4 November 2008
Biggest weekend so far
Jon Burnell is prepared for the biggest weekend of the season so far as Leopards face two games in just 24 hours.
The Big Cats make the long journey to Middlesbrough on Saturday evening before hosting Westminster Warriors at Wodson Park in the National Cup on Sunday.
“It’s going to be a really tough weekend, and if we don’t play better defensively than we did on Sunday, we’re going to be in trouble” said the Leopards coach.
The Big Cats went down 93-78 at Taunton Tigers on Sunday as a poor second period cost them dearly. Carl Latham-Henry led the Big Cats for the first time this season with 20 points, while Gareth Laws added 17 and Robert Gilchrist 11.
Significantly, star forward Hrvoje Pervan was limited to just ten points by some tough defending, though the Croatian could justifiably complain about some of the calls he received – including two technical fouls – on a night when nothing went right for him.
Leopards had led 20-15 at the first break, but were outscored 32-10 in the second period, and although they started the second half strongly, they were never able to get back into the game.
Sunday’s National Cup game at Wodson tips off at the slightly later than usual at 5pm, and the Big Cats will face a Warriors side packed with BBL-standard players.
Julius Joseph, who played for Great Britain in the summer of 2007, is the most recognisable player in the Westminster line-up. The 6’ 8” forward played for Scottish Rocks in the BBL last season, and he is joined by former Leicester Riders guard Steve Vear.
The team is coached by former Milton Keynes Lions point guard Junior Williams, who also plays for the London club, and he can also call on the likes of Marvin Addy and Adam Lovelock and Sammy Rahman who have played Division One basketball.
“It’s going to be a very difficult game” said Burnell. “They have a team more than good enough for Division One, and we certainly won’t be taking them lightly.
“Our players need to buy in to playing tough defence. We’ve got away with it on several occasions, but it showed on Sunday that if the shots aren’t falling, you can’ give up 90 plus points.”
Saturday’s trip to face Tees Valley Mohawks sees Leopards facing a team who bounced straight back to the top flight of the EBL after being relegated in 2007.
Mohawks have won two of their five National Trophy games, and opened the league season with a 93-70 loss at champions Manchester Magic.
The Big Cats hope to have a new player in their squad for the weekend’s fixtures with the club set to announce the signing of a power forward.
Burnell was remaining tight-lipped about the identity of the new man: “We’re talking to two players at the moment, and we should know by Wednesday. Whichever one signs I think he will strengthen us considerably defensively.”
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