WBBL – Riders Basketball

Riders Media - 12th May 2021

Stewart and Clark selected to the WBBL Defensive Team

Azania Stewart and Ella Clark are voted in the 2020-21 Molten WBBL Defensive Team of the Year.

Riders had a reputation for their tenacious defence and Stewart slid right in when she joined the team. The GB Olympian led the league with 1.9 blocks per game and averaged 8.8 rebounds. Azania had double-digit rebounds five times during the regular season with a whopping 18 rebounds against the league leaders, Sevenoaks Suns. The 6’4 centre had four steals on two occasions and used her length to protect the rim, resulting in a season-high five blocks in a key matchup against BA London Lions.

Over the last two seasons, Clark has been disruptive on the defensive end. This year, Ella joins Azania in the top two spots as she was second in the league with 1.6 blocks per game. She had a season-high four blocks against Essex Rebels and helped the team get revenge after Essex had ended their undefeated streak. The 6’3 forward also averaged 6.6 rebounds per game, with a season-high of 13 against Caledonia Pride.

With the help of Stewart and Clark, the Riders allowed the fewest points in the paint (19) and limited opponents to a low field goal percentage of 33%.

It's time for the 2⃣nd WBBL End of Year Award! 🏆

Next up: @MoltenSports WBBL Defensive Team of the Year 👑

Congratulations to @j_joyner3, @ken_leonard_14, @azania13, @ShanNorts14, and @EllaClark_ 👏👏#BritishBasketball #MayMadness
— WBBL (@WBBLofficial) May 11, 2021

Molten WBBL Defensive Team of the Year

Jasmine Joyner – 10.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.4 blocks

Azania Stewart – 8.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks

Kennedy Leonard – 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 steals and 0.6 blocks

Shanice Beckford-Norton – 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 0.3 blocks

Ella Clark – 6.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.6 blocks

Congratulations to all the players that were selected for this team, especially Clark and Stewart for leading the Riders on the defensive end.

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Riders Media - 19th January 2021

Back-to-back Wins on the Weekend

Leicester Riders remain undefeated after securing two wins up north against Caledonia Pride (91-61) and Newcastle Eagles (66-39).

In both games, Riders gained a double-digit lead in the first quarter and never looked back.

Against Pride, Riders made a statement with 54 points in the paint and early in the 4th had a 37 point lead, the largest in the game.

Leicester came at all angles with five players in double-digit points with Hinriksdottir leading both teams with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

Riders also finished the weekend with an assertive defensive display against the Eagles, holding the opponents to a 22 FG%.

Kate Oliver made her presence known with 22 points including four three’s and 6 rebounds. This was supported by another consistent performance from Hinriksdottir’s 16 points and 6 rebounds.

Leicester Riders vs Caledonia Pride

Riders

Hinriksdottir 19, Winterburn 12, Lappenkuper 12, Januszewska 10, Robb 10, Clark 8, Oliver 8, Hikin 7, Morris 5.

Pride

Storie 17, Ranger 14, Velazquez 9, Tweedi 6, Beattie 5, Phillips 2, Harvey 2, Falen 2.

Leicester Riders vs Newcastle Eagles

Riders

Oliver 22, Hinriksdottir 16, Lappenkuper 8, Winterburn 7, Robb 7, Clark 4, Januszewska 4.

Eagles

Gorrell 14, Koop 12, Kvederaviciute 6, Thomley 5, Lowe 2.

Photo by Kieron Carr, Newcastle Eagles.

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WBBL Playoff Final Preview

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Arlen named to Team of the Year!

Riders Media - 1st November 2020

Riders Defeat the Wolves in the Second Matchup

Leicester Riders Women never looked back as they won their second preseason game against Oakland Wolves.

After the first five minutes, the Riders went on a 12-point scoring run and increased the lead to an 89-54 victory. The team dominated in the paint with 28 points and thrived in transition.

Sara Hinriksdottir led the team with 19 points, accompanied by Kate Olivers near double-double of 16 points and 9 rebounds. Collectively the team had a strong shooting night beyond the arc, with Sara and the sharpshooter, Hannah Robb, both hitting three apiece.

Scorers:

Riders: Hinriksdottir 19, Oliver 16, Robb 15, Winterburn 9, Clarke 9, Gaskin 7, Lappenkuper 5, Stone 4, Hikin 3, Januszewska 2.

Wolves: Carter 15, Harrison 12, Uprus 10, Rouse 6, Fulop 6, Boros 4, Milligan 1.

The Riders next play in the WBBL CUP opener as they face the Manchester Met Mystics on November 7th.

Riders fall in Playoff Final

WBBL Playoff Final Preview

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Riders Media - 11th September 2020

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

HOOP HQ opens in Loughborough

Class of 2023, Lamarana Diallo commits to Ellsworth Panthers and Ellsworth CC for the 2023/24 season.

Class of 2023, Alex Shaw commits to Hillsborough Hawks and HCC for the 2023/24 season.

Dodici Otto X Riders

Riders Media - 31st August 2020

Hannah Robb signs with the Riders

GB Guard Hannah Robb joins the Leicester Riders for the WBBL 2020-21 season.

Prior to joining the Riders, the former Caledonia Pride guard competed in the WBBL alongside finishing an undergraduate degree at the University of Edinburgh.

Last season, the sharpshooter showed strong performances for the Pride as she averaged 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in the professional league.

WBBL Head Coach Jesper Sundberg commented: “being one of the best 3-point shooters the last few seasons, Hannah fits well in our up-tempo style.”

“She is a hard worker and that we believe can keep improving throughout the season.”

Hannah’s international experience is well suited for the Riders as she has represented both Great Britain and Scotland in the FIBA European Championships.

Robb commented: “Riders feels like a good fit for me, both on and off the court, and I’m excited for this opportunity to grow and develop my game.”

“I loved my four years at Pride and helping grow the female game in Scotland. I had great coaches and teammates and I’m proud to have come through the Pride program.”

“I’m eager to get back on court and compete after a long break from basketball”.

Hannah is now the eighth player announced by the Riders for the 2020-21 WBBL season.

Riders fall in Playoff Final

WBBL Playoff Final Preview

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Riders Media - 10th March 2020

Report: Riders Women bounce back with impressive win over Cardiff

Leicester Riders women bounced back from their defeat last week at Durham by winning easily on the road at Cardiff Met Archers 84-61.

Riders started the game with a vengeance completely dominating the opening period 29-12.

Jen Ashton opened the scoring with a three and Sarah Hinriksdottir hit two more as Riders raced into an 11-3 lead.

Ella Clark hit a further two threes in a row to extend Riders big lead.

Cardiff bounced back in the second period to contain Riders somewhat but at halftime Riders were cruising 47-26.

Any suggestions of a comeback by Cardiff were quickly dampened in the third quarter, as Hinriksdottir continued to score freely and Riders lead ballooned to 73-41.

Cardiff clawed back some respectability in the final quarter but the result was never in doubt.

Hinriksdottir led the way for Riders with 22 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists.

Riders guard Jen Ashton passed 500 WBBL career Championship points during the victory.

Christina Gaskin contributed 13 points and 8 rebounds while Kate Oliver added 10 points and 9 rebounds, as well as 6 assists.

Riders now prepare to defend their WBBL Trophy when they play Durham in the Final at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow this Sunday. Tickets are still available, call 0116 255 8635 or email [email protected] to book yours!

Riders fall in Playoff Final

WBBL Playoff Final Preview

HOOP HQ opens in Loughborough

Arlen named to Team of the Year!