Cheshire Phoenix captain Chez Marks, centre Alif Bland and point guard Gabe Haskins were among the top performers in the British Basketball League during December as the team continued its push for playoff berth.

Marks (pictured), the oldest active player in the league, was one of just three players to average more than 20 points per game last month and was second only to Mike Baldarelli of the Durham Wildcats in the overall standings.

The American veteran racked up 15 field goals, ten three-pointers and 25 free throws in four games for a total of 85 points and an average of 21.3 points per game.

He was just shaded by Baldarelli, who averaged 21.8 points per game having played one more match.

While the Phoenix skipper racked up the scoring, Bland proved the best in the business at the other end of the court. The 6’8” centre from Albany, New York, used his giant frame to block an average of 2.3 shots per game last month, putting him top of the league.

Bland was also among the BBL’s leaders for rebounds, averaging ten per game. He was one of only five players to average double figures in December.

Elsewhere, Gabe Haskins made the top five for assists, dishing up 31 in six games for an average of 5.2 per game. December’s BBL Player of the Month Ralph Bucci of the Durham Wildcats led the league in assists with 28 in five games for an average of 5.6 per game.

Cheshire Phoenix will look to continue their playoff form when they travel to London Lions tomorrow night. The club’s next home game is against the Wildcats on 27 January at the Northgate Arena.

By Andy Jowett

Pic: Brian Dingle/Bkephoto