Game Report: Hoods Complete Dramatic Comeback Defeat Storm

After a week off, the Nottingham Hoods travelled south to face an in-form Hemel Storm side, determined to return to winning ways following a disappointing defeat to Yorkshire. What followed was a tale of resilience and second-half intensity, as the Hoods overturned a significant deficit to secure a dramatic 92–90 victory on the road.
Nottingham made a slow start, struggling to contain D. Nelson-Henry inside. The Storm big man led his side with nine early points, with others contributing too combining interior scoring with sharp perimeter shooting from Hemel to help establish a nine-point advantage. The Hoods responded through increased defensive pressure and improved transition play, with M. Savery-Richards converting key fast-break opportunities to prevent the deficit from widening further. Nevertheless, Hemel closed the opening quarter in control, leading 28–20.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with Nelson-Henry continuing to cause problems in the paint. Nottingham managed to stay within reach thanks to a scoring burst from T. Williams and B. Johnson, who both found success attacking inside. The contest remained competitive, but Hemel maintained their edge, extending the lead slightly to head into halftime 58–45 ahead. Defensive adjustments, particularly around pick-and-roll coverage and paint protection, were clearly needed if the Hoods were to mount a comeback.
The response after the break was immediate. A powerful dunk from T. Williams ignited the Hoods, followed by back-to-back three-pointers from D. Nixon II. Defensive intensity lifted significantly, with Nottingham forcing turnovers and converting efficiently in transition. The improved energy was reflected across the roster, as contributions came from all areas. Four late points from B. Johnson capped an impressive third quarter, leaving the Hoods trailing by just two heading into the final period.
Momentum initially remained with Nottingham in the fourth, but Hemel quickly pushed back to restore a seven-point lead. Once again, the Hoods responded. A clutch three-pointer from L. Maitland cut the deficit to one, though J. Burnell answered from beyond the arc for Storm. With just two minutes remaining, B. Johnson drilled a crucial three to keep the Hoods within striking distance. T. Williams then attacked the rim aggressively on consecutive possessions, drawing fouls and calmly converting four free throws to give Nottingham the lead. A vital charge drawn by captain E. Bailey in between these positions proved equally decisive, helping secure a hard-fought 92–90 win.
The comeback victory highlights the resilience and character within this Hoods squad, particularly in a challenging away environment. T. Williams led the way with 28 points, while B. Johnson delivered a dominant 26-point double-double. Nottingham returns home next week as they look to build on this momentum and seek revenge against the London Cavaliers.