Storm demolish Derby as Burnell signs off in style
A sold out StormDome was treated to a night to remember as their side claimed a final-day win in hometown hero Jack Burnell’s farewell.
Tom Baker’s men shot the lights out en route to a 107-83 victory over Derby Trailblazers on Saturday evening, ending a turbulent season on a high.
Burnell’s three-point winner on the buzzer against Yorkshire Dragons last weekend will go down in history as one of the club’s greatest moments, and he had one final chance to wave goodbye here.
The home fans who have enjoyed 10 years of the sharpshooter came out in their numbers and the occasion was poignant. He was presented with a pre-game gift by Director of Basketball and father Jon Burnell, and the packed stands rose as one to honour the loyalist of servants.
It set the tone for a memorable night for the hosts, as they put the troubles of the inaugural BCB campaign behind them and produced a vintage performance.
An electric first half yielded 63 points, with every member of the squad contributing in an epic shooting showing.
It was Brayden Inger, named coach Baker’s and the fans’ player of the season after the game, who starred once more. His fine campaign culminated with 29 points, connecting with six from six three-point shots and also claiming nine rebounds in his 29 minutes on the court.
Sam Newman has carried a heavy load as captain and point-guard this season, but he’s had another stellar campaign nonetheless.
Sporting his new eye-catching yellow Pokémon shoes, he contributed 12 points and 17 assists, including a thrilling behind-the-back pass which was gratefully received by Kai Walker. With an average of greater than 11 per game, he’s accumulated over 100 more assists than the league’s next best - undisputedly the pick of BCB playmakers.
A mention also for Walker - winner of a joint Players’ Player award alongside Nelson-Henry. He’s been quite a hit since his summer arrival from Milton Keynes Breakers with his endless energy and power, and picked up 14 more points to end his first year in Hemel.
In truth, it’s hard not to shout out the whole squad. Mergim Sokoli, Veron Eze and Di-Jani Parkinson all made big impacts off the bench in arguably the most complete team performance of the campaign.
It makes their ninth-place finish, one below the playoff places, all the more agonising. Had they got over the line in a couple of the close ones they lost, nine times defeated by 10 or less points, they’d have been a real handful for anyone to face.
Instead, for the first time since the 2018/19 campaign, their season has come to a premature end - not involved in post-season affairs. But the improvements seen in recent weeks have set a solid foundation for Baker to build on as preparations for a new start in September begin.
Newman nailed back-to-back threes to begin the game, setting the theme for the night, and Burnell soon got in on the fun, connecting from mid-range in a film many in the building had seen before.
Inger, Walker, Eze, Norman and Parkinson all had long-range hits before the end of the first period, by which time their side had built up an 11-point lead, 33-22 the score.
The fireworks continued in the second as Inger ignited, registering 14 in the period as Storm grew the margin to 21 at 63-42.
They rode the reaction from the guests after the half-time break and then extended their advantage further. It was as high as 33 midway through the fourth, before attention turned to an emotional goodbye.
Burnell left the game to a standing ovation, but not before one last trademark swish as the lights dimmed down on a distinguished career.
It’s not always been easy this season, but the support from our fans has not wavered one bit. Thank you for sticking by us, and we’ll be back better and stronger in September.
Written by Callum Humphrey
