Dave Ryan reports…
Levett Essex Leopards’ coach Thomas Baker is looking for his team to bounce back after two heavy defeats last week as they face a key trip to Thames Valley Cavaliers on Saturday.
The Big Cats were without a game following their League loss at Sussex and Cup defeat against the Cavaliers, and Baker believes they have used the time constructively:
“It’s been a week of reflection for everyone in the team” he said. “We have identified the things we want to put right and have had a great week in practice re-establishing behaviours we need to demonstrate every time we step on the floor.
“The guys remain invested in our long term aim for promotion back to Division One but we understand that we must take it one step at a time and go out and earn the victories needed for promotion.”
Despite a pair of home defeats to open the season, Cavaliers remain one of the sides likely to challenge Leopards for promotion and, as well as reaching the National Cup quarter-final, Saturday’s 99-87 win at Westminster was their third straight League win and moved them up to joint second in the table.
The Big Cats sit fourth in Division Two with games in hand over the top three and return to the Brentwood Centre for a rare Saturday’s night home game on November 18, 7pm.
There is another chance for youngsters to train with the Leopards that evening, with more details at www.leopardsbasketball.co.uk or call 07828 470015.
