Game Preview: Essex Rebels Women vs Oakland Wolves | Essex Rebels Men vs Bristol Hurricanes

Following last week’s big win, this Saturday will see the Essex Rebels Women host the Oakland Wolves. Tipping off at 4pm, it will be the Rebels’ second match in the Super League Basketball Trophy. Followed by the Essex Rebels Men who will take on the Bristol Hurricanes at 6:30pm in the British Championship Basketball.

Last time out saw the Rebels claim victory over the London Lions in a game which ended 81-50, while the visitors also beat the same opposition in their first outing of the campaign, ending 85-62.  

The Rebels will be up against tough opposition in the Oakland Wolves, after the visitors won the SLB League and Cup in the previous 2024/2025 season.  

Key Player: Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant 

One player the Rebels will have to keep an eye on is McGhee-Pleasant. Last time out, the 6’1 forward finished with a double double, after chalking up with fifteen points, with ten rebounds and two assists. 

McGhee-Pleasant’s ability to drive at the defence of the opposition while being a danger in the paint will be key for the Wolves as they look to stop the Rebels from winning two matches on the bounce at the Essex Sport Arena.  

Despite the threat posed by the Wolves, the Rebels have some firepower of their own. Last time out saw forwards Natalie Chou and Maria Blazejewski running riot against the London Lions, as they combined for thirty-seven points. 

 In addition to the high-scoring standouts, every Rebels player ended the match with a positive net rating, showing the side’s strength in depth and ability to outscore opponents on a per-possession basis. 

Speaking ahead of the match, Rebels Head Coach Ashley Cookson said: 

“We’re excited for another big challenge this weekend against Oakland Wolves. Our focus is continuing to build our identity and competing for forty minutes. Each game is an opportunity to grow and we’re looking forward to testing ourselves again in front of our fans.” 

As both sides head into this game with a win fresh in their minds, fans can expect a high-quality and competitive match-up. After last week’s impressive atmosphere at the Essex Sport Arena, it is time to do it again! Tickets are available on Fanbase, so get your tickets now! 

As part of this weeken’s double-header, the Mens side will take to the court on Saturday at 6:30pm, following the Women’s side’s clash against the Oakland Wolves, in which the Men will take on the Bristol Hurricanes in their first ever British Championship Basketball game at the Essex Sport Arena.

In a game of firsts, new Head Coach Joe Hart will also be hoping for his first victory in charge of the Rebels, following a string of defeats in the BCB Trophy early this season. Last time out at the Essex Sport Arena, the Rebels were handed a 60-90 defeat by last season’s play-off winners, the Reading Rockets. 

Despite the rocky start to the season, Joe is positive about the Rebels’ future, with a young squad featuring plenty of new arrivals.  

Speaking before tip-off against the Hurricanes, Joe said:  

“We’re excited for the first game of the regular season against a talented Hurricanes team. We’re hoping to build off the momentum we began to see in the Cup and are looking forward to playing in front of our Rebels crowd.” 

With a brand-new era of British Championship Basketball about to begin, come down to the Essex Sports Arena and support the Rebels. Get your tickets here! 

By Nicholas Melton