Job done as Rocks close out year with scrappy victory

The Glasgow Rocks finished 2011 with a much needed 72-64 bounce-back victory over the One Health Sheffield Sharks following their horror show of a double-header before Christmas.

Coming off two poor losses against Worcester and Plymouth, and with an injury ravaged squad, both Coach Davis and rising star Jonny Bunyan insisted finishing the year on a high was the only option. Bunyan, who scored all of his nine points in under two minutes during a crucial period at the start of the fourth quarter that edged the Rocks in front, stated that ‘we had to get the win’ while Coach commented that the team had responded terrifically in training and was proud of his troops performance.

With guard E.J. Harrison still out, and Davis looking suave in his suit while he sits out with a torn MCL, the Rocks were going to be up against it, but backed by a large and vocal Kelvin Hall crowd, the navy blue were able to pull off yet another stirring display against the Sharks, having previously beat them 82-64 in mid-November in front of the SKY cameras. While the Rocks were short-handed due to injuries, the Sharks were dealt a blow of an entirely different kind when leading scorer Jimmy Langhurst was unable to renew his visa and remained in the United States. Meanwhile, Justin Dobbins was suffering from the flu and captain Adrian Anderson remained sidelined due to a broken wrist.

It wasn’t a pretty game by any means, but the Rocks will not be too bothered by that as they look to stake claim to a top four slot in the table. The opening exchanges suggested that it was to be a scrappy affair as neither side was able to build momentum as missed shot followed missed shot and the Sharks passing left a lot to be desired. The Rocks built up a 24-16 lead early in the second quarter, but, as is often the case, Glasgow went missing for a large chunk of the game. With the defence being characteristically erratic in both its marking and pressure, Sheffield were able to capitalise on their rebounding advantage, and poor Rocks shooting, to go on a 12-0 run. Even so, the likes of Nate Reinking and Olu Babalola were unable to pick up the pace as the Sharks kept missing wide open chances.

A key block from Cranston, and the hustle and determination of the Ginger One appeared to relight the fire in the home team again as they closed out the half scoring more points in the final two minutes than they had managed in the previous eight to take a slender lead into the break.

Speaking after the game, Coach Davis was quick to heap praise on the young Scot saying that Jonny was ‘playing with more confidence’ and that ‘as time goes on he’ll get even better.’

A tight third quarter left the Rocks up by four points going into the final stanza.

Enter Jonny Bunyan. The 19 year old scored all nine of his points in a breathtaking and mesmerising two minute spell at the start of the fourth quarter that brought not only the crowd, but the Rocks bench to their feet in a mixture of adoration and astonishment. The young guard is playing with a confidence and skill that belies his teenage years. On several occasions he went right at the Sharks big men and beat them. Thanks mainly to the injury to E.J. Harrison, Jonny has been receiving ample game time, perhaps more than Davis would have initially intended, but recently he has forced his way right into the forefront of Sterl’s thoughts with electrifying displays and an infectious enthusiasm and hustle that can only bring about positive vibes for the rest of the players.

The Sharks never really got going, and despite out-rebounding the Rocks (55-33) they went an unforgiveable 5 of 35 from 3 point range, and shot just 30% from the field. That proved too poor an offensive performance from Atiba’s boys and the Rocks, thanks to back to back three pointers from Mychal Green, led by as many as 13 points in the final quarter before closing out a somewhat ugly, but very much deserved win.

The Rocks start 2012 with an away trip to perennial challengers and foes, the Eagles in what is sure to be a tough match-up against the table toppers then they have a fortnight off before the visit of the Mersey Tigers to the Kelvin Hall. Meanwhile, the Sharks will be hoping to resolve Langhurst’s visa issues and get him back on court as soon as possible. They really seemed to miss his presence and it forced other players to step up, something that, unfortunately for Atiba, not too many of his troops actually managed to do.

Despite leading all scorers on 21 points, veteran Reinking went 7 of 26, with big man Justin Dobbins being the lone Shark to impress. For the Rocks, it was another solid performance for Danny Huffor, who lead the team in both points and rebounds, coming just a rebound shy of a double-double with 19 points and nine boards.

Game MVP : Jonny Bunyan – It could easily be argued that Huffor and Cranston had better games, but the little man’s brief spell of sheer genius is what swung the momentum right into the Rocks favour and they never let go. The Rocks have a supremely talented and confident youngster on their hands.