Blazers back home in season curtain-raiser

THE new basketball season starts tonight with a return to NoelBaker Academy for Derby Trailblazers (7pm).

The Blazers played all of last season away from their regular home court owing to Covid-19 and are back now to face Bradford Dragons in the pool Stage of the L Lynch Trophy, in which they will also face Team Newcastle University and Division Two side Myerscough Academy.

Last season’s tie against Bradford was a feisty affair, which the Blazers won 84-81, led by Jacob Conway’s 23 points.

With Conway having returned to the United States Derby will look to their new signings, one of whom, Sol Rolls-Tyson, top-scored with 29 points in a pre-season friendly against Loughborough Riders last weekend.

Fellow newcomers Jonas Dieterich and Raheem May-Thompson are also capable of scoring big numbers, while the ever-dependable Malcolm Smith piled in 30 points in last weekend’s other pre-season match, away to Division Three side Teesside Lions.

Conway’s direct replacement, Ryan Bruggeman, will be missing as, like many overseas players in the league, he awaits the visa he needs to play in the UK.

“I can’t wait for the new season to get started and I’m delighted that we’ll be able to get back to playing in front of our home fans,” said head coach Matt Shaw.

“It’s a new-look team, but there will be several familiar faces. I think we’ll be exciting to watch and if we can find our feet quickly, I really think we have a side which can challenge at the top of the table.”

Tickets are available at a reduced “welcome back” price of £5. Children and registered club players are free and concessions £2.50. Contact details will be taken and a one-way in/out system will operate.