Chris Finch

What was I going to write?

For inspiration, I put Chris FINCH into search on the computer and this article popped up. It was written on the sixth of November 2001 and printed in the Sharks game night programme.

I thought you might like to read it. In my opinion, it says it all.

TRIBUTE TO A HERO

Well I am sure that you have now reviewed and digested the sensational game that took place at the Arena last Sunday afternoon. For me it was difficult to take it all in.

Actually I hope someone has a copy on tape so that I can get it in my collection. (Oh the power of the written word)!

The day started for me with a long drive down from Newcastle to arrive at the Arena for the schools tournament starting at 1:00 PM. A six team affair with Andrew Bridge, Locker Okorie, (when he eventually arrived), and myself doing the coaching. I had done one of these before but it was nothing like this. There were so many mums and dads in the crowd that on more than one occasion we commented that we must make sure that they stayed for the main game.

With an age range of probably 9 to 12 there was all types of skill levels, and one school had never actually played basketball before while others were almost professional in their game plan. What was without doubt was the fact that everyone who was there enjoyed themselves immensely as Mundella A ran out very worthy winners on a sensationally tense end game shoot-out.

So who is the hero that we are paying tribute to today. Just hang on, you’ll find out soon…hey no jumping to the end of this column!!!

The second part of the day was of-course the main game, a BBL Trophy encounter. (Actually I still call it a uni-ball game, but there you go!). I had seen London Towers play just once on television this season and they had been suffering badly with injuries. As they began to take to the court for their informal warm-up, I could not believe how big they were. I was scared for the Sharks; who was going to mix it up with these guys…Richard Windle was going to be in the commentary box.

Even worst was the fact that the ‘Magicman’ Jeff Monaco had picked up an injury two nights earlier in Newcastle and would be out of the game.

As the Towers warmed up, I tried to think about matchups, McKinney would probably start but who would he guard and worst still, who would guard him….Not John White, not Terrell. I was convinced that this was going to be a long night for the Sharks.

Boy was I wrong!

Our hero had it all sussed. He had worked out his game plan perfectly and the result was there for all to see.

A sensational performance by every member of the Sharks,’ team including 23 points and 10 rebounds from Scants, and 10 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 7 blocked shots and 5 steals by Lynard. (Pictured left. That quadruple double is getting closer and closer)!

Iain Mckinney was 5 for 5 from the three point line, he missed just 1 shot all night. (Oh yeah, John White scraped to 10 points).

And what about that sensational buzzer beating 360° move by Andrew Bridge… that was worth the entrance fee on its own. For the third game in a row, every member of the Shark’s team was on the score sheet.

So who is the hero that we are paying tribute to today.

Well my hero didn’t touch a basketball on Sunday, he didn’t drive to the basket once, and he didn’t even make an open court lay-up. But he managed to control every aspect of this ball game from his court side seat. His team did everything that was asked of them and sent the Towers with all their talent and their height packing.

Boy it must have been an even longer drive back down the M1! ( Can’t this bus go any faster?)

There was all kind of talent on show in that game on Sunday evening, Iain McKinney, Lynard Stewart, Nate Reinking, even Terrell Myers and Brett Eppehimer, but my hero was Sheffield Head Coach Chris Finch.

His team was awesome on Sunday, but, in my humble opinion, he was simply inspirational.

Mike SHAFT