Game Preview: International Women’s Day Special

This Saturday, 7 March, the Essex Rebels return to the Essex Sport Arena for an exciting double-header featuring action from Super League Basketball and British Championship Basketball, as the club celebrates International Women’s Day.

Essex Rebels Women vs Newcastle Eagles | 4:00 pm Tip-off

After last weekend’s victory over the Cardiff Met Archers, the Rebels will be looking to take that momentum into their clash against the Newcastle Eagles in another round of Super League Basketball Championship action. 

The game forms part of a special double-header celebrating International Women’s Day, with the men’s team taking to the court afterwards to face the Hemel Storm.

In the current league standings, Newcastle sit in fifth place, just two points behind the Rebels in third. The visitors also have a game in hand on the home side, adding extra significance to the contest and making it an important fixture for both teams.

The Rebels will look to build on the positives from their most recent victory over Cardiff last weekend, where their squad depth proved crucial in securing the win. However, the Newcastle Eagles have shown throughout the season that they are a competitive side who thrive on strong inside play. Earlier in the campaign, it was Newcastle who handed the Rebels their first defeat of the season, providing added motivation for the home side this time around.

Player To Watch: Andrea Daley 

If the Rebels are to come out on top at the Essex Sport Arena this weekend, they will have to keep Andrea Daley quiet. The Eagles’ #22 is an all-round offensive powerhouse, topping the charts for her team in points per game (20.7), rebounds (11.5) and assists (3.8). While also averaging 2.9 steals and 3.7 turnovers a game, Daley is a versatile threat that can hurt teams both in fast transitions and in possession.  

Essex Rebels Men vs Hemel Storm | 6:30 pm Tip-off

The Rebels will be aiming to return to winning ways this weekend as they welcome Hemel Storm to the Essex Sport Arena for the latest round of British Championship Basketball fixtures.

Last weekend’s defeat to the Milton Keynes Breakers marked the Rebels’ fourth consecutive loss, and they will be eager to bounce back on home court. Saturday afternoon’s visitors also arrive looking to respond after suffering a narrow 90–92 home defeat to the Nottingham Hoods.

Despite their recent run of results, the Rebels sit six points clear of Hemel in the standings and will be confident of securing a positive result this weekend. The last time the two sides met, the Rebels produced an impressive performance on the road, claiming a convincing 98–85 victory in Hemel.

Player To Watch: Sam Newman 

A consistent playmaker with a strong reputation around the league, Sam Newman is a key asset for the Hemel Storm. Known for his ability to control the tempo and provide defensive cover, the guard has been influential throughout the season.

Newman is currently averaging 11 assists per game, along with 4.4 rebounds, 4.3 turnovers and 2.1 steals. The Rebels will need to disrupt his playmaking rhythm this Saturday if they are to limit Hemel’s offensive flow and come away with a positive result.

Tickets are still available for this weekend, with the return of the pre-game fanzone starting at 2pm.  

Make sure not to miss out on an afternoon of end-to-end, competitive basketball and entertainment as we celebrate International Women’s Day – get your tickets here! 

By Nicholas Melton