National League Division 4 This Saturday will bear witness to the first Hull basketball derby as Hull wasps entertain Kingston Panthers in National League division 4. Panthers have had by far the better start to the season and are currently 2nd in the table after 3 comfortable victories, whilst Wasps are in 6th position with a 1-2 record although they have had arguably a much harder set of opening fixtures. Both teams have assembled talented squads; Wasps having lost several players from last season have recruited possibly the most talented group of players in their 6 year history. GB U20 John Stewart joined from division 2 Loughborough Riders along with Jack Daley, whilst in American Matt McArt they have their first international recruit along with 6’8 Manuel Guzman who has played pro league in Spain. Stewart is the 2nd top scorer in the league at the moment with 27ppg whilst Daley has 17ppg to his name so far. Panthers will be hoping their trio of high scoring Eastern Europeans will be on top form, Tom Grigaliunas 25ppg, Daniel Lampkowski 24.5ppg and Kamil Pilarski 16.7ppg have been in sensational form as Panthers have ruthlessly dealt with their opponents so far this season. The good start to the season belies the fact that Panthers are struggling with an ever growing injury list, American forward Justin Loblack is out till the New Year after ankle surgery, Liam Hudson is out till mid-November with a broken hand, Edgaras Krulis has been side-lined with a recurring calf problem and Tomas Kutkevicius faces a late fitness test on his injured hand. A bumper crowd is expected at Ennerdale Leisure Centre on Saturday tip-off 7pm, tickets are available on Wasps website, but hurry they are selling fast. On Sunday Kingston Panthers travel to the North East to take on Gateshead Phoenix in the 2nd round of the National Shield. Like Panthers this is Phoenix’ debut season but despite having ex BBL players Will Spragg and Dijon Fisher in their line-up they have struggled thus far losing both their league games, although they did overcome local rivals Newcastle Eagle II in the first round. Alongside Spragg 17ppg, Anthony Currie is an experienced shooter whilst Duncan Rae 6’9 will create problems in the paint for Panthers, and Sam Tyrell is a highly rated young point guard who has progressed through the Phoenix Academy. Tip-off is 4pm at Gateshead Leisure Centre.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:15:38 +0000
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