Trophy progression the goal for Sharks this weekend

Super League Basketball Trophy Group Stage

The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks will be looking to qualify for the semi-final stage of the Super League Basketball Trophy this coming weekend but a couple of tough fixtures await. A variety of scenarios exist but if the Sharks win out, then qualification is theirs. The Eagles have impressed in this early stage of the campaign and with a visit to take on Manchester on Sunday, the Sharks will need all the support they can get across two huge games.

Friday – Sharks v Eagles – Canon Medical Arena – 7.30pm

Tickets – https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures?fanStoreType=Fixtures&clubId=216

Ones To Watch

Josh Ward-Hibbert – Back to back defeats against Cheshire have upset the undeniable progress Newcastle have made but Ward-Hibbert continues to be their glue guy. His all-round game added 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals in the recent 69-90 home loss to the ‘Nix.

Seneca Knight – Proven scorer as his 16.2 point average this season suggests. A little off the boil in that Cheshire loss with only 10 but clearly is a huge offensive threat for the Eagles.

De’sean Allen-Eikens – Do-it-all player who is highly effective on both ends of the court. 10 / 7 / 2 against the Phoenix last time out with is comparable with his early season average of 13 / 6 / 2.

Mike Okauru – Led the Newcastle scoring in Cheshire with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and 2 blocks. Compliments Knight well as an Eagles scoring threat with a solid three point shot for a season average of 16.4 points per game.

Last Meeting

September 27th 2024 – Newcastle Eagles 78 B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 73

Sunday – Mcr Basketball v Sharks – National Basketball Performance Centre – 3.00pm

Watch - https://www.dazn.com/en-GB/fixture/ContentId:315c5rjrlb7zkj5lydlzhjswk/315c5rjrlb7zkj5lydlzhjswk

Ones To Watch

Marcus Delpeche – Manchester were +9 while ever the former Shark was on court and he made a quality mid-range shot amongst his three successes on the night. A surprisingly-low 14 minutes court time may become more in Sunday’s encounter.

Makai Ashton-Langford – Debuted against the Sharks last Sunday and inspired that late fightback that had the Sharks looking over their shoulder at one point. Went a perfect 4 of 4 from the line to finish with 10 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists and 2 steals.

Isaih Moore – Just shy of a double-double against the Sharks with 8 points and 8 boards but his previous NBA G League credentials were apparent. Claimed three rebounds off the offensive glass for the attack-minded Manchester side.

Nathan Cayo – Particularly effective inside for Manchester last weekend, hitting six of his eleven shots, to record 13 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals. Previously a standout in Canadian basketball.

Last Meeting

October 20th 2024 – B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 89 Manchester Basketball 77

Shark Bites

The Sharks have won their last 4 games, something they last achieved in March 2023. The last time they had 4 or more consecutive wins in the Trophy was 2013.

If the Sharks can maintain their unbeaten streak to the end of the month, it will be the first time since October 2017 that they have had a 100% record in the month of October.

Jordan Ratinho scored double figures in both games last weekend, having not reached 10 points in his previous 25 games for the Sharks.

Rodney Chatman missed the first free throw of his Sharks career but has converted the next 19.

In 8 previous visits to the National Basketball Performance Centre, the Sharks have recorded 4 wins and 4 losses. The last time the Sharks lost a Trophy game in Manchester was 17th February 1999.

SharkNation

An indescribably huge Friday night game awaits the Sharks and we need our SharkNation in top vocal form as ever. Newcastle Eagles are in town and with the Sharks ideally needing a victory by 6 points or more, we need our ‘sixth man’ to be loud and proud. You know the drill by now – hit the ticket link at the top of the page and settle in for a top night of basketball. Not only that, it’s our ‘Haunted Hoops’ night so expect some Halloween-themed fun. Come in your best Halloween costume for a chance to win some epic prizes! Don’t be scared, its not a trick. Give yourself a massive treat and pack the gym on Friday – it’s time to #FearTheFin !

Image

Adam Bates