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1 October 2026  3 min read

'It's fantastic to be back' - Butler's Mohawks enjoying life in D1 again

Only two teams, Crystal Palace and Reading Rockets, have more D1M titles than the Mohawks' four, though their most recent win came back in 2002/03.

Back in the top flight for the first time since 2015/16, the Mohawks are out to prove their worth once again, and head coach Steve Butler feels his team can make a good go of things this season.

"Our goal this year is to be competitive in every game," Butler said, who's held various roles at the club since it's inception in 1997. "If we make the play-offs that would be an unbelievable achievement and something we are all fighting for in practice and games, but there are a lot of great teams all competing to do the same."

Clearing the first hurdle this past weekend, the Mohawks picked up their maiden win of the new campaign with a confident 107-84 victory against Pool A rivals Liverpool. The win moved the side back to 1-1 after an opening weekend defeat against Manchester Magic, and the score caught the eye of a number of NBL fans after a truly historic performance from Logan Ryan.

eScoring has Ryan as dropping an incredible 50 points, though a live stats issue means the full story of his performance will remain illusive, to anyone who wasn't there to witness the feat, anyway.

"Watching Logan hit shot after shot was really very impressive," admits Butler.

"We’ve had some great shooters at Tees Valley over the years with Jason Swaine, Dennis Ley, Ralph Bucci and more, but that is one of the best I’ve ever witnessed as a coach for sure.

"Logan wants us to be competitive in every game and challenge the teams at the top of the division."

Logan Ryan (left) battles hard against Manchester Magic (Tees Valley Mohawks)

The victory was a reminder to Butler and all at the club of the joys of being back at the NBL's top table, not just to make up the numbers but competing with the teams around them.

Their latest result is also something the team can build on, be it to reach the playoff places, challenge a little higher, or just solidify their status back in the top flight.

"It was a really impressive team victory on Saturday and with one outstanding offensive performance from Logan.

"The win was a great feeling and certainly makes the trip home a lot more enjoyable. It’s fantastic to be back in Division One, challenging ourselves against the top teams. 

"It’s early to say as we’ve only played the two games but seeing the results, some as expected , some not so much, I firmly believe that any team can beat anybody on their given day.

"That makes the league and the league positions so exciting to watch and we are so happy to be a part of that again this season."

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Main image credit - Tees Valley Mohawks