PLAYER-COACH David Colclough hailed point guard Antonio Wilburn as an evolving leader both on and off the court after Swindon Shock beat Essex Blades 111-75 at the weekend.

The win comes after Swindon suffered a disappointing defeat away to Solent Kestrels II seven days earlier.

However, Shock bounced back well and dominated proceeding to top the National League Division Three South table.

Wilburn and Ed Potter again combined to make up the majority of the hosts' points, with a tally of 63 between them, while Matt North chipped in with a further 13.

Colclough said: “It was really nice. We hit a lull last week where we ran into a team who were prepared for us and we thought we already had it won.

“We were a bit cocky in some ways. I think we took our foot off of the gas, then we started playing as individuals. It really wasn’t a team effort.

“The guys came to the training night and stood around for an hour or so after the session just talking, and I think Antonio took a bit of leadership.

“He got the guys together to make sure their heads were on right. Then they came out and showed it, they really took it to Essex.

“Antonio is growing into that leadership role. He has always been a leader but he was never a vocal leader.

“But now he is starting to take on that vocal role. He stops and listens to the players, listens to their demands and he does that on and off of the court, which is nice.”

Shock now lead the National League Division Three South standings as they are one of three sides to register six points so far this term.

A superior points difference puts them top of the tree after another strong offensive display from Colclough’s troops.

The Swindon player-coach admits it soon became apparent to him that his side would be able to wrap up a comfortable win.

“I knew within the first seven minutes that we would win the game,” added Colclough.

“I was looking at their team and they didn’t have a whole lot of size, although that doesn’t really matter too much.

“Right out of the gate Matt North and Matt Ford both hit their shots and I knew we were rolling, so we just carried it out through the game.

“Although I had a full bench, I rotated just to keep things fresh because it was a game where the whole squad could play.”