Rockets too hot to handle for Storm

Hemel Storm’s struggles continued with a 105-77 defeat against Reading Rockets at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre on Saturday evening. 

Brayden Inger and Matt Norman impressed with 23 and 22 points respectively but ultimately they were in vain as their side fell to a 10th loss of the BCB League season in their first game since Taylor Johnson’s departure. 

Storm simply could not deal with the all-round threat posed by the Rockets, who had six men in double-digits scoring for the night. American Jax Bouknight led it with 22 and Victor Olarerin had 21, while there were double-doubles for Ty Nsangu and Cooper Creek. 

Jake Rothauge’s side again lost the rebound battle but the main difference between the teams came in the shooting percentages. The Rockets shot 54% from the field compared to Storm’s 45%, and the gulf was even wider from behind the three-point arc - 52% to 35%. 

That highlights both the skill of Storm’s opponents - who moved top of the table after the weekend’s results - and the quality of opportunities Storm’s defence afforded them, as well as their lack of confidence and rhythm at the other end. 

Storm found themselves with an early eight-point advantage, but that was quickly pulled back by the hosts. A 10-0 Rockets run gave them the lead - one which they would not cede for the remainder of the clash. 

Seven straight points took them to an extraordinary 34 at the end of the first quarter - 13 greater than Storm’s 21. 

Inger had a point to prove at the start of the second period, combining with Norman to reduce the arrears to nine. But the hosts finished the half stronger, extending their lead to 15 with the score 60-45 at the break. 

A reaction was required from Storm after a prolonged half-time team talk, but it didn’t arrive and just over three minutes in the deficit was at 24. 

A lack of rebounding once more cost Storm dearly as a series of second-chance points strengthened the hosts’ grip on the game, with any route back fast disappearing for the guests. 

It was 84-65 at the final break with a lot of work to be done. 

And it proved too much to ask as Storm’s offence stuttered, registering only 12 fourth-quarter points as Reading’s academy boys finished the job - a convincing victory for the high-flying Rockets. 

Lots of learning to do for Storm and it’ll be another week of hard work in training, before they’re back on the floor next week at home against Birmingham Rockets. Tickets for that one are available on Fanbase.

Written by Callum Humphrey