Storm are ready for the big tip-off as Trailblazers come to town

The game tips-off at 7pm and the Storm line-up will include two new faces alongside the core of last term’s successful squad.

Following the retirement of Drew Spinks, the club has recruited outstanding perimeter player Karl Josey from Essex Leopards and are in final negotiations with a player to replace GB centre Zak Wells who has signed with Leeds.

Derby have returned to the top flight after one season in Division Two and have strengthened their squad with the signings of former GB international John Stewart and centre Lee Goldsborough who has returned from America after playing four years of college basketball.

Storm’s head coach Steve Darlow acknowledges that the club’s preparations for the season were hindered by the uncertainty of some key signings, but he expects Hemel’s team to develop rapidly in the first month.

“We have a great team spirit at Storm and by retaining our top players from last season I think we can hit the ground running,” said Darlow. “But Derby will be a handful, especially with the additions they’ve made to their roster.”

Storm’s players will be at the bandstand in Marlowes on Saturday from noon, taking part in a promotion for the club.

In other news from the club, Jack Burnell – a junior England international who has come through Storm’s youth programme – became Great Britain’s three-point shooting champion on Sunday.

He won the competition during the national inter-regions U17 tournament in Nottingham, beating Alex Roberts from the north-west in the final by one basket.