News article.

The Dragons came into the game with spirits high after an impressive victory last weekend against Loughborough.

A flying start from both teams set the standard that would be needed to win this tight encounter, with Corey Johnson getting the first three-pointer of the game. David Ulph continued to show his physical importance to the side as he shoves off the Hemel defense to get an easy lay-up. Alongside an impressive scoring display in the first period, hitting multiple threes, it was a solid defensive period, as the Hemel offence was restricted to three-point attempts.

The Dragons went into the second period with a three-point lead, leaving the score 24-21.

It was the Nick Lewis show as the second period began with an assist at the start, followed by a steal to give himself an easy two points, before getting himself another assist. After an impressive debut last weekend, Logan Rooney continues to show the owners that their decision to hire him was a good one, as he demonstrated great strength and determination to claim a rebound bucket and draw a foul. Despite another impressive scoring display in the second period, it was a shaky defensive performance towards the end of the quarter that gave the visitors confidence.

However, a routine lay-up from Johnson gave his side a 49-47 lead going into halftime.

A poor opening to the start of the third period, the Dragons found themselves 59-71 behind and with work to do. The tension and frustration began to build for the Dragons. But a foul from Hemel Storm’s Di-Jani Parkinson prevented his side from getting a three-pointer, and the decision could be a turning point for the hosts. A steal and a dunk from Rooney gave the Dragons a lifeline before the visitors called a timeout. The dunk from the newcomer gave the Dragons the much-needed confidence and fight to get back into the contest.

After a 12-point deficit with less than five minutes left of the third quarter, the Dragons crawled back to an 80-75 advantage.

A thrilling and tight affair came down to a final 10 minutes. A cagey opening few minutes from both sides as they looked to limit their mistakes, but it was the Dragons that showed their intent to run away with this match. Jordan Whelan showed composure to rush to the paint and get himself a chance of which he converted into two free throws and gave his side a 10-point lead with less than 5 to play. Tension was at an all-time high, but with 40 seconds left, Whelan ran to the paint he giving his side a vital seven-point advantage as the hosts looked to secure a great victory.

The Dragons came out of a tight and cagey encounter victorious, with a performance that had frustration, tension, but most importantly, grit and determination to come out of the game with a vital win.

Logan Rooney spoke after the game about the victory alongside, how much he is settling in to his new surroundings.


He said: “It’s been smooth sailing so far; it’s been a great group to join.

“We are all starting to gel, we all like playing together and we are all really selfless guys and it’s only up from here.”

He talked about the dunk being a big turning point for his side as the crawl back a 12-point deficit.

He said: “I thought it was a gritty win, we know Hemel is a strong team.

“We had a few lapses both in the first and second half, where we lost a bit of momentum, but I think it’s a good sign that we battled back.

“I feel like dunks are a good way of shifting momentum and that was the case today.”

With a cup final ahead for the Dragons, Rooney reflected on how important a victory like this is.

He said: “I think it gives us more and more confidence.

“And its proof in the pudding that we all enjoy playing with each other and we are building something really special.”