Rebels Women Secure Win Against Wildcats
The Essex Rebels women’s team opened their Super League Basketball Women’s (SLBW) season with a solid 77-63 win against the Nottingham Wildcats on Saturday, 19 October. The game, featured as part of the Rebels’ special Black History Doubleheader at the Essex Sport Arena, saw the home team control the play throughout and secure a comfortable victory.
Taylor O’Brien led the charge with an impressive 34 points. Her all-around game was on full display again for the Rebels as she added 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals to her stat line, including a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. O’Brien’s efficiency was key, as she shot 50% from the field overall.
The Rebels’ offensive depth was on full display, powered by further standout performances from Brooke Flowers and Maria Blazejewski, who both reached double figures with 12 and 10 respectively. Coach Cookson will have been pleased with the pair’s efforts, as well as new signing Lauren Park-Lane who showcased her exceptional playmaking skills, recording a game-high 10 assists while adding 6 points to the scoreboard.
For the Wildcats, Claire Jacobs was the standout player, leading the scoring with 22 points. However, her efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Rebels’ strong team performance in front of a home crowd.
Coach Ashley Cookson commented on the team’s performance:
“We’re happy for the win but unsatisfied with our performance today. I’m confident that we have a lot better basketball to show both individually and collectively across the bored. Proud of the way our team has dealt with the sad pass it of former teammate Tyra Whitehead. They have really come together and supported one another through this challenging time.”
The victory continues the Rebels’ positive start to the season, following their win over the London Lions in the Betty Codona Trophy that secured a place in the semi-finals.
TOP PERFORMERS:
- Taylor O’Brien: 34 Points | 9 Rebounds | 4 Assists | 4 Steals
- Brooke Flowers: 12 Points | 8 Rebounds | 2 Steals | 1 Block
- Lauren Park-Lane: 8 Points | 10 Assists | 4 Rebounds | 2 Steals
The Rebels will look to maintain their momentum when they face Manchester Basketball away on 26 October at 2pm in their next SLBW fixture. With O’Brien in excellent form and the team working well together, Essex will be aiming to build on this opening success and make it four wins in a row.
#UpTheRebs
Picture Credits: Nick Winter
