Intro
Now there are four! Over a two-day weekend of KitKing fixtures Reading and Derby host Hemel and Worthing respectfully. Chris previews both semi-finals with focus on where these two games could well be won!
Reading Rockets entertain Hemel in Saturday’s Semi Final. Last season the Rockets fell at this stage with a 4-point loss to Newcastle. They will look to go one better this time and call on cup pedigree. The 2020-21 side made the finals in the National Cup and should not be written off.
Back-to-Back ‘Rebound’s Player of The Week’ Troy Cracknell has transitioned to the league very quickly and is coming off the back of a 39-point double-double to knock out Thames Valley Cavaliers in the last round.
Hemel Storm have big-game experience themselves in the of-season, finishing runners up to Solent back-to-back, but made the Cup final four in the 2018-19 season.
Taylor Johnson needs no introduction and will be one to watch.
This game will likely be won in the battle of the bigs, with Reading boasting one of if not the best Big-3 in the league, the likes of Sylla and Rai offer a real litmus test.
Derby are looking very strong and this will be their first proper test of their lofty but reasonable ambitions. They will be on a high not tasting a defeat in this competition or it’s previously named version in a hot minute.
The signing of Jase Harrison has really peaked the fanbase’s interest with Harrison becoming a firm fan’s favourite in some quarters.
Visitors Worthing Thunder will be relishing this fixture and while this fixture will be part of them executing a team plan of dominance, personal vengance will likely linger in the back of their heads.
This fixture will hold personal intrigue for the majority of the Thunder’s squad. In what could be seen as a revenge clash the former Solent quadlet from Worthing’s roster will be looking to write some wrongs as they fell to Derby at this stage and arena last season. The former Newcastle trio tasted a bitter loss in the final at the hands of Derby.
Where this game will be won is defence, and more specifically who executes their defensive strategy best. Keeping Derby‘s combined starting five’s assists down to under 15 will be key as the playmakers share the load. Derby will also need to muster all their energy to keep Worthing in check in the paint and in transition.
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