Hemel Storm will travel to Reading Rockets in NBL Division One action on Saturday, before the National Cup gets underway with a visit to Barking on Sunday.
Still the only undefeated side in the league, Storm sit at the top of the table and progressed through their toughest test yet last weekend.
Milton Keynes Breakers arrived at the StormDome looking for consecutive victories over the Storm after overcoming them the previous week in the KitKing Trophy semi-final, but they were met with a determined, inspired Storm who drastically improved to clinch the win.
There were big performances from Tra’Michael Moton and Darien Nelson-Henry, earning them a place in the NBL Team of the Week, but the key to Storm’s success was a resolute defence.
With the 100 points they conceded in MK the most surrendered by them in any game this season, it will have been encouraging for Mark Clark to observe a greater tenacity and grit as they restricted their visitors to just 68 in the reverse fixture.
He’ll need a similar showing this weekend, with the trip to Reading Rockets presenting another fierce obstacle in their league campaign.
Memories will resurface of some ferocious recent battles, including last year’s Playoff final and the 2022/23 Playoff semi-final - both of which saw Storm take the win with the game remaining in the balance until the closing seconds.
Somewhat the face of the NBL, these two teams have been competing at the top of Division One for many seasons and this time looks to be no different.
The Rockets sit third, despite falling to two losses, but a strong roster will have ambitions to climb to the top of the ranks.
A solid core of returning talent - including Mitch Clarke, Reis Pinnock and Lewis Champion - has been supplemented by a youthful supply of new men.
Australian Clarke had a standout rookie year last time out, leading the side’s scoring with 15.8 points per game and stepping up as a leader at crucial points throughout the season.
Pinnock and Champion are experienced operators, with over 20 years of British basketball between them, and have often proved formidable opponents for Storm.
In adding to their roster, Reading looked north and hijacked the Newcastle Knights over the summer. Justin Hopkins and Matthew Allman both headed to Berkshire and Hopkins in particular will cause problems, after his 22.1 points per game last campaign landed him a place in the NBL’s Team of the Year.
Other incomings include Zain Poorman and Victor Olarerin, formerly of Essex Rebels, and Ty Nsangu from the relegated London Elite.
With unexpected blemishes to Birmingham Rockets and, last weekend, Loughborough Riders, Reading will be keen to bounce back against Storm as they know a further loss could see them lose vital ground in the race for the top spots.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Barking Abbey are the hosts as Storm begin their National Cup campaign. The side from London were relegated last year but are fighting hard to return, sitting top of Division Two South with six wins from six.
Ethan Conway has led the way, averaging 16.5 points per game, while Lewis Obiorah looks to be a force under the basket, pulling down an enormous 11.3 rebounds.
Their home venue has been notoriously tricky for visitors, with a tight, intimate atmosphere, and Storm will have to adapt to their unique surroundings to avoid early embarrassment.
With a 2.30pm tip-off following a 7.30 assignment in Reading the previous evening, there will be little time for rest and recovery and Storm will have to fight through fatigue to get the two wins they desire.
Tickets for Saturday’s clash at Loddon Valley are available online, through Reading’s website or the link here, while Sunday’s fixture will be held at Barking Abbey Academy - IG11 9ET - with a 2.30pm tip-off for anyone interested in making the short trip.
Written by Callum Humphrey