Mohawks have put together a fine run of form to move into EBL National League Division One play-off contention
Jerome Narcisse
Tees Valley Mohawks put their winning sequence on the line with a tough trip to mighty Reading Rockets tomorrow.
Steve Butler’s Middlesbroug-based side have put together a fine run of form to move into EBL National League Division One play-off contention.
But they can expect a stiff test against the reigning league and play-off who recently added the 2014 National Cup to their already impressive collection of silverware.
“Reading Rockets have had a tradition of winning trophies over the past few years,” said Butler.
“Every club in the EBL would love to have their record and trophy cabinet but that goes to the credit of their backroom staff, their coach and team.
“They have set the standard and it’s something I hope to achieve at the Mohawks but I believe the squad I’ve assembled can beat them this weekend.”
Mohawks have taken maximum points from their last six league fixtures in a run that included an impressive 23-point victory over local rivals Team Northumbria in their last game.
The camp is full of confidence at the moment and that’s exactly the spirit they need ahead of of a game against such formidable oppsition.
“When you play Reading you need to be your best for the full 40 minutes,” said Butler.
“We are full of confidence at the moment and playing the basketball I want us to play.
“If we can continue with our defensive assignments and play team offensive basketball, then I hope we can bring two valuable league points back to Tees Valley tomorrow night.”
Three players who have been in particularly eye-catching form recently are captain Jorge Ebanks, the league’s leading scorer Alex Greven and Cayman Island international Jerome Narcisse.
To the delight of his coach - and the fans - Narcisse has been stepping up and producing great displays on the court.
Against Northumbria he hit a game high 19 points, 10 rebounds and added four assists in a match-winning performance.
Now Butler hopes for a similar contribition from Narcisse this weekend.
“Jerome has now set very high standards for himself,” he said, “as since November his performances have been improving each and every week.
“I hope it continues throughout the rest of the season because, with him playing so well, we have another scoring option and a defensive rebounder who controls the boards well.”
Mohawks II are also on a winning streak in Division Three (North).
They visit high-flying Birmingham Mets tomorrow looking to take another step towards safety after bursting into life following a disastrous first half of the season.
Basketball is set to receive a boost with an increased government investment into the sport set to reach £9m over four years.
That is up £2.25m on the original investment, via funding body Sport England, initially earmarked for the sport for the 2013-2017 funding period.
The cash, along with a pool of £2.8m additional funding open to basketball and other providers, is being invested in the National Governing Body and in community-based local and grassroots programme deliverers.
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