Report by Jessica Downs
The B.Braun Sheffield Sharks defeated Scottish side, Caledonia Gladiators in an outstanding season opener with a 98-76 point win. The Sharks performance had significantly improved after their pre-season games, especially with the new additions of Prince Onwas and Lu’Cye Patterson.
The Sharks started the game with great momentum and won the tip-off. Both teams started with a great defence and a minute passed with no points until Maceo Jack drew a foul to put the Sharks up 2 points. Adrian Delph put up a 3 point shot to bring the Sharks to 19-10 however, Christian Keeling responded with a 3 point shot for the Gladiators for 19-16. Lu’Cye Patterson onto the court for the first time and puts up a 2 point shot (21-16). William Lee passed to Maceo Jack for a final 2-point dunk to end the quarter 23-17.
Sharks started the second quarter off with high athleticism straight away having put themselves up to 27-17 after Maceo Jack put up 3-points. With a 10-point gap the Sharks continued to keep up their pace to keep their lead as Caledonia chased to close the gap. Sean Bairstow brought more fire to the game as he put a 2-point shot down off of the glass (38-23), while also being fouled on the play by Caledonia’s Terry Roberts, making him a 4-point play, giving the Sharks a 17-point lead. The Gladiators scored the last points of the quarter but the Sharks led 42-31.
Sean Bairstow opened up the third quarter points as he spun and put up 2 points (44-31). Ly’Cye Patterson was on a roll in his debut game as he put up another two points (54-40) and followed with three points (61-43). A scramble below the basket broke out as Patterson missed a shot but Ratinho managed to get the ball and pass it to Maceo Jack who put up a huge 3 points (64-43). Sean Bairstow put up a 2 point jump shot to close out the Sharks points for that quarter as it ended 71-53.
The Gladiators managed to open the scoring in the final quarter as Fraser Malcom put up 3 points but William Lee followed up closely with 3 points of his own (74-56). A small stumble from Jordan Ratinho as he dropped the ball at one point but quickly recovered and passed it to Prince Onwas who put it up for 2 points (89-71). Maceo Jack closed out the final quarter with a huge 3 point shot to just border the win on triple digits, as the Sharks won 98-76.
For a season opener each player stood out individually but there were definitely some who certainly impressed. Sean Bairstow had an amazing game with 18 points, 2 assists and 1 steal and Adrian Delph also stood out in this game with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Though the MVP award of the night went to Maceo Jack with 25 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. Jack was also one of the most reliable players on the court tonight and was creating chances and openings for the Sharks.
The Sharks are next at home on Sunday 11th October against the Leicester Riders at the Canon Medical Arena with tip off at 4pm. Tickets available now on the Sharks website!
