Cheshire Jets: Jeremy Bell says squad has ramped up intensity in training following defeat

Feb 3 2011 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

PROOF that no man can be expected to hit big numbers every week hit the Cheshire Jets hard on Sunday as Jeremy Bell faltered.

But the usually-prolific shooting guard says the defeat to title rivals Glasgow Rocks has made training more intense this week and focused everyone’s minds on what they have to do to secure the silverware they so desire this year.

Bell had a poor night on Sunday at the Northgate Arena, missing every three-pointer he attempted and scoring only 10 points. But after a season where he has carried the team through some games and delivered match-winning scores in the 30s and 40s, when he says it was just a blip, it is hard to disagree.

“We had a real bad night,” said Bell.

“I don’t think our minds were fully on the game against Glasgow and that cost us.

“I was finding it tough to get my shots down but credit to coach (Paul) Smith, he saw what was happening and told me to concentrate on working in defence.

“I did that and I think it helped me see things a little differently.”

Since Sunday’s defeat there has been a renewed determination about the Jets in training. They have dropped from second to fourth in the BBL Championship and while they are four points off the top spot they are also only six above the final playoff place and Smith’s charges still have a lot of work to do.

“This week everyone has been putting in the extra effort,” said Bell.

“It’s been really intense in training because everyone now realises what it will take to be successful in this league.”

Whether that new attitude pays off will be witnessed on Sunday as the Jets welcome Essex Pirates to the Northgate Arena.

And despite the fact the Pirates are still searching for their first points of the season, Bell is not taking them for granted.

“Right now every game is as important as the next,” he said.

“Essex are just as important as Mersey or Newcastle. We have to treat them with respect and work hard to get the result we need.

“If we don’t then we are not going to achieve our goals for this season.”

Cheshire Jets v Essex Pirates, Northgate Arena, Sunday (5.30pm).