GAME PREVIEW: Rebels Women vs Caledonia Gladiators | Rebels Men vs Reading Rockets
The Essex Rebels are gearing up for another exciting doubleheader at the Essex Sport Arena this Saturday, 25 October 2025. The Rebels Women will start the day at 4pm against Caledonia Gladiators, followed by the Rebels Men hosting the Reading Rockets at 6:30pm.
In addition to the on-court action, the club will be honouring Black History Month, celebrating the achievements and contributions of the Black community. Fans can also look forward to a special performance by Stepperz, the University of Essex ACS dance group, bringing the energy to the arena.
Essex Rebels Women vs Caledonia Gladiators | Super League Basketball Championship | Tip-off 4pm
The Rebels Women begin their Super League Basketball Championship campaign against a formidable opponent in the Caledonia Gladiators, who competed in last season’s EuroCup Women.
Caledonia have had a strong start to the year, finishing the SLB Trophy stage with a 3–1 record. Their only loss came against the defending Playoff Champions, the B. Braun Sheffield Hatters (67–79). The Scottish side finished second in their group and will also face the Rebels again soon in the Trophy Semifinals — making this matchup an early preview of what’s to come.
Head Coach Chantelle Handy has built a disciplined and defensively solid Gladiators squad, featuring a strong returning British core led by Hannah Robb, alongside key additions such as Maura Fitzpatrick and Anastasia Warren, both formerly with Manchester Basketball. Tierra Hodges also brings strength, toughness, and experience after two productive seasons with Newcastle.
Player to Watch: Anastasia Warren
The American guard joined Caledonia this season after an impressive campaign with Manchester. Warren led her team in scoring during the Trophy phase, averaging 18.5 points, 3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, showcasing her ability to score from all three levels — particularly from beyond the arc.
Head Coach Ashley Cookson shared his thoughts ahead of the matchup:
“We’re coming into the regular season with good momentum after winning our Trophy group, which was a great early test for us. That experience helped us learn a lot about ourselves and how we want to play. Caledonia will be a strong challenge to open the league, but we’re excited to see how we measure up and to keep building on the foundations we’ve set.”
Essex Rebels Men vs Reading Rockets | BCB Championship | Tip-off 6:30pm
In the second game of the doubleheader, the Rebels Men will take on the Reading Rockets for the second time this season — this time in BCB Championship action. The two sides previously met in the BCB Trophy, marking the Rebels’ first competitive game of the season.
The Rockets enter the matchup in top form, continuing their momentum from a dominant 2024/25 campaign where they captured the KitKing Trophy, National Cup, and Playoff title. So far this season, they’ve maintained that success, earning early league wins over Bristol Flyers II and Hemel Storm, and advancing to the BCB Trophy semifinals.
Reading boasts a fast-paced, high-scoring offence led by Victor Olarerin, a familiar face to Rebels fans, renowned across British basketball for his dynamic scoring.
Player to Watch: Malik Bryant
New signing Malik Bryant has made an immediate impact for the Rockets. After beginning his professional career overseas in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Flagler State University graduate has quickly established himself as one of the league’s standout guards — averaging 22.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game through the opening rounds. The Rebels will need to contain his scoring ability and limit his influence in transition.
Rebels Head Coach Joe Hart is eager to see his team back in front of the home crowd:
“We have a big opportunity to bounce back against Reading after a poor performance on the road to the Cavaliers last weekend. Reading are a highly talented and well-coached team, so we’ll need to stay locked in for the full 40 minutes. I’m looking forward to being back in front of our home fans at the Arena!”
It promises to be an action-packed Saturday of basketball, celebration, and community. Tickets are available now — come down to the Essex Sport Arena, cheer on your Rebels, and be part of an unforgettable day.
