Rockets tame Kestrels with masterclass

Reading Rockets 78 Team Solent Kestrels 66

SCOTTY HENDRICKS produced a masterclass as Reading Rockets continued to build momentum with victory over league leaders Team Solent Kestrels.

With the play-offs fast approaching, Hendricks fired in 27 points as Rockets won 78-66 to move up to third in the table with a record of 15-7 with just two regular season games to go.

“I am really happy with the win,” said head coach Manuel Pena Garces.

“The players put in a much better performance than in some of our recent successes so this is very positive for us heading into this weekend’s tough double header.

“Defensively, we were a lot better but know that this can improve further with more work needed on offence for us to really maximise our potential.”

Despite coming into the clash at Bohunt School on the back of six straight victories, Rockets were up against it facing a side with a 17-3 record in Solent, who also have a good recent record against Reading.

Pena Garces’ men flew out the traps with Sydney Donaldson wasting little time in helping open up a 4-0 lead with Tim Gill taking his first of 15 rebounds.

Hendricks was also soon finding his mark with a first of seven trebles to establish a huge 17-4 early lead.

Rockets preserved a comfortable lead throughout, moving 47-35 ahead by half-time despite a 6-0 run from the league leaders.

Donaldson scored early in the third to put the hosts 15 points ahead and with Kestrels wasteful from the free throw line, it proved to be a comfortable evening for Reading with Hendricks, Donaldson and Declan Soukup all regularly troubling the scorers.

The regular season finishes this weekend with a trip to Team Northumbria (15-7) on Saturday before visiting struggling

Lancashire Spinners (0-22) on Sunday, looking to clinch a top four spot.

“While it is a positive time for us, it is important that we now focus on our game against a very good Team Northumbria this Saturday,” said Pena Garces.

“It has always been a difficult place to get a win and none more so than this weekend with third place on the line for both teams.

“Preparation for this game will be crucial and if we are able to keep working on being the best version of ourselves and deliver what we know we are capable of then there is no reason why we can’t secure the all important win.”

Rockets top scorers: Hendricks 27 points, Donaldson 19, Soukup 14.