Sheffield Sharks v Cheshire Jets preview

BBL Championship – Friday 6 January 2012

 One Health Sharks Sheffield v Cheshire Jets

Sixth place versus eighth place was not where you may have envisaged these two sides at the mid-term point but the harsh realities are that neither side have lived up to their 2010/11 campaigns.

The Sharks will hope that home court advantage will allow them to bounce back from last week’s disappointing defeat at Glasgow Rocks. The 72-64 loss occurred with some extenuating circumstances; the absence of free-scoring Guard Jimmy Langhurst and illness in camp. Justin Dobbins still managed to post 15 points and 9 rebounds despite taking to the court suffering from a virus. Nate Reinking posted a game-high 21 points for Sheffield and he will again be the crucial figure in the side as Langhurst isn’t due to return until the home fixture with Guildford on 13th January.

The Sharks put up two BBL Trophy wins over the Jets earlier in the season, albeit by narrow margins and Coach Atiba Lyons will have to rely on solid contributions throughout the team if he is to earn a repeat. Forward Mike Tuck is one who can step up to the plate in this respect as his 10 points and 16 rebounds showed in the Rocks game. Good use of the rotation would appear to be the key to another Sharks success as they look to return to a positive record.

Cheshire return to the court for their first game since December 11th, when they went down to a 75-86 defeat against MK Lions. Their lowly position is somewhat baffling given the high numbers posted by their key players. 6’ 9’ forward Bill Cole has been a revelation since his introduction to the Northgate Arena as his current second place in the Points Average (22.1) confirms. Coach Lavery will also look to fellow newcomer Adam Brown to marshal the side. Guard Brown presently has the 2nd best assist rate in the BBL (5.4) and his involvement will be paramount if the Jets are to return from EISS with the points.

Tip off is 7.30pm for the first game of 2012.