A Sunday afternoon game between Oaklands Wolves and Vanarama-sponsored Hemel Storm saw Storm win comfortably 123-68 at the Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre.
Americans Greg Poleon and Taylor Johnson both had amazing games scoring 34 points each, alongside great performances from Johnathan Lashley scoring 21 and Bode Adeluola scoring 14.
The first quarter put Storm in the driving seat from which they never looked back. It was an excellent quarter from Storm which saw class from both ends of the court, scoring 36 points and limiting Oaklands Wolves to only 13. Storm had a lot of joy from the three point zone scoring many of their baskets from there.
Storm extended their lead by a further 8 points after a quarter which saw Storm only register 20 points. The quarter started slow for Storm with many shots failing to land with timeouts used. Oaklands took advantage at the start of the quarter with defensive rebounds but failed to land many shots of their own to decrease the lead. Storm had raised their game towards the end with shots starting to land again but both teams went into half time with the scores at 56-25.
Storm came out from the half time break with a real purpose which saw them register 29 points at the end of the quarter. However, Oaklands also had a purpose about their offence and put up 19 points, most notably from former Storm player Jordan Jackson who went on to register 23 points in the game. Numerous turnovers from Oaklands saw Storm get many easy lay ups with timeouts called by the Oaklands coach Lee Ryan. The teams went into the third quarter break with the scores at 85-44.
The fourth quarter saw both teams show their offensive qualities with Storm scoring 38 and Oaklands scoring 24. Storm got to a game high lead of 60 points which Oaklands were quick to respond to with some points of their own. The game had got away from Oaklands, giving them no chance to make a miracle comeback. The end of the game saw the scores finish at 123-68. A comfortable win for Storm in the end.
It was a good all round game with focus fully on all four quarters. Storm will use these great performances especially from Americans Greg Poleon and Taylor Johnson both getting 34 points each and Johnathan Lashley registering a double double as well with 21 points and 11 rebounds.
Storm now go into a double header next weekend away to Oaklands Wolves on Saturday 2nd October and away to Reading Rockets on Sunday 3rd October. Hemel Storm are next at the StormDome on Saturday 9th October against Thames Valley Cavaliers, Tip Off 7pm. Tickets are available online at www.stormbasketball.net or can be purchased at the door on the night.
