Saturday 4th February, NBL Division One: Hemel Storm 114 – 82 Reading Rockets
Sunday 5th February, NBL Division One: Hemel Storm 127 – 85 London Lions II
Last weekend saw Vanarama-sponsored Hemel Storm face Reading Rockets on Saturday and London Lions II on Sunday. With 2 fantastic scoring displays, Storm comfortably won both games cementing their place at the top of the table with a 15-0 record.
Saturday’s visitors Reading Rockets who came into the game with a win streak of 5, gave a respectable account of themselves and managed to frustrate Storm on defence and shoot well from the perimeter to lead the game by a point at the end of the first quarter. The incredible movement of the basketball helped Storm to race off into the lead and managed to defend their own basket even better only conceding 14 points in the third quarter. Although Reading proved tough to break down throughout the game, Storm managed to dominate the latter stages eventually winning 114-82.
Sunday’s game against London Lions II was a game where Storm could not afford to underestimate the opposition due to their energy being a young team. The first quarter showed many defensive breakdowns from a Storm perspective conceding avoidable baskets. However the second quarter was a much better performance, with Storm only conceding 17 points and scoring 36 of their own. Storm were dominant throughout and capitalised on Lions turnovers to score many of their points. It was a much relaxed end to the game, with Storm once again finishing the weekend winning 127-85.
It was a much better performance this weekend in terms of shooting accuracy, and there were some great plays to secure vital points, especially in the Reading game. Storm were also able to field most of their roster who contributed to the scores and showed great hustle off the ball to secure crucial turnovers. Overall, it was an impressive display for the Storm.
Storm next travel to Manchester on Saturday 11th February 7pm tip, which is another game that Storm need to win to keep on track for their quest for the league title. Their next home game is Sunday 19th February, 5pm tip off versus Essex Rebels. Tickets for this game are available at www.stormbasketball.net.
Top Scorers vs Rockets: Taylor Johnson: 32 points, Aaryn Rai: 27 points, Hakeem Sylla: 18 points
Top Scorers vs Lions: Taylor Johnson: 26 points, Aaryn Rai: 21 points, Seth Swalve and Romario Spence: 15 points
Report by Ollie Heathcote
Photo by Joanne Charles
