Cheshire Jets: Mersey Tigers talk the talk in BBL Trophy but Essex Pirates keep their own council as BBL Championship opener looms

Sep 30 2010 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

MERSEY Tigers shooting guard James Jones has raised the stakes before tomorrow’s derby against the Jets at Liverpool’s Echo Arena (7.30pm).

In an interview he said : “It’s always a tough game against the Jets.

“We’re quietly confident though, and if we win we’re through to the semi-finals, so we’ll be looking to wrap that one up.”

Head coach Tony Garboletto was more cautious in his approach, acknowledging that the Jets are yet to get up to full speed.

“They had a really tough first weekend but I expect them to still be up there. They had a big win at weekend but we need this win to qualify for semi-final of the Trophy.

“I really like Quemont Greer. I think he is going to be a really tough cover for all teams.”

The Tigers have snapped up former Jet Jamal Williams after Paul Smith released him last week. After re-forming in the summer, they cannot sign import players for 12 months. Williams has dual US/British nationality through his mother.

The Jets BBL Championship campaign begins at the Northgate Arena on Sunday (5.30pm) against the Essex Pirates.

The visitors shocked the Jets when Paul Smith took his side to Southend last season, winning 80-72 in the first encounter, but the Jets won both of the remaining meetings to seal the series.