Following on from a convincing 96-64 win in Round 2 against local rivals Sheffield Junior Sharks, Sheffield Elite U18 Premier squad would once again look tp assert dominance in the National Cup against a young, talented Trafford Magic. Trafford came into the game having failed to register a win in league play, only picking up a win in the previous round. 

The game started off at a frantic pace with Trafford scoring the first points of the game with a corner 3. Sheffield Elite responded immediately with a score from lead guard Miklos Zalavari and both teams would continue to trade baskets with score tied at 9-9 after 5 mins. Sheffield Elite would make some changes and regained control of the tie, with scores from captain Emanuel Kai, Luke Baldwin and Ethan, ending the first quarter with a 25-12 lead. 

The Sheffield Elite lead didn't deter Trafford Magic going into the 2nd quarter who would start by forcing 4 turnovers in a row and cutting the defecit to just 1 point with 5 minutes to play in the quarter. Changes were made by Head Coach Aidan Appleyard with George Andrews checking in with a great defensive display and strong finishing at the rim to ensure a 9 point lead at half time. 

The 3rd quarter started with a big emphasis on getting the ball inside and making the most of the size mismatch. Michael Aleksandrov and Dylan McCormack proved pivitol to this throughout the 2nd half coming up with rebounds and giving Sheffield Elite 2 chance opportunities. Sheffield Elite would ultimately prove too strong for the young Trafford magic side winning the 2nd half by 12 and taking a 21 point win into Round 4. 

A great opportunity to get everyone some good minutes with all players registering double digit minutes and making positive contributions on the stats sheet. Miklos Zalavari would lead all scorers with 16 points and 6 steal followed by TJ Prado with a 13 point, 12 rebound double-double. 

Sheffield Elite will now face Manchester Magic away from home in Round 4 of the National Cup on 17th November.