Chargers back in frame for title

THE Hobart Chargers men’s championship aspirations are riding high after a pair of dominant performances has them knocking down the door of top spot on the NBL1 South ladder.

Last week Chargers men’s coach Anthony Stewart said his side had what it takes to win this year’s title and they backed that statement up over the weekend with a huge statement win over first-placed Mount Gambier followed by a demolition of Keilor.

In the first game of their two-game road trip, a mammoth performance from star centre Harry Froling helped the Chargers stake claim as the team to beat this season with a 92-82 win over Mount Gambier on their home court on Saturday night.

Froling dominated the Pioneers to finish with 43 points and 16 rebounds in a matchwinning display from the skilful big man.

The Chargers rode their wave of momentum into Keilor on Sunday where they were a class above the Thunder to lead from start to finish in a lopsided 89-61 victory.

“German Tank” Ole Angerstein (21 points, seven rebounds) led the way in a wellbalanced performance for the Chargers who had five players score in double figures.

In a worrying sign for the rest of the league, the Chargers (9-3) have now won six straight to sit second on the league ladder and look likely to get even better on Friday when star American import Jamar Sandifer makes his debut against Dandenong in Kingston.

While the Chargers men’s team is flying, their youthful women’s side is yet to register its first win of 2022 after a pair of brave losses over the weekend.

On Saturday, the inexperienced side was on the verge of a monster upset against second-placed Mount Gambier but a huge fourth quarter from the home side quelled what would have been a miraculous win for the Chargers.

Despite missing star shooting guard Sharna Thompson through a finger injury, the Chargers shocked Mount Gambier to take a four-point lead into the final term before a monster 21-8 final stanza brought the Pioneers home for a 56-47 win.

Angie Tompkins did her best to pull off a major upset with 22 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.

In their second game the Chargers put in another brave performance but fell short to Keilor with a 91-76 loss.

Tompkins put in another huge performance with 38 points and 13 rebounds to lead the way for the Chargers.

The plucky side will look for another chance to break its 2022 winless drought against Dandenong in Kingston on Friday night.