Smith and felllow Eagles in Team of the Week

Charles Smith was probably the most obvious pick of the season, as he features in a Newcastle-dominated BBL Team of the Week.

Smith broke the BBL Cup Final individual points record with 39 as he stunned Plymouth Raiders at the NIA in Birmingham, with a red-hot first half display that got his side well on their way to the first silverware of the season.

It was a team effort, though, and he is joined in the weekly line-up by Paul Gause, who himself managed 24 points.

The third Eagle to make the starting five is Andrew Bridge, who contributed 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals to the Newcastle victory.

But the league championship race heated up in Newcastle’s absence, as Worcester continued to turn the screw on the favourites, with back to back wins over Mersey Tigers and Durham Wildcats.

Reigning BBL Player of the Month Richie Gordon racked up a mammoth double-double of 30 points and 20 rebounds against Durham, to secure his fourth team of the week appearance in five weeks.

He’s joined in the line-up by team-mate Sherrad Prezzie-Blue, who makes the selection for the fourth time this season, as the Wolves’ impressive form shows now sign of dropping.

Team: Paul Gause, Andrew Bridge (both Newcastle), Sherrad Prezzie-Blue (Worcester), Charles Smith (Newcastle), Richie Gordon (Worcester).
Bench: Lehmon Colbert (Plymouth), Matt Otten (Mersey), Nate Reinking (Sheffield), Anthony Rowe (Plymouth), Olu Babalola (Sheffield).