LONDON LIONS PREPPED FOR EUROCUP

By Mark Woods
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: September 23, 2021

London Lions break new group with their entry into the FIBA Women’s EuroCup tonight.

Mark Clark’s side, with an A-List cast of Brits assembled for its maiden continental foray, host Spanish side Gran Canaria in the opening game of a two-legged qualifier at Crystal Palace.

It is the first time a women’s side from the UK has taken on Europe since Rhondda Rebels in the 2007-8 season, the consequence of investment from owners 777 Partners and the recruitment of stellar figures such as Jo Leedham, Azania Stewart and Holly Winterburn to enhance an impressive returning core that includes playmaker Kennedy Leonard.

A tough task still.

The Spaniards, who came eighth in the ultra-strong Liga Feminina last term, won the Ronchetti Cup (the EuroCup’s predecessor) in 1999.

But Lions guard Shanice Beckford-Norton believes the Women’s British Basketball League outfit arrive prepared for the challenge.

“We’ve watched them on tape, they have some strong guards and they move the ball well,” she told the club’s website. “But we need to make sure we play our game, work on our strengths and work on our help-side rotation. We need to talk to each other on defence, and that’s something we’ve been working on it practice and during the friendlies.

“We need to leave everything on the floor, and coach is always saying that regardless of how many minutes you get, you should always be ready to play.”

Watch the game here live from 7.30pm