Cheshire Phoenix general manager James Brice believes the teenage trio of Max Jones, Ben Goodacre and Luke Gosney have bright futures in basketball.

Brice, who also coaches the Phoenix under-18s of which the trio are a part, was full of pride on Sunday as Jones, Goodacre and Gosney emerged from the bench in the fourth quarter to contribute to Cheshire’s stunning 104-74 win over Surrey Scorchers in the BBL at the Cheshire Oaks Arena.

While the senior players had brought the Nix fans to their feet with some scintillating play against the Scorchers the biggest cheer of the night came when the three teenagers came off the bench to take to the floor together.

Jones hit four points and pulled in one board, Gosney posted his first two points of the season and registered a steal while Goodacre ended up with an assist as all three contributed late on to down a Surrey side packed with seasoned professionals.

“It was the loudest cheer I have heard all season when they came on and when they scored, the place was electric,” said Brice.

“They all made a contribution and showed no fear. They held their own against professionals who have been playing for years and they didn’t look out of place.

Max Jones in action against Surrey
Max Jones in action against Surrey

“That was the most pleasing aspect. It wasn’t just a token gesture because we were winning, they came into the game and showed what they can do and they made a contribution, and the fans loved it.

“It was a chance to show all the hard work was paying off and to give the fans a glimpse into the future and to show that we are able to nurture young, British talent here at the club.”

Jones, Goodacre and Gosney have been part of the Nix squad, who are on the cusp of securing their place in the BBL play-offs, all season.

The trio have been in and around the first-team players both on game night and in training and Brice says that they have earned the right to play.

“Max, Ben and Luke are respected by the guys in the team,” said Brice.

“They have held their own and earned their right to play and the guys respect that and they are very much a part of the first team here and they have a very bright future.”