With Team GB in the FIBA Women’s Euro Basket 2021 qualifying campaign this month there’s not been much court action for our WBBL stars at Nottingham Wildcats in recent weeks but that’s not to say the club haven’t been busy with other things as they prepare for Saturday’s league show down with Essex Rebels.

The women’s first team last played against Leicester Riders at the start of the month where they were beaten for the first time this season in the league after four straight wins so will be now looking to bounce back with business as usual against an Essex outfit who are yet to win and at the foot of the Womens British Basketball League table.

Since that 69-84 defeat against the Riders on November 3^rd the Wildcats have become City Schools Champions after their year 10 and 11 Nottingham Academy girls and boys team did the double in the City Schools Basketball Leagues.

The club also welcomed Nottingham City Councillor Neghat Khan along with David Mellen and Councillor David Trimble to the opening of the Ken Williams Study Hall at the Wildcats Arena.

The venue which will serve young people of the community and help them succeed through academics and sport has been named in recognition to Ken’s commitment to the Sneinton and Bakersfield Community as both a City Councillor and Wildcats Trustee and it was Ken who contributed greatly to making the dream Basketball facility a reality on Greenwood Road.

Finally the club have enjoyed Academy wins this week as the Men’s Nottingham Academy Wildcats side beat Allerton High School 81-73 and the Women beat Derby Trailblazers Academy 64-56 in the Womens Elite Academy Basketball League.

Ahead of the game at the Essex Arena on Saturday the Wildcats will be looking for one of their top points scorers Jasmine Joyner to continue her run of good form. The forward/center has made more 2pts scores than anyone in the league (31) with team mate Chelsey Shumpert next best on 27. Shumpert & Joyner also lead the way with field goals both on 33 each.

Wildcats Sadie Russell also having a great WBBL season leads the way in league stats for 2 points percentage converting at a whopping 341.3%.

The game on Saturday at Essex Sports Arena tips off at 5:30pm.

*Main image @NottmWildcats officials meet during the opening of the Ken Williams Study Hall.