The season may be entering its final stretch but the action continues at pace, with nine teams taking to the court over two days of captivating action.
On Sunday, Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters welcome Manchester Mystics to All Saints for a battle of the roses that could well decide which club ends up finishing in third position.
“We enter the weekend level on points with Manchester,” noted Hatters forward Helen Naylor.
“Knowing the winner will end the weekend in third position adds an interesting edge to the contest.
“But we will approach it as we do any other game: focus on the game plan and on doing what we need to do in order to get the win.
“Manchester has a good mix of veterans and young players.
“We are very familiar with how each other play.
“I’m looking forward to the match up and I expect a physical game.”
The Great Britain international made history earlier in the season, becoming the first player to tally 1000 WBBL points. But for Naylor, while the accomplishment is gratifying, thoughts are firmly focused on the future.
HISTORY! Helen Naylor (@Helenbab9) becomes the first player to reach 1??0??0??0?? Championship points in the @WBBLofficial.#BritishBasketball pic.twitter.com/Od1zzxc6WM
— WBBL (@WBBLofficial) December 10, 2017
“Being the first player to pass 1000 points was great, but we still have a lot more to do this season,” reflected the versatile forward.
“My role on the team has definitely evolved during my time in Sheffield.
“I’m required to be more of a leader than in previous years.
“Of course I still have to be consistent, provide points and put my teammates in a position to succeed.
“My focus is always on how best we utilise our strengths to win and that remains the same for our showdown with Manchester.
“We will have to play smart and lock in and focus on defence to come out on top.”
The weekend’s proceedings begin on Saturday with Durham Palatinates hosting Sevenoaks Suns. Nottingham Wildcats then face Oaklands Wolves before Manchester Mystics battle Cardiff Met Archers to round out the day’s action.
In addition to Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters and Manchester Mystics, Sunday sees Durham Palatinates take to the court once again to meet BA London Lions – just a week after the hosts claimed victory in the capitol in the reverse fixture to secure their maiden WBBL triumph.
Finally, Team Northumbria and Sevenoaks Suns conclude the weekend’s schedule at Sport Central.
WBBL Fixtures Saturday
Palatinates v Suns – 3:00PM
Wildcats v Wolves – 5:30PM
Mystics v Archers – 6:00PM
WBBL Fixtures Sunday
Hatters v Mystics – 2:00PM
Palatinates v Lions – 3:00PM
Northumbria v Suns – 4:00PM
Please check before travelling to games in case of postponements due to the weather issues affecting the UK.
#BritishBasketball