Jones, Mystics ready for important weekend

A busy weekend in the Championship will see nine teams take to the court over a gripping two days of action.

Manchester Mystics currently sit third in the table, having earned nine Championship victories in just twelve outings.

The squad has a familiar feel to it, with many of last year’s team returning to Manchester for this campaign.

That continuity, according to Great Britain international Georgia Jones, has helped the team hit the ground running.

“I think having so many returnees has really helped with consistency this year,” began Jones.

“Our goals have remained the same and we have been able to build on what we started last season.

We understand each other really well on and off the court and can hold ourselves and each other accountable when needed.

“As individuals, we have a lot of basketball experience and that has been key in a lot of our wins so far.

“Our goal is to win a championship. After winning the Cup last year, this season we want to win it all and we know the importance of each game in order to put ourselves in the best position to do so.”

In addition to the team success, Jones is enjoying another terrific individual campaign. The standout guard is leading the league in assists and ranks top ten for both scoring and steals.

“My focus before a game remains to do whatever is needed to help us win. I am fortunate to have a lot of talented players around me who make my role a lot easier.

“As a point guard, I think it’s important to understand what is working and what isn’t. You need to identify which teammate is hot and has the advantage in the offense.

“If I do my job at controlling the offense and finding the open looks, we are a hard team to defend.”

Manchester host Nottingham on Saturday, knowing the visitors will be full of confidence fresh from lifting the WBBL Cup.

“Nottingham will rightly be feeling confident after such a good win last weekend. However, it doesn’t seem that long ago when we had that same feeling after winning the Cup,” noted Jones.

“I think our experience of winning last year is what is motivating us coming into these last few months of the season.

“We want another trophy this year and we know each game is important in helping our chances, starting with Saturday.”

Elsewhere, Cardiff Met Archers tip off the weekend’s action at home against Oaklands Wolves. The visitors seeking their third win on the bounce.

BA London Lions then host Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters before Leicester Riders welcome Team Northumbria to round out the day’s action.

Cardiff return to the court once again on Sunday to take on the visiting Caledonia Pride. The Edinburgh based franchise will hope to put Cup heartache to bed during Sunday’s only contest.

WBBL Fixtures Saturday

Archers v Wolves – 2:30PM

Mystics v Wildcats – 4:00PM

Lions v Hatters – 4:00PM

Riders v Northumbria – 4:30PM

WBBL Fixtures Sunday

Archers v Pride – 1:45PM

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