
Nick Timberlake – Had the Eagles crying a river with the three point shot on the buzzer that took the ‘Nix to a famous win last Sunday. His mammoth 37 points included 7 makes from downtown and he was also perfect from the line as Cheshire moved into fourth in the SLB table.
Tyreek Scott-Grayson – Do-it-all guy who comes from the bench to great effect for Coach Ben Thomas’ men. Shot at a good 60% clip to end with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks as Phoenix downed Newcastle by 106-103.
Larry Austin Jr – Flirted with a triple-double as those famous downhill runs caused all sorts of bother in the Newcastle ranks last Sunday. 17 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists was just reward for the man who loves life in the North West.
Skyler White – The Cheshire skipper did all his work from downtown in familiar fashion as there were scenes of delight at the EPSV following the Newcastle success. Averages 13.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists for the campaign to date.
Last Meeting
January 12th 2025 – B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 92 Cheshire Phoenix 78
Shark Bites
The Sharks meet Cheshire on Friday for the 100th time in Championship games. The previous 99 league-only match ups have seen the Sharks prevail in 56 games. The Phoenix have held the advantage in recent times having won 12 of the 16 Championship games played between the clubs since February 2020.
The Sharks go into the game as the only remaining team unbeaten on their home court in Championship games this season.
A combined total of 124 points in the Sharks win at Surrey last Friday was the lowest aggregate total points in a game involving the Sharks since 25th October 2003, when the Sharks won 67-55 at Plymouth.
Jordan Ratinho and Rodney Glasgow Jr have played in a combined total of 300 games for the Sharks, while their current team-mates, including the injured EC Matthews and Rodney Chatman, total exactly 200.
SharkNation
SharkNation – you need to give a warm Sheffield welcome to our latest signing Scottie Lindsey on Friday evening. The Sharks showed their intent by getting this guy to put pen to paper so let’s show our appreciation when he steps out against the Phoenix. Remember the atmosphere as we took down the ‘Nix a fortnight ago? Well, we need that again plus a whole heap more! Cheshire are heating up so the guys are going to need all the help you can give on what promises to be another thrilling evening in the Tank. That means noise, noise and more noise! Hit the ticket link at the top of the page and start your weekend in the best possible fashion – It’s time to #FearTheFin!
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Adam Bates