Few rosters have seen more upheaval than that of Team Northumbria.
A slew of injuries have hampered the progress of the team from the North East in recent weeks.
“It has been a very tough few months,” admitted Head Coach Chris Bunten.
“We’ve gone through something like this before with injuries, but not to this extent.
“At one point we had four of our starting five out.
“That being said, it has allowed some of our younger and less experienced players to gain some valuable playing minutes.
“I have been especially impressed with Emily Cox. She has shown she can be a great role player on this team.”
Northumbria is back in action on Sunday, with many of the players previously sidelined set to rejoin the rotation.
The team face Caledonia Pride at Sport Central in the first round of the WBBL Trophy.
“Now we are able to welcome everyone back on a minutes restriction it’s on me to find some continuity,” stated the Northumbria play-caller.
“That process starts this weekend against Caledonia.
“Pride is a well drilled and organised team. If we face the side that push that ball well, don’t turn it over and hit outside shots then we’re in for a tough game.
“We have probably faced them both at their best and worst this season. They knocked us out of the WBBL Cup and we’ve beaten them in the Championship with a depleted team.
? @GiuliaSimioni93 led the way for @TN_Basketball on Friday in Championship victory.
The team meets @Caledonia_Pride again this afternoon in the Cup Semi-Finals #BritishBasketball pic.twitter.com/6AWDdJVzZ3
— WBBL (@WBBLofficial) December 17, 2017
“It will be a closely contested game and I am excited to see us continue to build court continuity as we approach the Play-Offs.”
Manchester Mystics open the weekend’s action against Cardiff Met Archers in the Championship on Friday.
On Saturday, Leicester Riders welcome an in-form Durham Palatinates knowing victory is a must if they are to keep the pressure on Sevenoaks Suns at the top of the table.
.@SevenoaksSuns consolidate top spot, @NottmWildcats eyeing up a top four place and @DU_Palatinates look like making late moves towards that precious last Play-Off spot! #BritishBasketball pic.twitter.com/BuMxrf7WNH
— WBBL (@WBBLofficial) March 12, 2018
The first round of the Trophy tips off later in the day as Nottingham Wildcats take on Cardiff Met Archers.
BA London Lions meet Oaklands Wolves on Sunday, before Durham Palatinates and Manchester Mystics do battle – all four teams set to open their Trophy campaign.
Finally, Team Northumbria host Caledonia Pride to round out the weekend’s schedule.
WBBL Fixtures Friday
Mystics v Archers – 7:15PM
WBBL Fixtures Saturday
Riders v Palatinates – 2:30PM
Wildcats v Archers (TRO) – 5:30PM
WBBL Fixtures Sunday
Palatinates v Mystics (TRO) – 3:00PM
Northumbria v Pride (TRO) – 4:00PM
Lions v Wolves (TRO) – 7:00PM
#BritishBasketball