THE Irvine Sharks Basketball Club rounded off their first season in style as they picked up the league winners trophy.
The dominant side made it a perfect first campaign to put the icing on the cake as they picked up a resounding 94-36 blow-out victory over Ayrshire rivals Ayr Storm 3.
Victory ensured a perfect league season as the team won all of their 18 league matches in the Strathclyde League Basketball Association (SLBA) Division Three.
The Sharks, powered by Zion Security Ltd, got off to a fast start as they hosted their Ayrshire rivals at Greenwood Academy with a three pointer right after the tip off by Graham Hunter.
The full team contributed in the opening quarter with all players getting in the game. Dominant scoring from Stuart McGarry, Graham McNamee and Abs Senghor saw the Sharks accumulate a 21-12 lead at the first buzzer.
The Irvine side didn’t slow down before the half, and Chris McCallum had the hot hand, with more dominant play coupled with tough defence and unselfish offence seeing many
Sharks eat, finishing the half up 45-27.
The third quarter was the most emphatic of them all, with a huge slam dunk from Scott Frew followed up by 11 consecutive points from Graham Hunter with a 29-2 period putting the game beyond doubt.
The last quarter saw all Sharks players working together, getting easy baskets and sharing the
ball, with Ian Johnstone running the break well as the Sharks finishing off an 18-0 season in style
winning the SLBA Division Three league undefeated.
Graham Hunter top scored for the Sharks with 18 points, followed by Stuart McGarry, Chris
McCallum and Abs Senghor with 14 each, Graham McNamee scored 11, and Ian Johnstone
added 10 points.
The league trophy was then presented to the Sharks by league executive Jim Connor which was very well received in front of the Sharks' biggest crowd of the season.
Joyous celebrations ensued with the Sharks youth development players and family.
Player-coach Graham Hunter commented: “This was a great way to finish off the season. Every player on the team played a lot of minutes and had their opportunity to put their
stamp on the game.
“It was amazing to lift the trophy, particularly in front of our young development players,
leading by example aiming to inspire the next generation and bringing back silverware to
Irvine.
“I just want to thank everyone who has supported us this season and come to see us play,
Zion Security for sponsoring us, Awards for All for start-up funding, KA Leisure who we have
worked in partnership with to create a youth development section as well as supporting us
through their club start programme, and all the media who have gave us exposure all season.”
To keep up with the Sharks progress on social media the team are on YouTube, Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram @irvinesharksna.
Game highlights and the trophy presentation can also be viewed on social media.
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