Game Preview: Essex Rebels Doubleheader | 10 October
This Saturday, the Essex Rebels host their first Super League Basketball and British Championship Basketball double header of the 2026/27 season.
Essex Rebels Women vs Leicester Riders | 4pm Tip-off
The Essex Rebels Women will look to comeback, from their 88-57 loss to Caledonia Gladiators. Recently appointed head coach, Tor Freeman, will look to build upon the positive form in his first game and will be ambitious to get his first win in the first home game of the 2026/27 season.
Summer signing Alexa Mikesha shined in the Caledonia game, ranking the highest in the team for points (17), rebounds (16) and assists (3) and will look to continue this form in her first home game alongside fellow new signings Lucy Coogan and Lara Rohkohl. Additionally Rebels fan favourites Megan Haines and Olivia Partridge will also look to light up Essex Sport Arena as they return for their first game back in Essex.
However, it will not be an easy match up as Leicester Riders will also be hungry for their first win after coming off the back of a 91-70 loss to Newcastle Eagles.
Player to Watch: Katie Januszewska
Great Britain and English international, Katie Januszewska is one to watch this Saturday. The Charnwood College graduate joined the riders in 2020 and has thrived for them ever since, winning SLB Young Player of the Year in 2025. Last season she averaged 15.6 points per game and has continued this form, topping her team for points in the Eagles game with 17.
Another player who had a stand-out first game of the season was Louisa Gibbins who recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Both Gibbins and Januszewska’s attack acts as a formidable duo and the Rebels will have to shut them down this weekend.
Essex Rebels Men vs Loughborough Riders | 6:30pm Tip-off
Following the women’s game, British Championship Basketball action will resume at the Essex Sport Arena as the Rebels take on Loughborough Riders.
The Rebels will look to build on the momentum from last weekend’s impressive 94-79 victory over Newcastle Eagles. With Tre Baumgardner earning his second BCB Player of the Week award of the season following another standout performance, he will be eager to maintain his exceptional form and help guide the Rebels to another crucial win.
Meanwhile, the Riders will be searching for their first win of the BCB season after a narrow 81-73 loss at home to the London Cavaliers. Also having a disappointing trophy run with one 1 win in 4 games, Loughborough will look to turn their season around this weekend.
Player to Watch: Kurtis Henderson
Henderson signed for the Riders ahead of the 2026/27 season and the American guard has already made his impact on the team. Having an impressive performance against the Cavaliers with 26 points and 9 assists, he will look to bring this scoring ability to the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday.
Henderson also had a convincing trophy campaign despite failing to qualify for the quarter finals, averaging 14.3 points per game and 6.5 assists, ranking first in his team for assists. Keeping Henderson away from the target will be essential in Essex’s success.
Tickets are still available, so be sure not to miss out on an incredible afternoon of entertainment which marks the first double header of the season. Tickets available on Fanbase – Get yours now!
By Millie Winslett
