Eagles Look Forward To Title Fight
Wednesday, 3rd March, 2010
A potentially season-changing game in the BBL title race takes place on Sunday, as the head-to-head between first and second placed Sheffield Sharks and Newcastle is at stake. Both sides currently sit on 44 points, with the Sharks having played once less game than the Eagles, and whilst the Sharks feature the likes of two-time Molten BBL Player of the Month, Mike Cook as well as former Eagle and Molten BBL Player of the Month for February, Tafari Toney, the Eagles have just added GB Captain Andrew Sullivan to their roster. This is a signing that has impressed Sheffield player-coach Atiba Lyons.
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He said: 'I think our game this Sunday is going to be very tough. The Eagles are playing very well at the moment and the addition of Andrew Sullivan has given them depth. We have a different style from the Eagles. They are more of a half court team and we play in the open court a little more. Defensively we are both strong teams, and I expect a very intense game. Every time we meet the Eagles, it's always a great game with an incredible atmosphere, and I expect much of the same.'
Before he looks at the threats the Sharks bring to the table, Eagles playcaller Fabulous Flournoy will be focussing on getting a win against Everton Tigers in the second leg of the BBL Trophy Semi Final. However, the Molten BBL Coach of the Month for February said that regardless of the outcome of Friday's game, Sunday is an entirely different challenge. He explained: 'What ever happens in the game on Friday will have to be placed firmly in the back of our minds, because we have the biggest game in the league with the Sharks, that top of the league battle that everyone was waiting for.'
The New Yorker also paid credit to the work of Lyons in Yorkshire, something that he can relate to in terms of balancing the roles of playing and coaching: 'Atiba has done a fantastic job this season! As a player- coach, I know how hard it is to juggle both roles, but he has found a way for it to work' he added: 'They (the Sharks) also have a great team and every one understand there's roles.'
