Four basketball stars shine for Essex Leopards in play-offs run

Four UEL basketball players helped Essex Leopards reach the semi-final of the NBL Division One play-offs.

Will Ashby, Matic Zupanc, Lukas Winegarner and former student Byron Richards teamed up for the Big Cats who were looking to add to their regular season title won earlier in the year.

At the event in Sheffield the Leopards lost out to Kent Crusaders, who went on to be crowned eventual champions at the English Institute of Sport.

Ashby was named the team’s player of the year but admits it was gutting to lose with the final in sight.

“It was very disappointing to have lost in the semi-final but that’s the fun of the play-offs when it’s all down to the performance on the day,” he said.

“It has still ben a fantastic year. To call myself a Division One champion is something I am extremely proud of,” he said.

“What you put in is what you get out so the more time and effort you put in when training the more likely you are to achieve and win games.”