Chargers fire early as Eagles repelled

AN electric first half from the field has powered the Hobart Chargers past the top of the table Diamond Valley as Anthony Stewart’s side continues to exceed expectations.

The Chargers poured in 40 points in a breathtaking first stanza to set up the eventual 107-97 victory, a margin which flattered the Eagles as Stewart inserted his young players into the NBL1 contest for the last three minutes when leading by more than 20.

By halftime the hosts held a 66-47 lead courtesy of some blistering offensive, shooting 63 per cent from the floor and 57 per cent from deep.

Jonathan Mines (32 points) had 21 at the long break, Zac White (16 points for the match) was a perfect 4-4 from the floor at halftime and Jack Stanwix (19 for the match, seven rebounds and seven assists) was also causing headaches.

Hobart cooled off early in the third and with Robert Heath (21 points) driving Diamond Valley the visitors made a charge, cutting the margin to nine points at one point before Hobart steadied on the back of a 7-0 run to restore order and keep control for the remainder of the contest.

The Chargers are now 4-2 and have set a perfect platform to launch into the season.

“We knew we were going to get some good shots against a team which is pretty poor on rotations because they are so big,” Stewart said.

“The pleasing thing for me is the first half we got through the transition stuff we have been working on at training. It is really the first time this season, and I know we have games, but it is the first time we have locked in offensively and did what the coaches asked. Good things happen when you listen.”

Koen Sapwell was the other Charger to finish in double figure scoring (11), while also providing six assists.