Basketball: Panthers return to Mitchell

(First Edition)

DONCASTER PANTHERS have re-signed the American, Carl Mitchell, in time for two Budweiser League games this weekend, which they hope will lift them away from the bottom two places in the division.

The newly promoted Panthers, third from bottom, are away to bottom-placed Oldham Celtics tomorrow, and on Sunday are at home to Hemel Royals, who are one place below Doncaster. Mitchell began the season with the Panthers but was released because of a persistent back injury. He has convinced the club that he is now fit to resume playing, and will partner his fellow American, Anthony Joseph, this weekend.

The team will be further strengthened at the end of the month when the 6ft 11in Anglo-Canadian player-coach, Mark Harvey, is cleared to play after serving a qualification period on the sidelines. The club are also in talks with London Towers' England international, Joel Moore.

Third-placed Thames Valley Tigers, at home to second-placed Worthing Bears, tonight may be forced into the transfer market by the decision of their 6ft 8in England international, Michael Obaseki, to have an ankle operation after the League Trophy final on 16 January.