Sharks spoil the end of season party for Phoenix

Sheffield Sharks capped off a magnificent end to their regular season with an 85-72 victory over Cheshire Phoenix, making them one of the in-form sides going into the BBL Playoffs.

Ahead of the game, the duo of Andrew Donaldson and Terry Hearfield spoke to the Northgate Arena crowd to thank them for their support over what has been a tumultuous year for the Cheshire faithful. Having almost lost their side, the coming together of the entire community helped rescue the side and now, with the announcement of three sponsors for the next season, the rebuild can began.

There was a game still to be played out and a win for the home side, who were without veteran Shawn Myers through a neck injury, would see them leapfrog Durham Wildcats into 10th position, as long as Wildcats were victors over Manchester Giants.

A relatively equal start for both sides, but as the quarter developed it was clear Sheffield were not seeing this game as being nothing to play for. A huge 14-1 run put together from the visitors in response to Gabe Haskins’ big three at 17-15 saw them take control thanks to strong work by Mike Tuck and Nick Lewis, but Jerome Gumbs was able to reduce matters to single figures at the end of the period.

Zach Gachette opened the scoring following the break, after which Demetrius Jemison nailed an absolute monstrous one-handed jam getting well above the rim to posterize. Phoenix made up the four lost points, but were put to the sword once more with an 8-0 run rounded off with George Brownell’s attempt from beyond the perimeter for a game high lead of 17.

Cheshire tried in vain to stay in touch as the half-time drew nearer but Jemison and Lewis again stretched out the lead to 36-52.

However, no-one could have expected the next ten minutes to be as one-sided as it was.

12 of Gumbs’ overall 22 came in this period, and was the driving force behind the comeback being put together by the home team, who prevented Sharks from putting together more than eight points in reply, and Haskins’ second three of the evening brought the scoreline to within five at 55-60.

With the fightback on, in front of another large crowd at Northgate despite not being involved in any playoff race, it was to be short-lived as Sharks clearly regrouped at the quarter break, restoring the double-digit lead in double quick fashion.

Undeterred though Phoenix rose to the occasion and thanks again to Haskins from the free throw line cut the gap down to four and there was anticipation in the air for a stunning finish.

A well timed time-out focused Sharks once more and as Holmes shot the Phoenix down in flames with a vital three pointer followed by buckets from Jemison and Lewis.

The game played out from this point; the gas canister of Phoenix had finally ran out and Sharks came away with no health scares as they now prepare for the quarter-final playoff battle against struggling Eagles in the coming week.

Starting fives

Cheshire: Haskins, Bland, Gumbs, Marks, Thomson

Sheffield: Lewis, Holmes, Tuck, Jemison, Babalola

Key men

Cheshire – Gumbs (22pts, 8rbs)

Sheffield – Jemison (20pts, 10 rbs, 3 asts), Tuck (18 pts, 15rbs)

Game MVP

Demetrius Jemison was the glue that held the team together, but there were huge performances also from Tuck and Lewis. If these guys tick over during the playoffs and barring any faults, they could be on the whole win.