Week 10 Preview – Northern Conference

By EABL Staff
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Updated: November 19, 2019

Deng Camp

A trio of games make up the week 10 schedule, with potential ramifications at both ends of the table. We take a look at all three games to see which way they might swing, and who’ll potentially be the happier programmes come Wednesday night.

Derby Trailblazers Academy (3-1) v James Watt College (3-2)

Both these teams won last week, with Derby grabbing a big road victory in Manchester and James Watt crushing Newcastle.

In Blake Bowman, Derby have the current leader in points per game (29.5) and efficiency (28.0) for the EABL. The talented scorer is also the reigning EABL Player of the Week after his 41 outburst against the Magic.

James Watt have plenty of quality to call upon themselves, including Ian Rodriguez, who averages 20.3ppg. He’s also been excelling in NBL Division Two for Team Birmingham Elite, further enhancing his development. Centre Josh Ijeh (14.0ppg, 15.7rpg) is another who can cause Derby problems if they don’t account for him inside.

2018/19 result – Derby Trailblazers Academy 85-66 James Watt College

Charnwood College (4-1) v Newcastle Eagles Academy (0-5)

Since losing to Myerscough, Charnwood have picked up their form once again and have now won three straight against Sheffield, James Watt and SGS. Some stingy defence has helped in that regard, with the Riders holding both JWC and SGS under 67 points. Blaize Sagna has also been in fine form, averaging 22.5ppg.

Newcastle lost heavily last time out, going down to the West Midlands and losing 120-38. Tomorrow’s trip to Charnwood isn’t likely to bring much success either, but the North West side will still be targeting improvements on a week ago.

2018/19 result – Charnwood College 107-46 Newcastle Eagles Academy

The Sheffield College (1-4) v Manchester Magic Academy (2-3)

Sheffield welcome Manchester to South Yorkshire tomorrow looking to snap a four game losing streak that stretches back to late September.

Tom Morey has been in impressive form after missing his previous 2 seasons through injury, he leads the way for Sheffield with an impressive 21ppg. Reyad West is also in the mist of a reasonable campaign, averaging 11.8ppg through five games despite Sheffield’s record.

Manchester need to put last week’s loss to Derby behind them after having the game in their grasp down the stretch and letting it slip away. Look for Malachi Boakye-Yiadom to help them do just that, he averages a team best 13.4ppg.

2018/19 result – The Sheffield College 45-55 Manchester Magic Academy