Men's National Cup Final 2025: Hemel Storm v Reading Rockets скачать в хорошем качестве

Men's National Cup Final 2025: Hemel Storm v Reading Rockets

https://livestats.dcd.shared.geniussp... Men's National Cup Final 2025: 4pm NBL1 title rivals Hemel Storm and Reading Rockets also square off Sunday for this season’s first piece of men’s silverware. These two D1M heavyweights, currently first and second in the standings, have endured several close battles, especially over the last three seasons. The Storm won 89-86 in the 2022/23 Playoff semi-final as Jermiah Jenkins’ missed three denied Reading, and it was déjà vu, a year later as Hemel hung on in last season’s Playoff Final, 87-84, with Elijah Maynard’s corner triple agonisingly off the mark. And earlier this season, Hemel again had Reading’s number, as former Leicester Rider Darien Nelson-Henry scored a game-high 24 points to help Storm to a 100-94 win at Loddon Valley. One player who has been a constant in those battles for the Rockets is captain Lewis Champion, who will look to steer his side to a fourth National Cup title and first trophy in 11 years after being runners-up to MK Breakers last season. “Hemel are a good team, and we’ve got a lot of respect for them,” Champion said. “They’ve been at the top for a few years now, and they’re having another great season. “They’ve got players who work well together, and it’s no surprise they’re a tough side to beat. But these are the kinds of teams you want to play against; it’s exciting to get the chance to compete with them, especially in a final." Rockets’ head coach Samit Nuruzade added: “We are delighted to make another final and it’s great for us to achieve back-to-back National Cup Finals. This time we are hoping to go one better, but we will face one of the best teams in the country in Hemel. "Coach Clark has assembled another excellent roster, however, I have been really pleased with our performances and spirit of late and I am confident we can be really competitive in this one-off game.” Hemel have enjoyed a perfect start to the season, currently 10-0 and new signing Matt Ellis has been an integral part of that winning formula, averaging 18.6 points and 7.0 rebounds. “I’m excited to be here and have the opportunity with the team. We’ve come a long way this season, and we want to bring some silverware home,” said Ellis. “We’ve had a lot of growth, players have come in and out with injuries, Trent [Monkman] has been out, but every time somebody has gone out, somebody has stepped up, if someone has a bad game, somebody steps up so it’s a special group to be part of. “No doubt, Reading are a tough contender though, they’re one of the top teams in the league. We match up with them pretty well, we’re both pretty big teams but I, and the team, are excited for the competition.” Storm captain Sam Newman added: “There’s nowhere better to be in this league than Hemel. We’re giving ourselves a chance to add more silverware and memories with this new group. Reading won’t go quietly and we know that, so we’re ready to put it all on the floor and get another title.” On the way to Final, Hemel had wins over NBL2 opposition in Barking Abbey and London Elite, followed by a quarter-final victory over last season’s Cup holders, MK Breakers, and semi-final glory against Newcastle Knights. Reading overcame NBL2 sides Richmond Knights, Westminster Warriors and Team Solent Kestrels before beating Derby Trailblazers in the last four, but will history repeat itself, or can the Rockets end their Cup cold spell?