Dave Ryan reports…
Levett Essex Leopards head into their league opener at Westminster Warriors after a 114-41 hammering of Anglia Ruskin University, on Sunday.
The Big Cats powered their way into the third round of the National Cup with a club record equalling 73-point victory, but coach Thomas Baker has his sights firmly set on making a winning start to their league campaign.
“It was a professional performance from our team today” he said.”We stuck to our game-plan and executed it very well. The energy and intensity we had throughout was excellent and it was a confidence builder ahead of our first league game next week against Westminster.
“Promotion remains our main aim, and we need to make a good start on Saturday.”
Warriors finished bottom of Division One last season, and having twice been reprieved from relegation on two occasions in the last seven years, they finally made the drop alongside the Big Cats.
The teams met three times last season, with all the games being won by the visiting side as Leopards won the series 2-1.
The London side include former Leopards Tosin Oyelese and Justin Hitchman, and have made a similar start to the Big Cats as they split their Patrons Cup games and progressed in the National Cup with a 112-67 home win against London United.
The Big Cats will certainly face a tougher test than Anglian Ruskin provided at the Brentwood Centre on Sunday.
Even without star guard AJ Roberts, Baker’s team were in complete control throughout the game, and never looked back after a 20-0 first period run.
Korry Callum led the way for a Leopards’ side who had seven scorers in double figures, finishing with 18 points, five steals and three assists in just 15 minutes of action.
Jamie Rodwell added 17 points and six rebounds, with Will Ashby chipping in with 14 points and five assists.
Shaw Lewis and Dougie Bennett each finished with 13 points, while Kevin Moyo and Ruben Saiz Colon added 12 apiece.
Leopards led 34-13 at the first break and extended the lead to64-24 at half-time. A relentless display in the second half saw the visitors outscored 50-15 as the Big Cats equalled their 102-29 victory against Wellingborough 11 years ago.
Baker’s team recorded an impressive 29 steals and as many assists in the win, and will now how East London All-Stars in the third round at a venue and date to be announced.
