The Nottingham Hoods wrapped up their NBL England Division One season this past weekend, and in doing so claimed a 94-79 success away to Worthing Thunder.

It would be a game which would see Vladan Dragosavac’s side climb to a joint-ninth place finish for the season, a position which perhaps looked somewhat unlikely a few months ago.

However, since the beginning of March, the Hoods have turned a rather impressive corner, the victory over the Thunder seeing them pick up a fifth victory in their final seven outings, prior to which they’d only collected four successes.

Victories over Bristol Hurricanes (93-81), Milton Keynes Breakers (76-72), Bradford Dragons (103-93), London Cavaliers (85-81) and the success at the Worthing Leisure Centre, has seen them finish strongly – who knows what could have been…

Winning all four quarters against the Thunder (24-23, 24-22, 17-16, 29-18) saw the Hoods move level with City of Birmingham Rockets on 18 points, with Jun Murdock, who has been named the Players’ Player of the Season, again topping the scoring charts for the victors.

Murdock would register another 27pts, along with seven rebounds and two assists on an industrious night of basketball for the visitors; Landon Taliaferro also passed the twenty-point mark with stats of 21pts, eight rebounds, and three assists, whilst center Greg Skoric and guard Sam Akano also plumped double figures in the win.

Skoric, who has been named the Hoods MVP for the season, put on eleven points, ten rounds, and six assists, in another impressive showing, whilst Akano added ten points and five assists of his own.

On the opposite side of the court there was an impressive showing from forwards Elijah Maynard and Jordan Lashley, the former notched 21pts and six rebounds, whilst the latter put away 18pts, ten rebounds, and six assists; Thunder’s guard, Malachi Boakye-Yiadom, also chipped in with thirteen points.

The points registered for the Hoods saw them finish the 2024/25 league campaign on 1989 points, only six sides scored more (bottom club Worthing Thunder manager 2011), whilst another win or two would have seen the Hoods finish in mid-table.

There has seen to be a gulf in class between the top and bottom half of the table however this past season, champions Hemel Storm finishing some eighteen points ahead of seventh place London Cavaliers, there’s even been an eight-point gap between the Essex Rebels (sixth) and the Cavaliers.

Now though, for the Hoods, time to rest up, before focussing on next season, and what that may have to offer.

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @hoodsbasketball all smiles as the Hoods win their final game of the season.