Sharks prepare for second placed Worcester
One Health Sharks Sheffield v Worcester Wolves
Friday 27th January 2012 – EIS Sheffield
The latest instalment in a topsy-turvy season for Sheffield Sharks arrives on Friday evening as the surprise-package of the BBL, Worcester Wolves roll into town.
The Wolves currently find themselves in second place in the Championship table, just two points behind leaders Newcastle, the conquerors of the Sharks in last week’s Sky-televised game. Worcester have gone about their business quietly and efficiently and as a result, Paul James’ men find themselves with a 12-3 record and an intriguing fixture to come against the Eagles on 4th February. Stand-out performers for the Wolves have been free-scoring Forward duo of Richie Gordon (18.9 ppg) and Tommy Freeman (18.1 ppg), both new to the roster for this season.
Ex-Worthing Guard Sherrad Prezzie-Blue leads the assists table with 5.3 per game, summing up the team ethos that has guided the Wolves into their lofty position. Worcester come into the game on the back of a 97-87 win over Cheshire, looking to prepare for their top of the table clash against Newcastle in the best possible way.
In sharp contrast, the Sharks know all too well about the dominance of the side from the North East, having just succumbed to an 86-67 defeat at Sport Central last Friday. That dip sent Sheffield to a 6-7 record and joint sixth place in the table. Better news was the eight minutes that big Forward Justin Dobbins managed to spend on the court, hopefully a pointer that he is starting to return to fitness following back trouble.
The Sharks may have concerns over the one and two positions. Nate Reinking, eighteen point top scorer against the Eagles, picked up a knock in that game and may be a doubt. Jimmy Langhurst once again sat out the Newcastle game, despite having resolved his visa situation. This time there is an issue within the club regarding Sky TV appearances and Langhurst will not know until Wednesday whether he is clear to take part. Clearly the Sharks could do with Langhurst getting some game time under his belt in view of the important BBL Trophy semi-final first leg against Newcastle on Friday week so it is to be hoped that this latest anomaly is resolved quickly.
Coach Lyons is clearly hurting from his team’s latest setback. However, the Sharks have tended to perform better in the face of adversity this season. A visit from the second placed side in the league on the back of a heavy defeat would suggest such a scenario. One pleasing aspect to recent performances has been the form of Mike Tuck, who has risen to fourth in the BBL rebounding averages with 9.9 per game, having taken over the mantle from Justin Dobbins. It is determination on this scale that Sheffield will need if they are to tame the high-flying Wolves.
Will Worcester maintain their title challenge or will the Sharks keep their feet in the playoff positions? 7.30pm at EISS on Friday is the time and place to find out!