Worthing Thunder vs. Derby Trailblazers preview

by UK American Sports Fans

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Smarting from four successive losses, Worthing Thunder will hope to return to winning ways on Sunday when they will be visited by Derby Trailblazers. Thunder’s head coach Gary Smith has only just made changes to his roster, and will no doubt be hoping that the re-signing of American big-man Hank Rivers will turn around their recent lack of form.

The Trailblazers side looks very strong this season, and they have already handed out National Cup defeats to two of last seasons top teams; Reading Rockets and London Leopards. Led by former BBL guard Rishi Kakad, the Trailblazers have succeeded thanks to a high scoring offensive system with a number of dangerous offensive weapons. Sharp-shooting guard Martyn Gayle has formed a potent back-court combination with Kakad, and they are backed-up by the talented Great Britain youth international Rema Lascelles.

6’9” centre Mark Woodhouse returns and he has had a very strong start to the season. Alongside him is veteran Dave Attwell who had been considering retirement, but has proved he still has a lot to offer. Both players have experience in the UK’s top flight and are undoubtedly one of the toughest post duos in the league.

An exodus of forwards Sam O’Shea, Joel Madourie and Chris Page left a considerable void in the Trailblazers line-up, but head coach Jamie Maudsley has recruited well. 6’6” American Troy Whittington joins up with the team as he studies for his Masters Degree at University of Derby. Adding to the Trailblazers depth is former Tees Valley Mohawks forward Eric Milambo, and  6’7” prodigy Joshua Guddemi.

Worthing’s line-up is looking a little more settled thanks to the addition of the 6’8” Rivers. He joins a front-court of athletic American Marcus Tullis, and hulking centre Francesco Amato. In Rivers debut against Bristol Academy Flyers last Sunday he pulled down eight rebounds but scored only a disappointing four points. Now he has had more chance to integrate back into the system he will be looking to make more of an impact on the score-sheet.

Thunder’s back-court looks solid, although the defence of starters Courtney Small and Vinnie Darpino will have to be strong if they are to slow down Gayle and the free-scoring Kakad. Captain James Brame anchors the team, and youthful Liam Mitchell has been one of Thunder’s most dependable scorers this season.