Who caught our eye in R5 of the Sal's NBL? Anyone we've missed?
SOUTHLAND SHARKS
And just like that the SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks are back near the pointy end. Following a successful trip north against the Steelformers Taranaki Airs (42pt win) and Property Brokers Manawatu Jets (12pt win) the Sharks have jumped to second on the ladder with a 6-3 record. Better yet for the 'Orange Army' is the scoring-by-committee approach. Now they face the Saints (Friday at 7:30pm) in a highly-anticipated top-of-the-ladder clash.
WELLINGTON SAINTS
The Saints have moved to 6-0 and continue to be the competition's benchmark team, but it was their last 15 minutes against the Sky Tower Auckland Huskies that caught our eye. Leading 66-60 with 4:33min to play in the third quarter, the Saints went on an scintilating 41-16 run to take the win 107-76. When this team puts the jetpack on they look unstoppable. Momentum in this game counts for a bit and the Saints sure do know how to use it to their advantage.
GOLDEN NUGGETS
Two hard-fought wins on the road for the Nuggets in R5 (against the Huskies and Bulls) has seen them jump to a 5-3 record. With their golden trio of Sam Timmins, Geremy McKay and Isaiah Moss all firing, the Nuggets are a team you better not sleep on. The winning form now has them all set for a huge showdown with rivals Southland Sharks this coming Saturday.
TRIBUTE GAME
Filled with memories, emotion and enjoyment, the Steeleformers Taranaki Airs and TSB Stadium in New Plymouth hosted the Steve 'Coach' McKean tribute game on Saturday night and the inspiring leader would have been most impressed with the turnout. Though the Airs came up short on the court, the video messages, presentations and stories of 'Coach' were a highlight and were beautifully delivered.
ALONZO BURTON
We all know just how lethal 'Zo' is when he's got the hot hand and that's exactly what he did against the Jets on Sunday. Every time the Jets refuelled and hit the runway for take-off, Burton (27pts) landed a long bomb to disable any comeback efforts by the home team. It was a quality performance by one of the League's most respected players.
HUNTER HALE
Yet another eye-catching performance by Hale to help lift the Mike Pero Nelson Giants to a thrilling 112-109 victory over the Taylor Hawke's Bay Hawks. Hale was too good for the Hawks to handle and promptly delievred yet another 41-point performance.
PREWSTER & ROACH COMBO
Is the Dion Prewster and Kerwin Roach guard combo the best in the Sal's NBL? Yet again the dynamic duo ripped a team apart, this time it was the Huskies leaving the TSB Bank Arena with their tail between their legs. Prewster (34pts) and Roach (15pts and a number of eye-catching dunks) put on a show as they ran rings around the young pups who were trying to stop them.
DESHON TAYLOR
Another eye-catching performance from the Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams guard. Taylor has been on fire over the last few weeks and this was yet another sublime performance (33pts, 10rbs, 6ast) as he dismantled the Hawks. Taylor's form on his team's home deck is a level above.
