Saturday 5th March: Bradford Dragons 87-79 Hemel Storm (NBL Division One)
Sunday 6th March: Team Newcastle University 80-84 Hemel Storm (NBL Division One)
Last weekend saw Vanarama-sponsored Hemel Storm travel north up the M1 to face Bradford Dragons and Team Newcastle University in what was part of an action-packed double header.
Saturday’s game saw Storm go up against Bradford Dragons. Despite Storm beating them by 19 the week before, and leading the majority of the game, a poor last quarter saw Storm collapse at the hands of the Dragons 35-21 eventually losing the game 87-79.
Top scorers from Saturday were Sam Newman 18 points, Taylor Johnson 17 points and Greg Poleon 17 points.
Sunday’s game went down to the last minute but a good reaction to the disappointing result the day before saw Storm overcome Team Newcastle University. The game was close throughout with both teams showing a good defensive display in a low scoring game. After a 0-14 run in Storms favour in the last 4:39, Storm managed to snatch victory at the hands of Newcastle with an impressive win against a good Division One outfit.
Top scorers for this game were Greg Poleon with 30 points 17 rebounds, Sam Newman with 16 points 6 rebounds 7 assists and Taylor Johnson with 14 points and a career high 15 assists. On the other hand, to give credit where credit is due, Brandon Federici of Team Newcastle University scored an outstanding 37 points showing his ability inside and outside the three point arc.
Overall, there are many things to take from the weekend. After a disappointing game on Saturday, Storm reacted well to win on Sunday but do need consistency to finish in the top 4 of the league and gain the all important home tie in the playoffs.
The next home game is on Saturday 12th March against BA London Lions, tip is at 7pm. Tickets available at the door, on the night or in advance at www.stormbasketball.net.
Photo by Joanne Charles
