Rockets played at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead for the first time today and therefore many of the spectators saw Rockets play for the first time. In a highly competitive game, where the lead changed 17 times (although Rockets held it for over 30 minutes), Rockets came out victorious over the London Leopards. Kenny Saunders was the top scorer in the game with 30 points, whilst Rockets' other top scorers were Ryan Lohfink on 19, Robbie Parker on 16 and Jon May on 13.
Though punctuated with referees calls, this game was a great match up with nine players scoring twelve or more points with Rockets Kenny Saunders outstanding with 30 points, 7 rebounds 4 assists, a steal and a block, though Rockets Captain Ryan Lohfink had a double double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
It was in the latter area of rebounds where Rockets commanded taking over two thirds of them and helping them lead for all but 6 minutes of the game. A very high scoring first quarter set the tempo of the games with Ryan Lohfink taking the offensive boards at the third attempt before opening Rockets score. Jon May drove determinedly for 2 points before giving a great pass to Kenny Saunders for a dunk which was followed by a May three and a long two from Robbie Parker. Leopards spent much of this period at the free throw line as Rockets found themselves in team foul trouble, but a pair of fine spin and turnaround moves by Ryan Lohfink coupled to a Kenny Saunders steal and coast to coast finish saw Rockets lead 31-25 at the first break.
Rockets had to play this home match at Magnet Leisure Centre as Rivermead wasn't available, and Rockets General Manager was pleased with the venue and the local Maidenhead folk who'd come to see the first top Division National League basketball game ever played in Maidenhead. It was good to see another Academy player earn his senior debut as Lewis Champion joined the team.
Rockets foul trouble continued with the opening minutes of the second quarter when Jason Sayers picked up his third personal foul. Leopards capitalised with a 16-5 run before Harrison Gamble let a jump shot. a Jon May steal and Louis Sayers 3 pointer from the corner took Rockets level but Leopards scored as the buzzer went for half time with Rockets two points adrift at 43-45.
After a 15 minute debrief from Rockets Head Coach Matt Johnson, Rockets went on 10-0 run courtesy of another Robbie Parker three, a pair of Kenny Saunders finishes and three points from Ryan Lohfink, Leopards however, came back strongly in this very competitive encounter but a Kenny Saunders reverse baseline finish, and a pair of Jason Sayers dunks saw Rockets lead by two points going into this final period 58-56.
Robbie Parker took some crucial defensive boards as the fourth quarter began to stop Leopards drawing level before hitting his third 3 pointer to give Rockets a four point cushion. Fenny Falmagne extended Rockets lead to six points but Leopards hit back again to make it a one point game. The lead swapped hands with virtually every offence and the score was tied on 79. 81. and 83 points before Rockets hit 6 unopposed points, an advantage they kept to record their fourth consecutive league victory and see them coming into good form ready for the playoff Championship, especially with Dan McKay rejoining Rockets after finishing his dissertation.
Top scorers for Rockets
Kenny Saunders 30. Ryan Lohfink 19, Robbie Parker 16 Jon May 13
