U16 bring home first trophy for the TeamSpirit Sheffield Junior Sharks

 
TeamSpirit Sheffield Junior Sharks 84 (27, 45, 71)
Hackney White Heat 75 (18, 31, 53)

After the big win against title contenders Derby Trailblazers on Saturday, it was an early morning trip to Manchester for the Sureshot National Cup Final v Hackney White Heat at 11am. Hackney White Heat are one of the perennial powers of the Southern Premier and arrived (30 minutes late) with a full squad. It was also going to be a game of contrasting styles, and with the tiredness from yesterday’s game in the legs and heads, it was going to a difficult contest and a challenge for the TeamSpirit boys. No Junior Sharks have ever won a cup title and the club’s semi-final appearance at U18 and U16 level are an indication of the club’s overall strength.

After an early exchange of scores, the Junior Sharks were able to establish a lead on the basis of good penetration from Rob Dawson (6 in the quarter) and Nigel van Oostrum (8) and an immediate score from Mykel Moodie, combined with some good pressure defense, 27-18 Junior Sharks. Just after Will Hall starting establishing his offensive game (he collected plenty of rebounds again) in the second quarter, he got into early foul trouble and the rotations became a bit forced. But with the arrival of Devon van Oostrum in the game, the lead increased further with some great defense and shooting, as he exploded for 9 points in the quarter. Danny James cut hard to the basket but failed to jump over his opponent (no Vince Carter yet). At half-time, the Sharks took a comfortable 45-31 to the dressing room.

A loss of concentration at the start of the 3rd, however, allowed the hustling White Heat to cut the lead to 8 in the first two minutes. It was also clear that the illnesses of Danny Cox and Will Hall played a role after the exhausting game against Derby. Luckily, Nick Mugglestone kept up his excellent form from yesterday and starting establishing himself inside, with some fab cutting moves and spot up jumpers; Rob Dawson wiggled his way to the basket, hitting difficult lay-ups; and when Devon scored his second three-pointer in the quarter the lead increased to 20 (69-49) and the third quarter ended 71-53 Sharks.

All credit goes to Hackney for battling hard and they cut the lead to 15 in the 5th minute. A three-pointer by Nigel and another score from Nick re-established the lead, which Hackney dented with a 10-0 run to end the quarter, but leaving the Junior Sharks convincing and deserved winners of their first ever cup final, 84-75.

All the team members picked up their medals with pride after their tough cup run and dealing with the fixture congestion. Everyone gained masses of experience and are now ready to make a push toward the end of the regular season and a jump on the play offs. At the presentation, captain Nigel van Oostrum was named MVP of the Final, topscoring for the team with 20 points and leading on defense with 5 steals as well.

The cup victory was a victory for all 14 Premier players, who battle and support each other fully at practice and the games. While not everyone has the chance to show the coach their special contributions on court, the team’s success depends on the full competitive structure of the squad. It is a pleasure and privilege to work with everyone. The team also depends on its entire integral support network and not enough thanks can be expressed there.

Scores and notables: Nigel van Oostrum 20 (5 steals, 3 assists (?), 4 rebounds), Nick Mugglestone 17 (7 rebounds, 1 blocked shot (?)), Devon van Oostrum 17 (3 steals, 1 assist (?)), Rob Dawson 14 (and hustle), Will Hall 10 (11 rebounds, 1 blocked shot (?)), Danny Cox 3 (6 rebounds), Mykel Moodie 2 (3 rebounds), Danny James 1, Joseph Baugh, Evan Williams, Matt Cooke, Scott O’Donnell, Elliot Baxter, Greg Steele (cup tied).

Thanks to all those supporters who made the trip over the Pennines. It was great seeing the support from all age groups and it made it a real club victory.

Next Match: ‘only’ Manchester away, ABC, 2pm. It doesn’t stop.