09-09-10
CIA tip off new campaign
The London Metropolitan Basketball League released the fixtures for the 2010/11 season this morning, uncovering a number of interesting match ups when the season tips of in the first week of October.
In the first game of the 2010/11 season on the 8th October, CIA will travel to Britannia Leisure Centre in Central London to take on the Hackney White Heat. Though the two teams have met on several occasions, both teams will boast an unfamiliar line up, promising a tense opening game.
CIA will return home the following week to play Hackney’s older brother, Hackney Community College. The national league team, based at the Space Centre, are stacked with young talent and have blazed a formidable trail over the past few years, topping the league on several occasions and always fighting for supremacy at the top of the table.
On the 19th October CIA visit the infamous Moberley Sports Centre to face off against Westminster Warriors. CIA caused an upset last season as they dumped the Warriors out of the LMBL Cup with a nail-biting single point victory and they’ll be hoping for a repeat performance.
To close out an action-packed October, CIA will face an in-house battle as newcomers Christians in Action, formerly CIA 2, pit their wits against them in a bid to reach the second round of the LMBL Cup. Former shooting guard Nik Lawry has joined Christians in Action under the leadership of coaches Dennis Paddyfoot and Freddie Roberson and a completely new-look team is expected.
CIA will renew rivalries with Met Trident Lewisham and face Alleyns Apaches for the first time in December.
CIA will hope to debut two new players when the season tips off, with 6′3″ Guard Aaron Lawmann and 6′7″ Forward Andre Bayliss expected to complete the roster.
08-10-10
Stefan Gill will add to Lions roar
Last year’s EBL MVP and current England International Stefan Gill will step up to professional competition next season when he joins local BBL outfit, Milton Keynes Lions.
The 26 year old, 5′10″ point guard was voted the MVP in the English Division One last season as he led his hometown Manchester Magic to a playoff crown. He averaged an impressive 23 points and just shy of 5 assists per game.
The high flying guard has thrilled audiences at our annual Family Festival for the past 2 years, winning the slam dunk crown on his first appearance back in 2009. Now he’ll put his unique skills on show for thousands as he battles the very best in the UK.
Stefan is expected to make his debut in September presuming the Lions find somewhere to call home. They were forced out of their current arena this summer and the race is on to find somewhere new before their first fixture.
Follow Stefan and the rest of the Lions at mklions.com
- @davegymnastics Sure do. You've missed a summer of great action then. This should help you catch up http://bit.ly/cO77bS @backbritishball
