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GAME PREVIEW - KESTRELS HOST PRIDE WITH LEAGUE TITLE IN THEIR SIGHTS

  • Mar 5
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 6

Image Courtesy of Luke Simcock
Image Courtesy of Luke Simcock

Following their narrow win against the Barnet Bulldogs on Saturday, the Kestrels have an opportunity to win the league title heading into the final two game weekends. The first matchup is a revenge fixture up against CoLA, who beat the Kestrels 78-71 in the reverse game back in December. However, with key players now back since that result, the Kestrels look to continue their unbeaten streak and end the season in top spot.


CoLA Pride

The City of London Academy based out of Southwark are currently sat in 5th in the NBL Division One – Pool B with an 8-9 record. However, what that record doesn’t show is their form since the turn of the year, as four of those wins have come in 2026, the most recent of which at home to Greenwich Titans on Saturday (79-70).


Although CoLA are unable to achieve playoff seeding, a hard-fought win against the potential league winners in the Solent Kestrels would be a strong way to close out their 25/26 season, and given the result back in December, they have shown they are capable.


Key/Form Players

Andre Arissol

Coming off the back of a 25-point performance on Saturday, the Kestrels captain, Andre Arissol with undoubtedly lead the line both offensively and defensively if they are to come away with the win. The plethora of experience that Arissol provides with a level-head that can end top of the box score whilst also glue the team together with his energy and two-man game capabilities. The double AA battery has shown across his years with the Kestrels his selflessness in games where he may not be the lead scorer, or most efficient player on the floor.


Image Courtesy of Luke Simcock
Image Courtesy of Luke Simcock

That being said, with a good streak of games and the importance of this game for the title, expect Andre to lead the game in scoring whilst also trying to facilitate inside or kick to corners due to CoLA’s tendency to collapse on priority scorers.


Alei Wol

Currently averaging 12.1 points and 10 rebounds per game, the CoLA centre has a knack for obtaining boards across the 35 minutes he plays each game. In his most recent game against Greenwich, Wol put up a monster 18 points, 19 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 steal across 30 minutes of play time. Although he doesn’t lead the stats in the league, Alei is by far one of the more impactful players when in good form.


Match Ups

Briggs vs. Wol

Being one of the more expressive players on the Kestrels roster, Ash Briggs will make it as difficult for Wol as possible, especially whilst on his home court. As the CoLA in form player, Wol will be a key consideration for Matt Guymon to contain at the Sports Complex if the Kestrels are to come away with the win.

 

Arissol vs. Kavell Hawes

Kavell Hawes, not to be mistaken for Kemar of the same name, is a quick ball-orientated guard who will ultimately control the offense for CoLA. To negate this somewhat, it could be Arissol tasked with guarding the CoLA player, as the Kestrels captain is an impressive on ball defender and currently 4th in the league in steals per game.


Kavell himself is well versed in the defensive side of the game, averaging 2 steals per game and with his lateral quickness, there may be times that Arissol will have difficulty beating Hawes in 1-on-1 situations.


Last Result:

CoLA 78-71 Kestrels

Top Performers:

Ethan Round – 22 points, 61% FG, 62% 3PT

Wayne Kitenge – 17 points, 12 rebounds

Toby Gass – 15 points, 7 rebounds

Khyle Capazana – 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists

 

With the title on the line this weekend, the Kestrels will bring plenty of energy and intent from tip-off to secure the league win and top seeding going into playoffs, so be sure not to miss it. Tickets are available here - D1 Men vs. City of London Academy Southwark Pride - NBL Division 1 Men | Team Solent Kestrels.


Kestrels senior women are also in action in their final league game of the season where they will take on London Cavaliers II from 3:30pm, in a bid to keep pressure on a the sumit of WNBL Division 2.

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