Cheshire Jets: Matt Schneck is giving Jets a platform for play-offs

Mar 31 2011 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

Cheshire Jets: Matt Schneck is giving Jets a platform for play-offs

A DOUBLE-header weekend completes a run of five games in nine days for the Cheshire Jets – and it will make or break their bid for second place.

The higher up the BBL Championship table the Jets finish the better, as they will play a lower ranked team and be guaranteed home advantage in the play-offs.

But while the Jets as a team have lacked consistency recently, the man who emerged as the break-out star of 2010/11 is giving them a foundation to build on.

Since returning from a three-month ban for testing positive for a banned substance, centre Matt Schneck has not dominated opponents in the same way as he did early in the season.

He has gone about his business more quietly than when he exploded on the scene in September but a fact that may have passed fans by is that Schneck has been the Jets’ most efficient shooter in recent games, enjoying almost 60% success rate for field goals while the Jet’s usual scorers have seen their form dip below 50%.

They are small margins but with the Jets playing defence and keeping games tight, small margins make all the difference and Schneck could well prove key as they try to go into the playoffs on a hot streak.

They have the opportunity to gain revenge on Sunday’s conquerors Plymouth Raiders on Saturday, after playing Essex Pirates last night after The Chronicle went to press.

The Raiders demonstrated their enviable firepower last Sunday at the Northgate Arena and Raiders coach Gavin Love is braced for a difficult return game.

“The Jets are a very tough side who punish you for every mistake and rarely make any themselves,” he said.

“Quemont Greer, Jeremy Bell and Matt Schneck are their main players but you really can’t sleep on any of their team as they can all hurt you in different ways.”

The Jets then welcome Leicester Riders to the Northgate Arena on Sunday (5.30pm) with head coach Rob Paternostro wary of the challenge they pose.

“When I have seen the Jets this season they have played well,” he said. “I’ve been impressed with their intelligence on both ends of the floor.”

See www.chesterchronicle/ches hire-jets for Jets v Pirates match report.