Hornets: 69

Atlas: 62

Hornets consolidate the top spot with a hard fought victory over Atlas

This was a “no quarter asked” contest with both teams working for power play rather than an open game. Q1 saw Hornets working well against a zone defence with both John Whelan and Sam Barnard scoring from the post. Andrew Rushton popped a long 3 but the Hornet outside shooting was generally poor and the offence relied on Outstanding rebounding particularly from Sam and John. Kris Wood scored a superb drive finishing ring high and Tush scored a brace from the line to give the Hornets a 10 point lead. Fouls were hurting the Hornets now though and Atlas pulled back as some of the hornet big men were “rested” – Hornets up by 6 at the close.
Hornet shooting now amazingly went down hill and shot after shot was missed and Atlas worked themselves back into the game. Only John and Zander Fyfe scored in the first 7 minutes and Atlas opened a 5 point lead. Tom Lee sank a 3 pointer and Tush and Barney scored late on to bring the Hornets back to a one point loss at half time.
Hornets took control in Q3. Sam and John again dominated the boards and slowly Hornets built a lead largely based on solid defence. Tush and Sam Bithell landed back to back 3 pointers and Guy landed a jumper for 2 and at the end of the quarter Hornets were up by 11.

Atlas threw everything at the Hornets now – long shots, short shots, rebounds and the kitchen sink! But the Hornets weathered the storm.  Barney and John in particular showing they are a handful for any defence. Danny Wareham directed the traffic at the end and Tush and Tom held their nerve to land free throws as Atlas chased the game. Hornets are mastering the art of squeezing a game to a conclusion and played out the clock in this bruising encounter.

Top Scorer – Barney  19 Points
Played Out of their skin – Barney stood out tonight – how do you stop someone who is 6’9” with a jump shot? You don’t you just cheer!
Best Basket – John Pulls down a rebound and breaks out with Sam. Sam reverses the ball into the zone for Barney to finish at the ring – top quality!
Must Improve -  Fouls hurt us tonight – you’ve got to get the legs moving, not the arms!

Another Technical foul – and we haven’t done the punishment for the last one yet!