Tees Valley Mohawks hoping to have injured skipper Jorge Ebanks back

Tees Valley Mohawks are hoping to have injured skipper Jorge Ebanks back for their final EBL National League Division One match of the season

Tees Valley Mohawks are hoping to have injured skipper Jorge Ebanks back for their final EBL National League Division One match of the season on Sunday.

The Cayman Islands international, who has been in impressive form this term, limped out of last weekend’s win over Leicester Warriors with a twisted ankle.

With several other players also nursing injuries, that was the last thing the Mohawks needed as they battle for a place in the play-offs.

But although last night’s trip to Team Northumbria came too soon, he was hopeful of being fit for Sunday’s home game against Manchester Magic at Middlesbrough College (tip-off 3pm).

And coach Steve Butler has confirmed that should Ebanks fail a fitness test, he is expected to be available for the play-offs, should Mohawks qualify.

They need to hope results go the right way, but a place in the play-off quarter-finals remains achievable for Butler’s side.

“This season has been a fantastic experience,” said the Mohawks chief, “and I’ve learned a lot and developed as a coach.

“The players have given everything in every game and I couldn’t have asked for a greater bunch of guys.

“Manchester Magic are a very good team and it will be a tough game as we have a few of our players away with a university holiday but we can cope as other players can step up and take their chance in the first five.”

Mohawks went into the week with a 12-12 record as the play-offs loom. They need 13 wins to guarantee eighth spot in the table.

One of the players who could help them achieve that is in-form is Jerome Narcisse. Last weekend he was close to getting his first triple double with 19 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.

Victories over both North-east derby rivals Northumbnria and Manchester would move ahead of Bristol Academy Flyers in seventh spot due to them having the better head-to-head record.

But Butler admitted he would be content with just a single victory as that’s all it would take to extend their season for a further week.

“I’m not concerned about seventh or eighth spot as every play-off game is special and never easy, no matter who you are playing,” he said.

“I’m more concerned about getting the important win to get into the play offs whether it is against Northumbria or Manchester.”

Magic, on their return to Division One this season, have already booked their place in the play-offs.

They made sure by winning 85-79 away to Kent side Medway Park Crusaders last weekend. Ryan Lohfink led Magic with 19 points as Medway’s own play-off hopes were ended.

Mohawks II have already finished their season. They managed to avoid bottom place in the Division Three (North) table - that dubious honour went to Derby Trailblazers II - but finished just one place higher although they may escape relegation.