A win and a loss for Rebels

Rebels rise above Pioneers but struggle to find their stride against Riders. Basketball Participation Officer Stanley Zadzunge reports on the latest Rebels matches, played 19 October.

Essex Rebels vs Leicester Riders (WBBL)

The Essex Rebels women’s team found themselves back on the road to the midlands last weekend to take on the Leicester Riders for the second Women’s British Basketball League (WBBL) game of the season. Both teams entered the game with a record of 0-1 in league play and were looking to capture their first win.

Baskets were dropping for both teams in the first ten minutes in a high scoring first quarter that saw the Riders take a slight edge at 25-20. The action on offence didn’t end there with the Rebels only falling short by two points in the second quarter.

Entering the second half down by seven points, the Rebels had a strong offensive in Ellie Shaxon and Abby Rendle, who was celebrating her 24th birthday, but only managed to net 13 points in the third quarter and 15 in the fourth. The Riders’ Jen Ashton hit two crucial three-pointers to close out the third quarter.

A tough defensive effort kept them in the game as they forced the Riders into committing 18 turnovers. Rebounding proved the determining factor though, as the Riders grabbed a massive 56 boards to Essex’s 33.

The final score didn’t reflect the hard fought game, with Riders taking the win at 81-65.

Top performers for the Rebels:

Abby Rendle (17 points, three assists), Andrea Kohlhaas (12 points, eight rebounds, three blocks), and Jessy Ward (eight points, eight rebounds, eight assists).

The Rebels continue their month on the road as they head up to Newcastle on Sunday 27 October to take on the Newcastle Eagles. That journey will conclude with a slight respite for the Rebels as they play at home on 2 November before having two weeks off for the international break.

Essex Rebels vs London Greenhouse Pioneers (NBL D3)

Saturday saw the Rebels men host London Greenhouse Pioneers in the National Basketball League, Division 2.

TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) athlete and University Sport Scholar, Rory Winter, secured best player in the league for Basketball England Division 2 after last week’s win against Cardiff, and the home side were looking to press home their advantage.

A slow start by the Rebels, and a poor shooting percentage in the first half, saw them going into half time down by two points at 39-41.

Essex regrouped in the third period with an 8-0 run to cause Pioneers into an early timeout. Essex continued to keep their foot on the pedal, putting London under more pressure, and creating easier scoring opportunities for the Rebels. Essex won the quarter 33-12.

The hosts saw out the game in the final stanza controlling the tempo and not letting London Pioneers back in. 

The game finished 93-76 to Essex.

Coach Ross Norfolk said, “The start to our game was slow. We couldn’t find rhythm early on. We had a huge third quarter where we shifted up a gear and continued to pile on the pressure."

Rebels were led by Tom Child’s 16 points, followed by American Austin Butler’s ten points and ten assists.

Essex Rebels Double Header at Essex Sport Arena

Come and support the Rebels on Saturday 2 November as the women face defending champions Sevenoaks Suns and the men play Team Solent Kestrels. Buy tickets.