Bell hoping to take his toll of Worcester (From Worcester News)

Bell hoping to take his toll of Worcester

9:30am Wednesday 7th December 2011 in Worcester Wolves

AFTER last weekend’s victories against Mersey Tigers and Guildford Heat, Worcester Wolves occupy a clear second place in the British League championship.

However, attention is now switched to the BBL Cup as Paul James’ men prepare for their two-legged semi-final against Plymouth Raiders.

One of the major talking points of Wolves 77-76 triumph against the Raiders a few weeks ago was the ‘anything you can do, I can do better’ battle between Wolves’ point guard Sherrad Prezzie-Blue and Plymouth’s playmaker Jeremy Bell.

Last year Bell plied his trade at Chester Jets, averaging 23 points and four assists a game and achieved the considerable honour of being awarded the BBL Player of the Year.

However, despite this individual accolade, he was un-able to lead his team to any trophies and this season signed for Raiders — a club hungry for silverware.

Bell said: “I’m settling in well at Plymouth. Off the court it was an easy adjustment for me, but on the court I’m still not totally satisfied.

“We’re still figuring out our identity and getting used to playing together, but each week we work harder in practice so we can compete at our full potential come game-time.”

The first chance for Bell to grab team success in the British game will be in the BBL Cup and he is in a good mood about this weekend’s match at Worcester.

He said: “The best team will win. I am confident and I like our chances.”

When asked for his thoughts about his side’s last encounter with Wolves when they lost in such agonising fashion Bell, though disappointed, gave credit to his opponents: “I was upset with the loss, we didn’t play the full minutes of the game like we are capable.

“I thought we played catch-up and we came up short in the end, although I give Worcester credit because they played well for the entire match.”

Sherrad Prezzie-Blue’s last-second basket was the difference between the two teams last time they met, but Bell is quick to take the focus away from any talk of a duel between the two American guards.

He said: “I don’t care about the battle of the point guards. He is a good player, but basketball is a team game so the battle will be Wolves versus Raiders, us against them, and I want to win that battle.”

Both clubs are expecting bumper crowds. The first leg of the tie will be at the University of Worcester on Saturday (7pm). The return is the next day in Plymouth.