GAME PREVIEW: Rebels Women vs Wolves
The Essex Rebels are set for a huge Saturday at the Essex Sport Arena, with a high-stakes doubleheader featuring two major clashes across the Women’s Super League Basketball and British Championship Basketball.
SLB Women: Essex Rebels vs Oaklands Wolves | 4pm
The action begins at 4:00pm, when the Rebels Women host the Oaklands Wolves. The Rebels enter the contest in strong form following a commanding 94–53 win over Cardiff Met Archers, a performance that highlighted their depth, pace, and ability to score from multiple positions.
Oaklands, however, arrive with momentum of their own after consecutive wins against the London Lions and Nottingham Wildcats. With both teams coming in hot, it promises to be a competitive encounter — one the Rebels will be eager to control on their home court.
Speaking ahead of the matchup, Head Coach Ashley Cookson said:
“We’re really looking forward to getting back on court this weekend against Oaklands. The group has trained with great energy all week, and you can feel the focus building.”
Player to Watch: Devon Brookshire (Oaklands Wolves)
Brookshire caused problems in the sides’ earlier SLB Trophy meeting, posting 12 points and 12 rebounds. With an average of 17 points per game and a scorching 60% from three, she remains Oaklands’ primary weapon.
For the Rebels, disciplined defence, strong communication, and executing the game plan will be crucial to containing Brookshire and limiting the Wolves’ offensive flow in order to secure the win.
SLB Women: Essex Rebels vs Newcastle Knights | 6:30pm
At 6:30pm, the Rebels Men take centre stage as they face the Newcastle Knights in a key BCB matchup.
The Rebels currently sit 8th (3–5) and will be looking to bounce back after two tough losses against Worthing Thunder at home and then a narrow defeat in Milton Keynes despite a standout performance from Miles Brown. Head Coach Joe Hart emphasised what the team must focus on:
“We’ve got another tough game ahead of us with the high-power and fast-paced offence of the Newcastle Knights coming in. Our ability to guard in transition will have a big impact on the outcome of the game. But we’re excited to be back in front of the fans!”
Newcastle Knights enter at 4th in the table (5–1) and bring one of the league’s most explosive scorers.
Player to Watch: Bradley Dean (Newcastle Knights)
Averaging 27.2 points per game, Dean leads the BCB in scoring and remains a major focal point of the Knights’ offense. With over 80% accuracy from the free-throw line and an efficiency rating of 137, he consistently punishes defensive lapses.
For the Rebels to secure the win, they’ll need to stay locked in defensively, manage the Knights’ transition game, and maintain composure on offence.
Saturday also marks the first-ever Jersey Night at the Essex Sport Arena, adding even more excitement to a packed evening of basketball. Fans can enjoy performances, crowd competitions, a kids’ jersey-design contest, a best-dressed jersey giveaway, and a special visit from Hoopin’N’Lootin with NBA jerseys available to browse. With two big games and a lively atmosphere expected, supporters are encouraged to wear their favourite jerseys, get behind the teams, and be part of a standout night for the Rebels.
Bring your energy, bring your colours, and bring the noise—join us for an evening of top-tier basketball and an atmosphere you won’t want to miss.
