Games played: 21
Points Per Game: 10.76
Rebounds Per Game: 6.8
Assists per game: 1.3
Following a breakout season last campaign Josh Ward-Hibbert cemented himself as one of Coach Paternostro’s most consistent performers this season.
Now in his fifth season with the club Josh looks as comfortable as ever out on the court which is reflected in his career highs of 10.76 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Josh also shot the ball extremely efficiently over the course of the season shooting 54.6% from 2-point range. Ward-Hibbert also recorded 5 double doubles on the season which highlights his excellent rebounding ability for a man of his size.
Coach Paternostro was impressed with the season that Josh had despite battling injury after an excellent start to the campaign. “Josh had a great start to the season. He was playing very well scoring and rebounding at a high level but unfortunately, he picked up a knee injury which side-lined him for a while but he battled through that for the rest of the season. His game continues to develop every year. He showed that this season His shooting ball handling and playmaking continue to develop. Josh plays hard, he is the type of player that will never get out worked or out hustled, he goes 100 percent every day.”
Key Performances
September 20th v Sheffield Sharks – BBL Cup
Stat line: 19 points (7-13 FG), 14 rebounds, 4 assists
The Leicester Riders took on the Sheffield Sharks at the Morningside Arena as they opened up their 2019/20 BBL Cup Campaign. Josh made an impact early collecting a couple of rebounds and finishing back to back plays inside with layups just 3 minutes into the game as the Riders won the first period 21-14. Josh sprung into life in the second period collecting 5 defensive boards and scoring 10 points as he led the Riders into the half time break up 50-28. Josh continued to rack up the rebounds in the third quarter collecting three more whilst he continued to hurt the Sharks inside scoring easy twos and getting to the foul line. The Riders dominance continued as they held a 65-40 lead going into the fourth quarter. Josh nailed a three to get the Riders going in the fourth as the Sharks tried to battle back but it wasn’t enough as the Riders ran out winners 75-54.
October 4th v Newcastle Eagles – BBL Cup
Stat line: 15 points (5-14 FG), 12 rebounds, 6 assists
The Riders took on their rivals the Newcastle Eagles at the Morningside Arena as the two teams did battle for the first time this season as Josh posted another double double. It was a high scoring first quarter as the Eagles jumped out to an early lead before the Riders battled back, Josh has a busy opening period on the glass collecting 4 offensive boards. Josh got the scoreboard moving in the second quarter scoring 2 layups and knocking down 4/4 free throws however the Eagles continued to cause the Riders troubles inside and took a 10 point lead into half time. Despite the Eagles keeping the Riders at arms length for much of the second half it was an outstanding effort from Ward-Hibbert who battles throughout racking up 8 points and 6 rebounds in the second half but unfortunately it wasn’t enough as the Eagles took the win 86-94.
February 14th v Newcastle Eagles – BBL Championship
Stat line: 18 points (8-12 FG) 10 rebounds, 3 assists
The Leicester Riders once again took on the Newcastle Eagles at the Morningside Arena as they did battle for the final time this season in the BBL Championship. It was yet another outstanding effort from Josh Ward-Hibbert who posted another double double against the Eagles. It wa an impressive first quarter from the Riders who jumped out to an early lead, Josh entered the game at the 5 minute mark and quickly scored a driving layup and a three as the Riders won the period 26-16. Josh and the Riders continued to punish the Riders inside in the second quarter with multiple easy scores in the paint as they extended their lead. A Ward-Hibbert three followed by a layup in the final minute of the half saw the Riders go into the break up 49-34. The Riders didn’t take their foot off the gas in the second half, Josh got in on the action late with an offensive rebound and put back as the Riders went into the final period up 71-52. The Riders didn’t slow down in the final period, Josh got the Riders off the mark with a strong layup inside on the break as the Riders continued to dominate running out 101-63 winners.
