Sheffield Hatters historic season still within reach

The B.Braun Sheffield Hatters secured their spot in the Women’s Super League Basketball Playoff Semi-finals by defeating the Nottingham Wildcats 95-52. In the regular WSLB season, the Hatters had beaten the Wildcats in every match-up, each by over 100 points. With a gameplay time of 23:44, Grace Graham took the MVP award with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 turnovers, and 2 steals. Their semi-final match-up will be at home on May 9th against the Oakland Wolves.

Vanessa Ellis’ side put up a dominant performance as they started the first quarter, taking a 6-point lead through Antoinette Lewis, Megan Mullings, and Grace Graham. Ella Wright also made a perfect three-pointer from the corner to continue pulling the Hatters away from the Wildcats with 20-11. Georgia Gayle made an amazing pass to Nina Krisper, who put up two points to close up the first quarter 27-13 to the Hatters.

The Hatters' dominant display continued, never losing their lead. Shauna Harrison opened the second quarter with a two-pointer and followed with a three-pointer to bring the Hatters to 32-13. Ella Wright scored another two points to make it 45-17. At halftime, the score was 49-20, with the Hatters showing their strength.

The Sheffield Hatters continued to pull further away from the Nottingham Wildcats in the third and fourth quarters. With huge displays from each of the girls, they continued to dominate Nottingham play by play. Some impressive work by Georgia Gayle, who put up two three pointers in the third quarter, and Grace Graham, who put up one of her own, and ended the third quarter with a spin to put up two points to make the score 75-31. Grace Graham continued to fire up the game, scoring ten points in the fourth quarter alone, including a three-pointer that allowed the Hatters a 49-point lead, the biggest lead in the entire game. The match ended 95-52, sealing the Hatters' place in the semifinals.

There were some stunning performances from Antoinette Lewis (12), Nina Krisper (16) and closely contending for the MVP award was Georgia Gayle, who produced an excellent 17 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. Though claiming the award in amazing fashion, it was Grace Graham, with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.

With the Playoff finals in sight, the Hatters are currently looking at their most successful season since 2014/15. With three trophies securely in the cabinet, the Hatters look to retain their Playoff champions title and add that fourth trophy to the collection. With still the semi-final game to go this Saturday, the Playoff Finals take place on May 17th 2026, at the O2 in London.