Tees Valley Mohawks hope they’ll hit the ground running when they launch a crucial second half to their EBL National League Division One season this weekend.
The first half of the campaign was a torrid one for Steve Butler’s men who sit three places off the foot of the table with just two wins from seven games.
They return to competitive action after the festive break when Kent Crusaders visit Teesside University’s Olympia Building on Saturday, and blew away the cobwebs with friendly match against BBL big guns Durham Wildcats.
Charles Rhodes and Bryan Hockaday were both back from the USA in time to play and, although some first teamers were missing, that provided a chance for the fringe players to get some valuable court time under their belts.
The game was played with a 15-minute running clock and Mohawks started brightly with Hockaday making an impression inside and Lloyd Samuels hitting some long range jump shots.
However veteran former Mohawk Ralph Bucci ran the show in the first quarter as Wildcats took a slender 23-20 lead.
In the second quarter Mohawks switched to a zone defence but Wildcats executed their offence well.
Ike Attah battled on the boards at the other end and with Jordan Nichols looking impressive, Mohawks took the quarter 25-19.
Mohawks coach Steve Butler told his players to improve on transitional defence as Durham were scoring too many easy points on the fast break, and his team did just that in the second half.
Baskets were traded in the third quarter as Rhodes and Alvaro Pontes produced some great shooting but a couple of baskets in the last minute by Bucci saw the visitors take the session 24-16.
With tired legs on both teams in the fourth quarter, Mohawks produced their best basketball of the game.
Rhodes found his range as he knocked down a trio of three- pointers while his side stepped up defensively too as they won the quarter 26-22.
“It was very important for us to get some game shape fitness in,” said Butler.
“Durham are a great squad and were at full strength but in some parts of the game it didn’t look like a BBL versus an EBL team - which I’m very proud of.
“We have got things to work on, especially getting back on defence after a missed shot or turnover plus some fitness issues but I’m very impressed with how we conducted ourselves and how we played.
“Charles played really well and it’s great to see Alvaro back on the court after missing most of November and December and I think he will be a big player for us in 2015.”
Tip-off on Saturday is at 5pm and is preceded by Mohawks II’s National League Division Three game against Nottingham Hoods, which gets underway at at 2pm.
Ticket prices are available at a special rate of £5 for adults and £3 children to watch both games. Normal ticket prices for just one game.
Clarence Wiggins, who began his UK career with the Mohawks, has died suddenly aged 58.
Born in North Carolina, he became a teacher in the East Midlands and helped set up Derby Trailblazers.
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