Leopards have been boosted by the news that last season’s player of the year Duncan Ogilvie will be returning to the club for the 2007/8 campaign.

The 6’ 5” former England international forward came through the Ware youth programme and joined the Leopards at the start of the last season.
He missed final month of the campaign due to a recurrence of the knee injury that has blighted his career, but following surgery in may, is fit and raring to go:

“I’m really pleased to be back, and I’m looking forward to working with the young kids and helping to develop them, but I also hope that we can have some success” he said.

Leopards coach Jon Burnell is delighted to see Ogilvie return to the Big Cats: “It’s a real boost to have Duncan back” he said. I’ve known him since he was a kid sitting on the end of the Ware bench. You could tell then that’ he’d succeed. He’s got the size and the athleticism, he can shoot the three and also play inside. He’s got experience in Europe and with the England team. He gives us a lot more options, and if he can stay healthy he’s be a real asset.”

Leopards’ general manager Dave Ryan is also pleased to see Ogilvie back at Wodson Park : “Duncan was our best player last season, and that was despite us bringing three players over from the States. He’s professional, cares about the club, and is one of the best players in Division One - we can’t ask for much than that.”

Along with assistant coach Lloyd Gardner, Ogilvie will be assisting Great Britain Women’s national team coach Mark Clarke as the GB side prepare for September’s crucial European Championship games.

* 15-year-old Leopards forward Ella Clark played a key part as England under-16 girls’ side finished seventh in the European Championships. The 6’ 1” forward still has another year of eligibility at under-16 level, but has been playing for Leopards’ under-18 side, and the experience certainly seems to have paid off for her.

She led the scoring with 12 points in England’s final game – a 54-39 win against Holland – and finished the tournament with the highest number of blocked shots. Clark also led England to victory in their 69-46 win against Bulgaria. She finished with 16 points and eight rebounds to seal a place in the second stage.