Rayven Peeples named to 2024 Women’s British Basketball League Defensive Team of the Year

The Women’s British Basketball League today announced that Rayven Peeples has been named to the 2024 Defensive Team of the Year. 

The American rookie ranked fourth among all players in blocks per game (1.4) and second in rebounds per game (11), leading the Club in both categories. 

Peeples logged six games with multiple blocked shots this season, including a season-high 4 blocks to go with 18 points and 13 rebounds against Cardiff Met Archers in February. She also recorded 12 games with double-digit rebounds, and a season-high of 18. 

Her average in blocks was a career-high for Peeples, bettering any of her three seasons at St John’s University and her single season at North Carolina A&T State University.

“Being selected to the defensive team of the year is a major accomplishment for me,” said Peeples. 

“My game has always been driven by my play on both ends of the floor, and I have always taken pride in being a great defender. Thank you to my coaching staff and teammates for putting me in a position to succeed.” 

Head Coach Ben Stanley commented: “Rayven has been an anchor for us on the defensive end all season. She’s not only defended her position but been great in switches and rotations as well as meeting the challenge to be dominate on the defensive glass. 

“We wouldn’t be where we are without her contribution at both ends of the floor.”

Leicester Riders Managing Director Russell Levenston added: “Congratulations to Rayven for earning a place on the Defensive Team of the Year. 

“She has been an outstanding performer on both ends this season, and she deserves to be recognised for her efforts on the defensive side of the floor. Well done Rayven!” 

The Riders return to action on Sunday, taking on the London Lions in the Women’s British Basketball League Playoff semi-finals.

Riders duo named to Team of the Week!

Riders duo of Taylor O’Brien and Rayven Peeples were named to the Women’s British Basketball League Team of the Week! 

The Riders took a 110-64 road win against the Cardiff Met Archers, and the American pair showed out with a combined 45 points and 19 rebounds in the game. 

O’Brien led the way with 26 points, six rebounds and three assists, finishing with a game-high +/- of 35. 

She was backed by Peeples, who continued her league-leading dominance on the glass with 19 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 81% from the field. 

It’s Peeples’ second nod for Team of the Week, following her week one 18 point double-double performance against Manchester Giants. 

The Riders are back in action on Saturday, taking on Nottingham Wildcats at 4:30 pm at the Morningside Arena. 

Get your tickets here!

Tickets for the following Riders men’s game against Manchester Giants are also valid for the women’s game, so come down and get behind the team! 

Rayven Peeples named to Team of the Week

Riders forward Rayven Peeples has been named to the Women’s British Basketball League Team of the Week following week one’s action.

Peeples was dominant in the team’s season opener, leading the Riders to a 92-65 win against Manchester Giants.

She put up 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, and led the charge in the third quarter which saw the Riders blow the game open.

In week two, Peeples continued her dominance in the paint with her second straight double-double, going off for 11 points and 12 rebounds in the Riders’ win against Oaklands Wolves.

Riders sign Peeples

Leicester Riders are thrilled to announce the signing of Rayven Peeples from St John’s University. 

The 6’3” forward started all 32 games for the Red Storm, and ranked sixth in the conference with 8.7 rebounds per game. She put up 6.7 points and 1.2 points in her final season in the Big East conference. 

In 2021/22, Peeples averaged 8.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, once again leading the team on the boards.

Prior to St Johns, Peeples played for North Carolina A&T as a freshman, then Northwest Florida State College. She led the Northwest Florida Raiders in scoring with 14.0 points per game, and ranked fourth in the country in field goal percentage, shooting 64.2%. 

Peeples commented: “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to play for this organisation. Everyone has been very welcoming since the day I decided to sign. I’ve heard nothing but positive things about the team, and I’m really excited to be a part of a winning programme”

Head Coach Ben Stanley added: “We’re really looking forward to having Rayven here. She’s an elite defender and rebounder, and her physicality in the paint will be a great asset for us. 

“Her intangibles are going to be just as important to us as her physical abilities and skill set. Rayven has a high IQ on both ends, and I think she’ll see a lot of growth as the season progresses.”


Image credit: St John’s Red Storm