JOE Lockwood is making a big impression in more ways than one in the English Basketball League this season.

The Rayleigh-based 16-year-old was originally expecting to continue his development in Division Four with the Leopards this term.

But the former FitzWimarc School pupil, who stands at 6ft 8ins tall, has already worked his way in to the club’s first team and is starting to shine for Dejan Mihevc’s side.

“I only left Fitz in the summer and came in to Leopards thinking I was going to play in the Division Four team while studying at the Barking Abbey Academy,” said Lockwood, who plays as a forward.

“However, after pre-season I found myself in the Division One team, which has been great. I’m really enjoying it and playing at this level has definitely helped my game improve.”

That progression was proved on Sunday when Lockwood helped Leopards secure their first league win of the season as they narrowly beat the previously unbeaten leaders, Bristol Academy Flyers, 91-87 in front of almost 300 fans at the Brentwood Centre.

“The win at the weekend has really given us a huge boost,” said Lockwood.

“Bristol hadn’t been beaten before playing us but we started the game well, which was important, and were able to get a win which really showed what we’re capable of.”

The triumph followed a trio of league defeats for Leopards.

And Lockwood now hopes the hard fought victory can set the trend for the rest of the season as his side attempt to work their way up the standings.

“Hopefully we can go on from here and keep on playing like this to get as many wins as we can to move up the league,” said Lockwood.

“For me, personally, my target is to stay involved and to work hard to make sure I can keep on improving to help the team get more good results.”