Only time will tell

I love the BBL Cup because it is (a) a knock-out competition and (b) the first trophy decided for the season. Last season the BBL Cup Final was memorable for totally the wrong reason. The Cup was won by the Everton Tigers who destroyed the Plymouth Raiders to lift their first ever piece of silverware. The final score was 103 – 49. The Tigers gave up just 11 points in the 1st, 11 points in the 2nd and 6 points in the 3rd. OUCH!

The MVP was Andre Smith who had a double double of 26 points and 10 rebounds.

I must say congratulations to the Cheshire Jets who defeated the Milton Keynes lions over two games to take their place in January’s Cup Final at the NIA. Within the next 24 hours we will know who they will face in the Final. It will either be the Sharks or the Riders.

Last Saturday night the Sharks took on the Guildford Heat in a BBL game on the road and ran out winners by a scoreline of 86 points to 97. A great result but what was even more exciting was the stat line for Shark’s star Mike Cook. He delivered a triple double of 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. He also had 5 steals.

Is it possible that somewhere down the line Mike Cook could deliver a quadruple double? The idea is just too colossal to contemplate. (But I’ll contemplate it anyway)

Speaking to the Sharks organisation during the week it looks as if we could be in for another full house here at the EISS for this game and I know the noise is going to be amazing. I have to tell you the atmosphere here at the EISS has been sensational over the past few weeks and we must keep it up.

We could have a couple of new and newish faces in the line-up tonight. Firstly we must welcome back Matt Gorman who has been out injured for most of the season so far.

I have to admit I can’t wait to see him back in action. A new face tonight will be Mike Tuck who will also be in the Shark’s line-up. I had the pleasure of seeing a Shark’s practice recently and I have to admit he look solid.

Congratulations must go to the Shark’s Head Coach Atiba Lyons and the rest of the organisation who are working hard to keep their fantastic run going.

Next week the Sharks will travel to the Everton Tigers on Friday night for their Christmas extravaganza which will take place at the ECHO Arena and which could be another amazing night in British Basketball. Word is that the Tigers could have a big name signing in the line-up. We’ll see!

The Sharks have had a great start to the season and only time will tell if this Shark’s outfit are good enough to lift some silverware this season. The noisy support here tonight and in the next 2 road trips could help lift the team to important victories as we close out 2009.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and don’t forget that rearranged game on the 3rd of January which should be another absolute belter.

Later

Mike S