Sheffield Hatters’ streak continues for third straight WNBL D2 title

Sheffield Hatters II made it a three-peat of playoff titles, with a 77-66 win over Cobham Cobras in the final on Saturday at the NBPC in Manchester.

It marked the 48th consecutive win in the NBL for Hatters, dating back to 2022, as the group of former pros and GB internationals continue to make their mark in the lower divisions.

Steph Gandy was named MVP with 24 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals on 9/12 shooting, while Sarah Cooney had 25 points and Lisa Riches had 11 rebounds and 11 assists to go with her five points.

Gandy, along with teammates Lisa Riches, Sarah Cooney and Helen Naylor all announced their retirement following the game.

“I’m exuberant,” Hatters Assistant CJ Lee said.

“You work really hard to get to this point in the season and then you’ve just got to finish it off. Today we looked a little bit nervous, like we were second guessing ourselves.

“But we held it together. And I would rather play bad and win, than play well and lose.

“I’m really proud to have been invited to take part in what is a storybook franchise in the UK. I feel really humbled to have had the opportunity to coach some of the best players GB has ever seen.

“Lisa Richie, Sarah [Cooney], Helen [Naylor and Steph Gandy], they’re hall of famers as far as I am concerned. It’s been a really privilege to coach them.”

Sheffield shared the ball beautifully on their way to 27 assists as a team, along with registering 17 steals as Cobham turned the ball over 26 times.

Cobras were led by 13 points a-piece from Emma Delea and Sophie Khalaf.

Box score.

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