Saturday 12th November, NBL Division One: Essex Rebels 76-111 Hemel Storm
Sunday 13th November, National Cup: Hemel Storm 102-80 Bristol Academy Flyers
Last weekend saw Vanarama-sponsored Hemel Storm travel to Essex Rebels on Saturday in the league and face Bristol Academy Flyers at home on Sunday in the National Cup. Storm secured both wins, showing good movement on the fast break to defeat both opponents.
Saturday’s game saw Storm face Essex Rebels in the league in what was a battle between two teams who are powerful in the paint. However, Storm’s experience and skill managed to separate the two sides as the game progressed.
The scores were spread out throughout the Storm roster with 5 players scoring over 10 points, and many rebounds were won on both ends of the court. Although Storm started the first half slowly, they managed to produce an incredible 3rd quarter display as they scored 33 points and only conceded 12, which secured the win for Storm. The final score was 76-111 to Storm.
Sunday’s game saw Storm take on Division Two side Bristol Academy Flyers in the National Cup. Storm once again took control of the game with dominance to secure progress to the next round of the Cup. The first half saw Storm fly off to a 22 point lead before the second half was tied.
Storm managed to score from both inside and outside the three point line as they moved the ball well to create an open shot either under the basket or for three points. However, after a delayed second half due to a broken basket needing to be replaced during the interval, Storm found it harder to score.
Once again, the scoring was spread out amongst the team with 6 players scoring 10 points or over. Both captain Tayo Oyefusi and Aaryn Rai registered a double double as Storm showed power and precision underneath the basket with Hakeem Sylla finding ways to score against the resilient defence of the Flyers.
It was a successful weekend, with a good all round display shown from the team. Although there were some mistakes, Storm controlled both games and always found a way to score easy, uncontested shots which helped them win both games.
Next week, Storm face local rival Thames Valley Cavaliers on Saturday 19th November, Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre, 7pm tip. Tickets are available at www.stormbasketball.net.
Top Scorers vs Rebels: Taylor Johnson: 21 points, Hakeem Sylla: 18 points, Seth Swalve: 16 points
Top Scorers vs Flyers: Aaryn Rai: 23 points, Hakeem Sylla: 22 points, Taylor Johnson: 21 points
Report by Ollie Heathcote
Photos by Joanne Charles
