This weekend sees Hemel Storm look to continue their excellent run of form, as they travel to Worthing Thunder in the league on Saturday, before looking to avenge their earlier defeat in the KitKing Trophy Semi Final to MK Breakers on Sunday; albeit this time in the National Cup Quarter Final.
Things could have not started better for Storm in NBL Division One campaign, boasting a 9-0 record and are the only team to remain unbeaten in the league so far. The team has been growing from strength to strength in each fixture, which they will look to continue on the road at Worthing. Key weapons in their arsenal are the duo of Darien Nelson-Henry and Matt Ellis, with both looking to continue their trend of posting some impressive numbers. Coach Mark Clark has set the team up to exploit weaknesses in Storm’s opponents, using the combination of athleticism and power to do this.
The first of their two challenges awaiting are Worthing Thunder, who currently sit with a 2-7 record. Although the record suggests that Worthing could struggle in this fixture, the individual quality from players such as Elijah Maynard, new signing Nino Hernandez and former Storm guard Bode Adeluola will look to spoil the 9-0 record. Alongside this, Thunder also have former Storm player Johnathan Lashley, who has found some individual success this year. Thunder will look to thrive off their home support and prevent any Storm momentum, with Zaire Taylor looking to continue the trend of well-fought matchups against the Storm.
Following the Thunder game, Storm travel to Milton Keynes to face the MK Breakers in the National Cup Quarter Final. Despite a disappointing 100-88 defeat in the last visit to Bletchley Leisure Centre, Storm have grown as a unit and have taken victory against the Breakers just a week after. The Breakers will pose a big challenge to Storm, with a roster containing great talent. In their last outing, the ability of Adrian Scarborough was evident as he posted a double double of 19 points and 13 rebounds. Guard KJ Johnson will be looking to continue his trend of posting consistent stats, after his 31 point display proved the difference between the two teams in the KitKing fixture. The Breakers fans will look to create a cacophony of noise, with adrenaline being prevalent in the previous trip to Milton Keynes.
Overall, it is sure to be an important set of fixtures for Storm, as they look to end the Christmas period on a high. It is sure to be a weekend of intense atmosphere, as the team continues to grow further.
The team would love your support at either or both game this weekend. Tickets can be bought for Worthing and Milton Keynes online, details below:
Worthing - click here
Milton Keynes - click here
Saturday 21st December sees Storm face their biggest test of the season, with the visit of Manchester Basketball awaiting the Stormdome. Demand for this game is sure to be high so make sure to secure your tickets now via the Fanbase app.
Written by Ollie Heathcote