‘Intense’ Chargers get back on track
THE Chargers have set the standard they must adhere to for the rest of the SEABL season, according to coach Anthony Stewart after a comprehensive victory over the North West Thunder.
Looking to rebound quickly from a disappointing openinground loss to Kilsyth, Hobart led from start to finish to produce a 92-68 result.
Star duo Mathiang Muo and Tre Nichols combined for 58 points, while locals Cam Brown — starting in place of injured Zac White — chipped in with 10 points and Lochie Boucher had eight off the bench.
Craig Moller struggled from the field with just eight points on 2-13 shooting, but the NBL championship player collected 12 rebounds and blocked two shots.
“Big win last night, it was a packed house, great atmosphere, it was awesome,” Stewart said. “The camaraderie among the group, they seem to be getting on well and the energy and intensity from tip off was the best we’ve seen so far.
“Tre Nichols was outstanding, he led from the front ... the other side is the kids, we didn’t lose a beat, Lochie Boucher came on and dropped eight points and Cam Brown had 10 and was diving on the ball several times. I thought we outworked Thunder completely from the start.”
Nichols poured in 32 points on 11-13 shooting while Muo re- sponded from a tough night against the Cobras to finish with 26.
The women also opened their account with a thrilling 85-84 overtime victory against Launceston.
Just three days after jetting in from America, Kathleen Scheer was huge with 23 points, 19 rebounds, five assists and two blocks, but it was sharpshooter Sharna Thompson who lit up with 33 points including six three-pointers.
The Tornadoes came from 14 points down at halftime to lock the scores after regulation and had a chance to snatch the contest when Thompson missed two free throws with 18 seconds left, but Josie Greenwood came up with a big block in the last possession to seal the result.
Greenwood finished with 13 points off the bench as well in an impressive display.
Britt Parker made her Chargers debut after missing last week with a calf injury, scoring just two points in 28 minutes.