Rebels Show Promise Despite Defeat to Worthing

The Essex Rebels began their journey in the newly-formed British Championship Basketball Trophy on Sunday, falling 107–85 to a strong Worthing Thunder in their first-ever game in the competition.

The Rebels moved the ball well and found scoring opportunities to stay close in the opening stages. Worthing edged ahead 30–24 after the first quarter, but Essex remained within touching distance at halftime, trailing just 51–44.

The contest shifted in the third quarter as Worthing increased their intensity on both ends of the floor. Shooting an efficient 59% from two-point range across the night, they outscored the Rebels 31–17 in the period to create a decisive 82–61 advantage. Essex continued to compete until the final buzzer, producing their highest-scoring stretch in the fourth quarter with 24 points, but could not overturn the gap.

Worthing were led by an outstanding performance from Adrian Scarborough, who finished with 34 points and 18 rebounds. For Essex, Kyron Martin and Remy Udeh top-scored with 15 points apiece, providing bright spots in the team’s debut outing.

After the game, Head Coach Joe Hart reflected on the performance:
“In short spells we showed the kind of team we’re capable of being. It’s our first game and we still have some pieces to add, but now it’s about bouncing back and getting ready to go again on Wednesday against London Cavaliers.“

While the result went in Worthing’s favour, the occasion was a landmark for the Rebels — their first competitive appearance in the British Championship Basketball. The team showed resilience and signs of potential that they will look to develop as the season progresses.