Report by North Derbyshire Radio’s David Bell
The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks ended 2025 with a bang, coming back from a 12 point deficit to defeat fierce rivals Cheshire Phoenix by 101-97. The ‘Nix stormed into a first quarter lead but saw the Sharks take the subsequent three to record a thrilling end of the year win. Leading all scorers was the inventive Mervin James, who extinguished the Phoenix’ flames with a 32 point, 14 rebound double-double but there were also highly praise-worthy performances from Dirk Williams, Prentiss Nixon and William Lee. The Sharks put pressure on their second-ranked North West opponents by moving into third place with an 8-5 record ahead of their opening game of the New Year on Sunday against Surrey 89ers.
There was an air of predictability about the manner in which Cheshire started the game. Big threes from Skyler White were matched by team-mate Tobias Cameron as the visitors went up by 6-12. The Sharks restored parity through Mervin James at 15-15 but White went on to his fourth triple of the quarter, quickly followed by a pair from Frankie Policelli to lead by 21-29. Cameron’s third trey sealed a useful 25-34 advantage for Coach Thomas’ side by the end of ten minutes of intense action.
Cheshire’s lead became 12 at the top of the second period and with White’s fifth shot from deep, they looked comfortable in their 29-40 scoreline. Things got worse for the Sharks with a second technical foul call on Rodney Chatman III but despite him leaving the game, the hosts began to chip away at the gap. Dirk Williams delightful fast break and euro-step finish closed an 11-3 run and saw the Sharks back in front at 44-43. Jaxon Brenchley inched the ‘Nix back ahead on an and-one drive but at 46-50, there was still plenty to play for after half time.
The Sharks secured the third quarter to the tune of 28-21. Back-to-back threes from Jordan Ratinho and Dirk Williams swung the momentum Sheffield’s way before Cheshire kept a wing-tip ahead at 62-69 through Damiri Lindo. The Sharks finished the stanza strongly. William Lee’s triple from Jalen DeLoach’s assist put them back ahead by 71-69 and an outrageous half-court banked effort from Prentiss Nixon on the buzzer set up an intriguing final ten minutes at 74-71.
The final period went back and forth but went in the Sharks favour by a single point and a four point win overall. Skyler White got the friendly roll on another trey from the wing as Cheshire went back in front, followed by triples from the Sharks’ William Lee and a reply from Jaxon Brenchley. Mervin James doused the Phoenix flames with a thrilling spin move to the hoop and his three late in the clock gave the Sharks daylight at 93-87. The game looked over when Dirk Williams three took the score out to 98-92 inside the final 30 seconds and despite a series of trips to the free throw line, it was Atiba Lyons’ side who claimed a memorable year-ending 101-97 success.
Prentiss Nixon stepped into the breach following the ejection of Rodney Chatman with a fine 14 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists. Matching his points total was William Lee. His points came on 71% shooting and also included a vital 7 rebounds, an assist and 2 big blocked shots. Using all his guile as ever was Dirk Williams. He went 4 of 6 from downtown and added 3 to the block party to finish with a very useful 22 points. The MVP was Mervin James. He created a variety of ways to score the ball, making 11 of 18 attempts inside the arc as well as ripping down 14 rebounds to go with his exquisite 32 point tally.
The Sharks play their first game of 2026 on Sunday 4th January when they entertain Surrey 89ers at the Canon Medical Arena in a 4pm tip off.
Image: Adam Bates
