Hemel Storm will meet the MK Breakers this Sunday in the KitKing Trophy semi-final as the sides’ rivalry reaches its latest chapter.
MK have risen up the ranks of British basketball in no time at all - achieving consecutive promotions that now see them compete in Division One alongside Storm. Founded in 2017, the Milton Keynes Basketball Foundation continues the sport’s rich heritage in the town, priding themselves on offering opportunities to kids in the local area, and the foundation expanded to include a men’s basketball team in 2022 - the Breakers.
Their first season saw them crowned as Division 3 champions, as well as emerging victorious in the playoffs, and it also saw their very first encounter with the local Hemel Storm.
Also a semi-final clash - this time in the National Cup - a Storm team that would end the season undefeated were given a stern test by a Breakers squad determined to fight until the death and they held the lead for considerable periods of the game. Backed by a loud away following, the StormDome witnessed one of the most manic atmospheres in its history as the home side eventually battled to a five-point win.
The Breakers then made a short stop in Division Two, losing only one game as they claimed league and playoff silverware once more. They were now making a name for themselves and National Cup glory announced their growing presence on the NBL scene, becoming the first team outside the top tier to win the competition since 1973.
The only thing stopping them from a shot at taking all the trophies available to them was Storm, who took them down in the KitKing Trophy quarter-final. There was little to separate the teams yet again, but it was the side from Hemel who sneaked the win by a tight three-point margin.
Stepping up to Division One has proved more challenging for the Breakers who have lost twice in four league games. They sit fifth in the table and now host the Storm on Sunday, hoping it proves third time lucky for them.
Losing key man Jordan Spencer to the SLB’s Newcastle Eagles may be to blame, while elsewhere in the roster some familiar faces have returned, joined by some newer names.
Billy Beddow remains Head Coach, while 6’ 9 Chris Tawiah is back for his second season at his hometown club after a career of European success.
Another MK-born recruit and a name that may be recognisable to Storm fans is Blayne Freckleton. With experience around the NBL’s top-flight including periods at Team Northumbria, Thames Valley Cavaliers and in Hemel with Storm, Freckleton made the decision to help his hometown and has been instrumental in the side’s success since forming - ever-present as club captain.
American guard Adrian Scarborough is a new addition and has shown his pedigree already, taking Player of the Week honours with a dominant 27 points and 19 rebounds against Essex Rebels, while Nate Robinson, in his second season with the team, achieved the same feat just one week later with a 43-point game in their win over Bradford Dragons.
KJ Johnson adds to the significant tally of talent with overseas roots - an American guard making the move from Tennessee this summer - and Canadian Kai Williams also joined in the close season.
6’ 5 homegrown big Luke Gregory remains a consistent part of the team’s starting five and Kai Walker has made a solid impression since his move from London Sharks.
Storm will take confidence from their record as the only unbeaten team in Division One, continuing a fine legacy built up over recent years. With three consecutive playoff titles to their name, this season looks well set for a chance at more success.
Saturday saw them defeat Loughborough Riders, inspired by Tra’Michael Moton’s 31 points. His fine shooting from long range and willingness to battle for the team, shown by his eight rebounds, earned him recognition as NBL’s Player of the Week.
Darien Nelson-Henry put up another steady showing, with a 17-point and 10-rebound double-double and captain Sam Newman turned provider once more with 7 assists.
A concern, perhaps, will be the early exit of Trent Monkman who has already missed the Newcastle trip with injury and Storm will be desperate to have both him and the absent Veron Eze fit and firing for Sunday’s clash.
Mark Clark will need a positive impact from his whole team as containing arguably the deepest roster in the league will be a challenge.
After winning the competition in 2022/23, Storm will be desperate to get their hands back on the trophy after Derby Trailblazers triumphed last time out.
To do that, they’ll have to get past a fired-up MK Breakers on their home court, with the game so highly billed that away spectator tickets were limited.
It’s sure to be a raucous occasion and a sublime showing of basketball as the NBL’s two most successful sides in recent history meet again. Past fixtures suggest this won’t be one to miss so stay tuned for further information on how to follow the team!
Written by Callum Humphrey