Dave Ryan reports…
Leopards coach Thomas Baker was pleased with his side’s performance as they recorded a comfortable 115-53 win at Oaklands Wolves.
”This game was about us setting standards that we are going to uphold across the season” he said.
“It was about the players taking ownership and accountability for the decisions they make on the court. We used it as a live test of the culture we are building this season, as well as a chance to execute tactically at both ends of the floor.
“Huge thanks goes to Michael Ball and the academy guys at Oaklands. They showed heart and competitiveness from the first moment to the last. They came out the blocks on fire and kept the tempo up throughout the game which is something that I wanted my guys to do too. It was strange for me to coach against some of the players I have coached over recent years, I feel they will be very strong this season in the EABL.
“We showed composure at times we needed it but also showed we can play at speed too. The guys are really locked in to the things we are doing this season. The willingness to be challenged and also challenge each other is great to see.
“They are a really exciting group to coach, but we have to keep our feet on the ground, there is a lot of work ahead for us to be ready for the season and we still have players to come in to the squad. It was great to see some of the experienced players offer support and advice to the young players in the team and the fact that a lot of these guys are going to be together every day in both university and Leopards’ games is going to have a positive impact on how we are going to play this season but also will help in the mentality we are going to need in order to compete with the teams in Division One.”
Sam Newman led the way for the Big Cats with 26 points, while Lee Hodges added 18 and Luke Mascall-Wright 13.
Four Mascall-Wright points helped the visitors into an early 6-2 lead, but the college side put a good run together, and five points from Afolabi helped them take a 16-14 advantage with four first period minutes remaining.
That proved to be as good as it got for the home team, though, and a trey from Newman helped Leopards close out the period on a 16-8 run to lead 34-24 at the first break.
Hodges hit 11 second period points as the Big Cats held the home side to two points in the first eight minutes of the quarter, pouring in 21 of their own before former Wolf Wes Moore wrapped up the half to send Leopards into the locker room with a 59-28 lead.
Leopards’ run was extended to 34-4 as they opened the third period with nine unanswered points, and Dion Easton scored the final four points of the quarter to give the visitors an 85-38 lead at the final break.
Newman hit a trey to open the final stanza, and his pair of free-throws took Leopards to the century mark with 4:27 on the clock, and there was still time for a Tom Child triple as the Big Cats closed out the win.
Leopards travel to old rivals Reading Rockets for their final pre-season friendly, on Saturday.