Women’s D1 Roster confirmed

Our Division One women’s roster for the 2023/24 season is confirmed.

Roster

Returners

  • Sasha Lecuyer
  • Grace Roberts
  • Kate Davies
  • Jasmine Graham
  • Anna Trett
  • Rose Bryan
  • Emma Dunsire
  • Lauren Dabbs
  • Eimhear Morris
  • Erin Powell (Charnwood Academy)
  • Emily Taylor (Charnwood Academy)

Arrivals

  • Ellie Sarri
  • Erin Caldwell
  • Daisy Porter
  • Megan Curran (Charnwood Academy graduate)
  • Lauren Cooper (Charnwood Academy)
  • Louise Fisher (Charnwood Academy)
  • Charley Woodman (Charnwood Academy)

Head Coach

Tor Freeman

Curran joins Loughborough Basketball

Loughborough Basketball can announce the addition of combo guard Megan Curran.

The 18-year-old played for Charnwood College in both the WEABL and U18s competitions last season, alongside the WNBL D1 side.

Curran will compete for the WNBL D1 side and in BUCS competition this season. 

She will accompany her playtime with her studies, as she completes her course in Sports Management at Loughborough College. 

Curran commented: “I’ve always said the first thing in my mind for continuing my journey is that I want coaches to have a step-by-step plan in mind for me to be able to develop to my full potential, and Loughborough is definitely the place for me to do that. 

“I look forward to all the future challenges that come my way whilst knowing my teammates, friends, and family have my back.”

Nick Moodey, Head of Girls Academy at Charnwood College, commented: “Working with Megan during her two years at Charnwood has been super enjoyable, she’s battled through adversity and developed as a person both on and off court.

“I’m excited to see Megan continue her growth within the Riders programme whilst completing her studies at Loughborough College, I know she is ready to work and bring the energy to any team she is a part of.”

Campbell commits to Howard College

Former Loughborough and Charnwood Rider Lane Campbell has committed to Howard College. 

The 6’0” guard joins the Hawks after being part of the Riders programme since 2019. He spent four seasons with Charnwood College, averaging 17.6 points in the EABL last season. 

Campbell also put up 7.6 points per game in the NBL D1 last season for Loughborough.

This summer, he represented Great Britain Under 20s in the FIBA European Youth Championships, becoming the fourth GB player to record at least 10 assists in a single game in the Championships. 

Campbell follows in the footsteps of Charnwood alumni Blaize Sanga, who previously committed to Howard.

Loughborough Basketball Head Coach Will Maynard commented: “It was awesome to see Lane’s development over the three years he was at the Charnwood programme.

“I had the pleasure of coaching him at all different levels during his time here. I’m really excited to see his progress over in the States. We will all be rooting for him!”

Leicester Riders launch rebrand

Leicester Riders are excited to present their rebrand ahead of the 2023/24 season, ushering in a new era of Riders basketball. 

The Riders are proud to have innovatively evolved throughout their 56-year history as Britain’s oldest professional basketball club. This rebrand allows the club to continue modernising, 10 years on from the launch of its previous logo.

This marks a fresh start for the club, with a revitalised roster of young talent ready to take the reins and add to the Riders’ rich history. 

The updated brand incorporates every facet of the club, from its community work with the Leicester Riders Foundation, its player pathways and development through Charnwood College and Loughborough University, to the first teams in the BBL and WBBL.

The club would like to thank its partners at 5or6 for their support during the rebrand.

Leicester Riders managing director Russell Levenston commented: “It’s been 10 years since the previous logo was created, as we thought it was the fitting moment for us to re-evaluate the Riders brand.

“Looking at how branding has changed over the past decade, we thought it was the right time to refresh ours.

“Thank you for all the work 5or6 has put into supporting the club, both with the rebranding and their continued support through the years. We have worked closely with the team there since they designed the last logo in 2013.

“What is especially pleasing is the new brand’s versatility, and how it can incorporate everything we are about, from our pathways and community work through to the pros.

“These are exciting times for the club, and we look forward to seeing how the brand grows over the coming years. We hope everyone loves it as much as we do!”

