Although the going has got tough at points, Marlee Ball is developing into a vital player for the Gloucester City Queens.
Head coach Jay Marriott is a huge fan of Ball, and knows when she is playing at the top of her game “she raises the levels of the other people around her.”
She may be “quiet in the regard of a huddle” and “she is not going to pull people in and start barking orders” but instead it is her “individual performances” that lead a positive example for her teammates.
In the absence of other lead players such as Maura Fitzpatrick, it is vital that Ball continues to perform and “hit the levels that she is capable of.”
Ahead of the Queens next game, Marriott suggested that Melita Emanuel-Carr will likely not be involved against Nottingham Wildcats in the WBBL Trophy.
This will be a big loss after she put up 24 points in her last outing.
QUEEN of the week 👑🇬🇧🏀
— Gloucester City Queens (@GlosCityQueens) January 11, 2022
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If she is missing, that will shine the light on Ball even more, and she will have to provide a lot if the Queens want to get a result.
Marriott is evidently impressed with Ball so far but knows she can offer even more.
“For a while now, maybe three or four games, Marlee Ball has been playing at a level I expect her to, I expect her even to kick on.”
“What she does really well for us is rebounding the ball at an incredible rate” Marriott said, “the ability shown from her to get out in the open floor and push the ball is forcing us to play at a pace I want us to.”
“Hopefully she can end the season on a real high and fingers crossed that results in wins.”
The Queens are definitely starting to head in the right direction, despite not picking up wins.
They have made the addition of Carolina Marques which should strengthen the squad.
Welcome to your new QUEEN Carolina Marques 👑🇬🇧🏀
— Gloucester City Queens (@GlosCityQueens) January 7, 2022
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“She has only had a week under her belt and I decided to start her, which is a baptism by fire at the best of times, but I think she handled it very well.”
“She has a very calm influence and has also added a dimension for us, she is just an intelligent player.”
“It is a real refreshing addition to the team, she understands the game of basketball so can fit in so quickly.”
The Portuguese guard impressed in her debut, posting nine points.
A strong debut for our new Queen Carol Marques 👑🇬🇧🏀
— Gloucester City Queens (@GlosCityQueens) January 9, 2022
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Hopefully she will be able to benefit the likes of Ball and add a further component to what is already a very talented team.
Another positive to take from the last game was the performance of Ball, she delivered 18 points and was crucial on defence.
“Melita and Marlee took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half and pulled us back into it.”
The Queens have had a difficult start to life in the Women’s British Basketball League, they find themselves sitting tenth in the Championship.
Despite the improved second half performance last weekend they still suffered a narrow defeat against Oakland Wolves.
With Ball at the helm they will be hoping to continue the progress and turn this season around.
Marriott rounded off by saying, “I think it is building blocks, but I mean obviously we are naturally disappointed at this stage.”
