We catch up with Nottingham Wildcats’ star, BBC Sport commentator and blogger Siobhan Prior to get her take on Sunday’s WBBL Trophy Final at the Emirates Arena between Leicester Riders and Sevenoaks Suns. Take it away Shevy P!
SP: I’m very much looking forward to this weekend’s Trophy Final and I’m hoping for a physically contested, close game.
I think it could prove to be an exciting one if Leicester get out and run and Sevenoaks are knocking down shots. Regardless of the score or outcome, I am excited to sit back and enjoy watching it on BBC Sport from a fan point of view.
I have really enjoyed watching Sevenoaks play and especially since the beginning of this year. Len [Busch] has them playing very well together at the offensive end.
Their movement off the ball is hard to guard, especially with [Anne] Pedersen roaming around the key. Last time I saw them play she never seemed to stop moving for a second. She was central to the flow of their offence and picked up easy scores because of it.
Although they suffered a loss last week, they are playing well of late. With big wins against Manchester and Sheffield in February, they are definitely a team to watch. They have scoring threats all over the floor and if their shots are falling, Leicester could have their hands full this weekend.
Leicester have had an injection of confidence since the arrival of Erika Livermore. She provides stability for them on the offensive end and works hard on the glass. Her efforts offensively seem to have settled other players on the team and they are at their best when the scoresheet is balanced for them, with everyone contributing.
Matt [Harber] does a great job and you can guarantee Leicester will be a disciplined team who stick to their sets and get great stuff from them. If they are allowed to run their sets and run the floor, it could be a long day for the Suns.
The young ones to watch?
You know I love watching out for the young guns and this season has been just as exciting in that regard.
It has been great to see the rise of Dani Lozzi this year. She can change a game with her efforts at the defensive end. Sevenoaks are going to rely on her on Sunday to bring the defensive energy. It’s also been good to see her looking for things at the offensive end too.
Going with the young’uns theme, I’m also looking forward to watching Gabby Nikitinaite play. If she gets going offensively, she could prove to be a big problem for Leicester and a helping hand on the points board for Cat [Carr].
Finally, I am both proud and excited to watch Holly Winterburn in her first showpiece Final. This is a kid who deserves everything she gets and will get in the future. Her work ethic is one of which I haven’t seen in a young player for a long time.
She has a positive attitude, does what’s asked of her and will play her heart out for however long she is on the floor. I’m wishing her and the rest of the players, from both teams, good luck on Sunday. I can’t wait to watch you all play.
Finally, you never know, we might see a ‘daddy/daughter pair’ lift some silverware for the second time this year!
You can follow Siobhan @Shevy_P
You can also read Siobhan’s bogs via siobhanprior.blog