Riders retain Powell

Leicester Riders can confirm the return of Erin Powell for the 2023/24 season. 

The 5’10” forward will suit up for the Riders while completing her third year at Charnwood College. 

Powell averaged 28.5 points and 18.8 rebounds in the EABL last season and 6.8 points per game in the WBL Division One for the Loughborough Riders. 

She also has experience on the international stage, having played for Great Britain Under-18s.

“I’m super excited to get back to playing and learning with the Riders,” said Powell. 

“My last two years with the programme have allowed me to progress towards my goals greatly. Hopefully, I can make positive impacts on the floor with my team. 

“I love the atmosphere at Riders, and I am grateful to have another year of development with them.”

“I’m really interested to see Erin continue to develop this season with us,” said Head Coach Ben Stanley. 

“She’s shown a lot of improvement over the last year and has already impressed me in conversation this summer. This year should be a big jump for her.”

Jessica Eadsforth-Yates back for 2023/24!

Leicester Riders are delighted to confirm that Jessica Eadsforth-Yates has been retained for the 2023/24 roster. 

The Manchester-born guard signed a two-year deal last summer, joining from the Newcastle Eagles.

Eadsforth-Yates, a Charnwood graduate, averaged 7.7 points per game in the WBBL Championship for the Riders last year, putting up a season-high 25 points against the Oaklands Wolves. 

The deal includes Jessica’s studies at Loughborough University, where she won the BUCS championship last season.

The club would like to thank Loughborough University for their support.

“I’m very happy to be back with Riders following an overall successful season for the team last year!” commented Eadsforth-Yates. 

“I’m looking forward to getting to know Coach Stanley more and improving personal development, along with new team goals! I can’t wait to get back to work and start building towards what should be an exciting year for the team!”

“We’re really happy to have Jess back,” said Head Coach Ben Stanley.

“I’ve watched her for many years, and I know she’s passionate, team-oriented and ready to work. I’m looking forward to having her with us for another year.”

Riders sign Januszewska

Leicester Riders are delighted to announce the signing of Katie Januszewska for their 2023/24 roster. 

Januszewska is a Charnwood product, joining the Academy in 2020. She signs a four-year deal, and will study for a degree at Loughborough University.

In 2021/2022, the versatile wing averaged 19.3 points and 11.7 rebounds in the WEABL and made the All-First Team in the Northern Conference.

She was also named to the Women’s NBL Division One British Team of the Year with the Loughborough Riders, putting up 13.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. 

Last season, Januszewska joined St Francis Brooklyn in NCAA Division One, before returning to the East Midlands for the upcoming year. 

“We’re really excited to have KJ back,” said head coach Ben Stanley.

“She knows how our programme works and her experience from a young age at WNBL1, WBBL and National Teams is going to be invaluable.  

“She’s got a diverse game that can really help us and she plays hard, and I think that’s going to really help us as we establish our culture.”

“I am excited for the opportunity,” said  Januszewska.

“I’m grateful to be able to return home and continue my studies while playing basketball for the Riders, who have had a big part in my journey so far.”

Charnwood College Fall Short in L Lynch Trophy Opener

Charnwood College Riders fell short in a hard-fought battle against Loughborough Riders in the L Lynch Trophy.

Both sides were slow to open the game, with Loughborough being the first to strike and open a small lead behind the inside play of Loughborough newcomer CJ Hayden, to lead 17-13 at the first break. 

Charnwood’s Greg Wild exploded in the game, leading the way for Charnwood on route to 28 points on 7-11 shooting to help Charnwood out to a lead until mid-way through the final quarter. 

Jonas Dieterich (21 points, 9 rebounds) and Harrison Gamble (27 points, 11 rebounds) led the way scoring wise for the Loughborough Riders and it was a fourth quarter explosion on the offensive end that saw the home team extend the lead and grab victory. 

“This was a good good starting point for this group of players, however there’s much more for us to work on. I thought our lack of experience showed down the stretch and a couple of mental lapses saw the game get away from us in the fourth ,” commented Coach Maynard. 

Credit to Loughborough for making big-time plays. For our first game, I am happy with how we competed, especially due to circumstance we have been in over the past month.”

