Warriors confident ahead of decider
Robin Hood Warriors point/shooting guard Jordan Benevides believes his side can win the CellOne Elite City League finals if they stick to the game plan tomorrow.With the series level at one apiece between Hood and the Fort Knox Panthers, it comes down to a winner takes-all-match at Somersfield Academy.Confident of his side’s chances to get over the final hurdle, Benevides pointed to key factors that could swing the match in either team’s favour, including holding nerves.“I’m very confident of our teams chances to win on Saturday night,” said Benevides.“We have been training extra hard and putting in the sacrifices needed. We are a well rounded team with threats at every position, so all we need to do to win is play our game, not theirs.“There are always slight nerves. Will I play well? Will I make a big mistake? Have I prepared enough? But all that goes away once you step on the court. Music usually helps calm that too.“I think for the Panthers their two key players are Jonathan Lowe and Ronnie Beuchler.“Jonathan is a strong centre and plays the big man position well. If we can lock him down, we can hurt their offence and make them more one dimensional.“Ronnie on the other hand is just a well-rounded guard. He is consistent on his shot, and creative with the ball. We need to apply hard defence on him all night long and get him frustrated.“For us I would say John Lee and David Middleton. Dave has been so consistent for us throughout the season and the play-offs.“As long as we keep him involved in the offence he is going to cause some damage.“As for John, he is another all-round talented player. He understands the game especially the aspect of ‘team’.”Fort Knox levelled their best of three series with Robin Hood with a 44-36 win at Somersfield on Thursday.The Warriors won game one of the Finals, edging their opponents 40-39.Tip-off is scheduled for 8.30pm.