GAME PREVIEW - KESTRELS VS. LONDON ELITE
Back at the Solent Sports Complex for yet another NBL Division One Men's season. New players, new relationships, same expectations. After a nail-biting game week one, the Kestrels look to put in a statement performance to set the tone for the rest of the league against a London Elite side full of talent.
London Elite
In comparison to the Kestrels, the visitors for the weekend have played more minutes to begin their season, stepping out onto the floor for three matches with varying levels of success. With a 2-0 record in the league after tight wins against London Lions II and the Greenwich Titans, they were pipped 86-79 by Division Two East London Phoenix in the Men’s National Cup for an early round exit last Sunday.
Despite missing some key players for the opening games, expect an experienced know-how and an energy infused look to the away side this Saturday.
Key Players:
Wayne Kitenge
Named in the Division One Team of the Week after an impressive performance against the Richmond Knights, the big man Wayne Kitenge looks as though he’s pushing for sixth man of the year honours to add to his CV. An impressive performance, particularly on the glass, the centre rotational minutes are going to prove key given the Elite’s personnel.
There are many ways in which Saturday’s game could be won or lost for either side, but the boards and second chance points could completely change the outlook of the game, especially during bench minutes.
Tyler Fairbairn
An experienced young player, Tyler Fairbairn is no stranger to the Solent Sports Complex and the Kestrels uniform, having been a brilliant piece for Itchen College in the 2022/23 season. After picking up EABL First Team Honours during his stay on the south coast, Fairbairn is finding success in the London Elite starting unit since joining in the off-season.
An efficient shooter who leaves his heart out on the floor, Tyler is relied upon for crucial buckets down the stretch and will cause issues right from tip-off.
Match Ups
Men under the Basket
Two extremely experienced starting centres with two very different stories, Ryan Martin and Ash Briggs will expect to start at their respective five spots.
Martin – a man with a stacked CV across, not just the UK but Europe – has switched the trimmings of the Richmond Knights’ uniform for the black and red of London Elite this season. Just the 10 points when he travelled to the SSC last season, the match-up against Briggs this season will have added levels of intrigue to make a statement.
Unfortunately for the Elite big, Wayne Kitenge is the one coming off the bench once again… and in fine form, so there will be no rest bite even up against the bench minutes of the Kestrels.
Kestrels’ Bench Depth
A new look side, but the trust in the youth remains the same this season. Those who have finished their Itchen path have left and what were potential holes in this Kestrels unit have been filled.
Young, skilled players all bidding to leave a positive imprint on this Kestrels season enables the coaching staff to attempt a range of different groups out on the floor. The talent that oozes throughout this team will become evident as the season progresses, as they grow into their roles on this Kestrels lineup.
Last Recorded Result:
Kestrels 79 – 61 London Elite
Top Performers:
Ethan Round – 25 points (5 threes)
Andre Arissol – 9 points, 5 steals
Tega Agbede – 19 points, 52.9 FG%
Hammish Loader – 13 points, 3 steals
Tickets remain on sale for both the men’s and women’s games this weekend, there are available down below:
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