TCS Chester Jets put their BBL title credentials on the line tomorrow when they face BBL Cup winners and Trophy finalists Brighton Bears.
With nine successive victories behind them the Jets were four points clear at the top of the table before last night's clash between Brighton and Sheffield Sharks. And head coach Paul Smith believes his team now has the confidence to take their winning sequence into double figures.
Smith said: 'We are confident without being over-confident. The players are beginning to recognise their potential and are working hard for each other.
'What pleases me most is our consistency which had been a problem earlier in the season.'
Jets have rattled up more than 100 points in each of their last three games, inspired by hot-shot Trey Moore who is a favourite for the BBL's player of the month award.
And with Jets' 100% league record in January, Smith is set to make it a club double by scooping the coaching award.
One of the successes of the season is Leeds-born Anthony Martin, who was brought up in New York and is in his first season in the BBL.
He is one of four English players regular used by the Jets in a season when BBL clubs had to have at least one Englishman to help the country's preparations for next year's Commonwealth Games.
'He is still a raw talent, but he has improved consistently this season,' said Smith.
'We are better placed than most with having Anthony and four other English players, Delme Herriman, John Simpson and Richard Murphy.'
Following the long journey home from Brighton, Jets face Milton Keynes Lions at the Northgate Arena on Sunday (5.30pm).
The teams have met three times so far this season and have still to win on home courts. The Jets lead 2-1, beating the Lions twice away from home in December after being beaten at the Northgate in November.
Herriman has been having treatment for an injury, but is expected to be fit for the Brighton game, although Simpson is still sidelined with a knee problem.
