BBL Championship: Leicester Riders prepared for battle to defend home record against Cheshire Jets

Oct 21 2010 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

THE irresistible force meets the immovable object on Saturday as the Cheshire Jets – sitting unbeaten at the top of the BBL Championship – face Leicester Riders, who have decent form overall and have gone unbeaten for 12 games over nine months at home.

The John Sandford Sports Centre is therefore likely to be a tinderbox as someone’s record has to go.

Riders coach Rob Paternostro is expecting a difficult match.

“I have seen the Jets a few times and I like their nucleus,” he said.

“Paul Smith has put together a team of players who can beat you in many different ways and they will be fired up after the win against Newcastle.”

The Riders progressed to the semi-finals of the BBL Trophy last weekend and are in strong form, with Anthony Simpson making the BBL team of the week , but it will be interesting to see how Simpson handles Jets forward Matt Schneck after the Eagles struggled to contain him at the Northgate Arena on Sunday.

“Anthony Simpson is so talented,” said Paternostro. “At 6ft 8ins he can do so many things on the basketball court which makes him a tough cover for the opposition.

“I also think JR Blount has been so tough for us in the backcourt.

“Defensively he has been a rock, and offensively he makes plays from all over. He reminds me of the way guards were in the 80s when I was growing up.”