Solid performances from Victor Ndoukou (15 points, 7 rebounds), Giovanni Emejuru (14 points, 13 rebounds) and Kanu Gudza (11 points, 7 assists) to keep the game competitive in the season opener.

BOXSCORE

Charnwood now look to Wednesday where they will face the Derby Trailblazers Academy in the EABL.

Katie Januszewska joins the Leicester Riders

Katie Januszewska has joined Charnwood College and will play in the WBBL and WEABL this upcoming season. 

The 5’11 guard previously played for the Derby Trailblazers division 2 and helped the U16s make an appearance at the junior final fours. Last season, the scoring machine averaged 30 points per game with a monster triple-double against Sheffield Hatters – 50 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists.

 “I am excited to join the Riders this season,” commented Katie. “This is a great opportunity for me to learn and work alongside such talented players.”

“The team has been hugely welcoming and supportive and are always happy to share their knowledge with me which I appreciate.”

Januszewska has also represented both England at the u15’s Copenhagen invitational tournament and Great Britain at the 2019 FIBA European Championship.

WBBL Head Coach Jesper Sundberg commented: “it’s been a pleasure working with KJ these first weeks of preseason. She has already shown a desire to compete with our more experienced players.”

“I’m extremely excited to see how she can develop and improve in a senior environment.”

Katie is now the 12th and the youngest player announced by the Riders for the WBBL 2020-21 season. 

Charnwood’s Emejuru gets overseas experience at Euroleague Adidas Next Generation Tournament

Giovanni took part in the Euroleage Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Kaunas, Lithuania against some of the best teams in Europe. Giovanni has only been playing 3 years and is now competing against NBA prospects. The Team Finished 5th out of 8 teams.

Giovanni believes that his experience in Lithuania will only help him develop more as a player. “I didn’t really know what to expect because I haven’t really been to a tournament outside of the uk. I found it to be a once in a lifetime experience that will help me grow as a basketball player. It was a different playing style I found it to be alot quicker and their offences flowed at a high pace with short actions.”

“The level of competition was extremely high most teams had NBA prospects and playing against that level of competition is challenging but it will only improve me as a basketball player.”

Head Coach James Vear was impressed with what he saw from Giovanni despite him not being with the team long. “A lot of credit must go to Will on the job he is doing with Gio in the short term he has been with Charnwood, Gio did incredibly well at the Tournament both on the offensive and defensive end. It isn’t easy coming in and playing with the team with only a few practices before we left for the tournament, he is a great prospect and a great kid”.

Charnwood College Head Coach Will Maynard has been impressed with Giovanni’s improvement since joining the Programme. “Giovanni has excelled in the past couple of months being with us. Extremely proud how he represented himself on and off the court. From going to playing u15s basketball last year to competing at the biggest stage in europe is credit to his hard work and dedication.”

Game 1 vs Juventut Badalona

Favourites to win tournament from sources

Huge upset

70-67 win

21 minutes 7 points 4 rebs

Game 2 vs Rytas Vilnius

Winners of the tournament

89-37 loss

20 mins 5 points 5 rebounds 3 assist 2 steals

Charnwood College Riders Head to Portugal with Erasmus+

Charnwood College Riders travel overseas today to begins a 2-week educational trip in Portugal made possible by Erasmus+.

The trip will consist of a mix of on and off the court development for the players. The basketball development will open players eyes to local coaching and competition, furthering their understanding of different cultures of the game.

The trip will feature 27 students and 5 staff over the two week period, with fixtures lined up against local opposition in the Sangalhos – Anadia region of Portugal as well as day trips to local cities and historical sites.

Head of the Academy, Krumesh Patel, is looking forward to the trip.

“The time away is an opportunity to gain some European exposure for the students. On the court the teams will be able to learn from local coaches and teams in a way different to the leagues we play in in the UK. 

“This holiday period allows the group to spend some quality time together and not only gain basketball experience but learn about a new culture away from the game with some excellent experiences being lined up by our hosts. 

The players and staff seem really excited and I think it will be a trip they will remember!” 

Be sure to follow @CharnwoodBball on social media for an insight to the trip.