By Brendon Eagan

They say bad things come in threes and that has proved to be the case for the Southland Sharks.

Southland have had a nightmare time during the past three weeks, losing big-name American imports Kevin Braswell (ruptured Achilles tendon) and Kaniel Dickens (kneecap) to season-ending injuries and can now add homegrown youngster Paratene McLeod to the casualty ward.

McLeod broke his left ankle on Tuesday night playing club basketball for his Boltz side against Southland Boys’ High and will not be sighted again for the Sharks this year.

The 20-year-old, who appeared in seven games off the bench this year, went up for an offensive rebound, but landed on another player’s foot coming down and was taken from the court in agony.

McLeod was gutted he would miss the Sharks’ last three weeks of the season and said it was the first serious injury of his basketball career.

His injury will provide an opportunity for young Southland talents Andrew and Izzac Wheeler to fight their way into the playing rotation.

Sharks coach Richard Dickel felt for McLeod and said he had been pleased with his development this season.

“It’s really unfortunate for him. It’s a bit gutting. He’s got a helluva lot better this year. We’re hoping that Para will step up next year. You’ve got to bring them along.”

McLeod can play the point guard position, but Dickel said they probably viewed him more as a shooting guard or small forward at NBL level moving forward over the next few years. “We see him as a two (shooting guard) or three (small forward). He still needs to be able to handle the ball, though. We want him to improve his ball handling and quickness. He needs to be a bit more explosive. He’s a good shooter.”

The former Southland Boys’ High School student said it had been wonderful to work alongside experienced guards like former Tall Black Mark Dickel, and Braswell, who has played all over the world, with the Sharks this season.

“It’s been really good. I’m still learning a lot off those players. They’ve played in different leagues in Europe and all play differently. We’ve got a stronger team than last year, so I wasn’t expecting big minutes.”

The Zero Fees-sponsored Sharks’ next game is against the Nelson Giants in Nelson on Saturday evening.