Tees Valley Mohawks chief Steve Butler reserved special praise for Bryan Hockaday after the American ace inspired his side to a vital victory.
The Mohawks beat Hemel Storm 97-86 at Teesside University’s Olympia Building to record back-to-back EBL National League Division One victories for only the second time this season.
And crucially it hoisted them out of the relgation places to fourth-bottom and just two places adrift of a play-off berth.
Hockaday was Mohawks’ MVP with 24 points, 13 rebounds and five block shots and coach Butler said: “I can’t speak highly enough of Bryan - sometimes he is unplayable for defences. I’m so pleased to have him as part of the team and to be working with him.”
Butler had told his players to treat every game between now and the end of the season as a cup final and they rose to the challenge.
With confidence raised after their win over Westminster Warriors last time out, they started brightly with guard Romonn Nelson and big man Hockaday causing Hemel’s defence problems from the off.
It was still tight at 16-14 midway through the first quarter but a change in defence by the visitors allowed sharp shooter Charles Rhodes to get in on the act with back-to- back three-pointers as the session ended with the score at 26-21.
Butler’s men produced played some fantastic offensive play during the second quarter with Lloyd Samuels and Hockday scoring freely.
And thire ball movement ensured the visiting defence had to work hard to try to stop the flow.
Mohawks led 52-43 at half-time but the third quarter saw the Storm guards take the limelight by hitting an impressive 17 points.
In similar situations this season the Mohawks offence has ground to a halt, but with Rhodes and Jonny Foulds hitting some important shots they weathered the storm and and held a seven-point advantage going into the final period.
Mohawks kept their opponents arm’s reach for the remainder of the game and increased their lead to 13 points with a powerful dunk from Hockaday which had the crowd up on its feet.
“We controlled the game from start to finish and we are finally putting teams to bed after controlling the game for long periods,” said Butler.
“In November and December we allowed teams back into games but our offence was fantastic this time and we shared the ball better.
“Charles, Romonn and Bryan were exceptional but it was a team effort as the players off the bench really contributed well.
“We have to continue this unselfishness, keep going and head to our primary goal which is a play- off spot.”
“Next week we are at Bradford Dragons and it’s going to be a very tough game but if we continue to play like this I will really look forward to the next couple of months of basketball.”
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