NBL D2&3 recap: Ten high-flying teams remain unbeaten

There has been plenty of NBL and WNBL action outside the top divisions as teams raced through the November period towards the mid-season break.

Sides from NBL Divisions Two and Three and WNBL Division Two sides are back in full swing in 2021/22 after returning from their COVID hiatus last season.

Here’s how teams are adjusting to life back on the floor and the standout performers across the leagues.

NBL Division Two

NORTH

Northamptonshire Titans (5-0) are the only unbeaten team remaining in the division after two more Ws in November.

They started the month by earning an important road win against the Doncaster Eagles (81-92) - whio were also unbeaten at the time - before finishing on the right side of a one-point game with Myerscough (98-97).

A heavy National Cup exit at the hands of D1M big-hitters Hemel aside, they can be pleased with their returns so far.

Titans sit third behind joint leaders Manchester Magic (6-1) and Team Birmingham Elite (6-1), having played two games fewer.

Magic’s 83-80 win over fellow strong starters Doncaster may prove to be important as the season draws on.

Rob Marsden is enjoying his start to the season for Eagles since signing from BBL side Sheffield Sharks in the summer. He currently leads the way in efficiency (246.0), rebounds (14.7rpg) and assists (7.4apg) to go with an impressive 21.4ppg.

SOUTH

Westminster Warriors (9-0) continue to head things up in the South, sitting clear at the top of the standings.

Big wins over London Pioneers, London Westside, Sussex Bears and Cardiff Met Archers have given them a massive 195 points difference going into the final month of the 2021.

Ipswich (6-4) are one of the teams trying to keep pace with Warriors and have an in-form Jake Eynon to thank in part for their second place, with his 29.8ppg a conference best.

His form hasn't gone unnoticed, with D1M strugglers Essex Rebels bringing in the talented guard and teammate Lee Hodges in what is sure to be a huge loss for Ipswich.

WNBL Division Two

NORTH

Stockport Lapwings (6-0) have got the upper hand in the North after going another month unbeaten.

Their early-season form has continued as they comfortably saw off the challenges of Derbyshire Diamonds, Tees Valley Mohawks and Bromsgrove Bears.

Lawpings have the University of Nottingham Wildcats to thank for gaining the edge on early front-runners Manchester Mystics, after the Wildcats ended Manchester's unbeaten run with a 47-67 road win on the opening week of November.

Mystics will get their chance to make up some lost ground when they visit the league leaders on December 18.

SOUTH

Team Solent Kestrels II (5-0) currently lead the pack with their perfect record intact, with West Herts Warriors (4-2), Northamptonshire Titans (3-2) and Brent Bulls (3-1) among those chasing them.

Solent’s 55-47 home win over West Herts has created some breathing space, though Warriors bounced back with a big win over Titans the following week to stay in second spot.

NBL Division Three

Seven conferences make up the third division, with plenty of action taking place in the first two months of the season.

Teeside Lions (4-0) remain top of the North, looking impressive with GB coach Marc Steutel at the helm. On the same number of points are Sheffield Elite (4-2), although they have played two games more than their rivals.  

Over in the North West, Manchester Swarm (8-0) are looking in really good shape going into the year’s end. They’re closely followed by St Helens Saints (7-0) and their match-up next weekend is set to be an early Christmas cracker.

There’s one remaining unbeaten side in the Midlands as Worcester Wolves’ (6-0) 70-73 win on the road at Birmingham Mets kept them at the summit.

Team Wolves (5-2), Stoke-on-Trent Knights (5-1) and Coventry Flames (5-2) are just behind on 10 points each, making for an interesting early title race.

Things are even tighter in the East Conference with Uni of Hertfordshire Storm, UEA Panthers and Essex Rebels II holding 3-1 records. Anglia Ruskin (3-0) sit in fourth with an unbeaten record so far and a game in hand which could prove important.

UEL Lions’ (5-1) extra-time on the court compared to their rivals has given them some breathing space at the top of the London conference. CoLA Southwark Pride (3-2) will be looking to close the gap as the fixtures pile up, with plenty more sides looking to also make a charge.

In the South, London Elite (4-0) have made a strong start to 2021/2022 while things are looking good for Bristol (4-0) in the South West.