The S&K Electrical Geraldton Buccaneers’ up-and-comers will get the chance to prove themselves against league leaders South West Slammers in the match of the round this weekend, in a Buccs side missing several key players.

Point guard Luke Wrensted had an accident on a moped while on holidays in Bali on Anzac Day, ruling him out of action for at least six weeks.

Forward Aaron Ralph will miss the top of the table clash due to a family commitment, while Ike Smith is still a few weeks away with a knee injury.

With Ralph’s absence, recruit Quincy Hankins-Cole will start on the court for the first time.

Daniel Thomas will continue to start in the absence of Wrensted.

The window now opens for a host of players, including Clay Dann, Charles Thurkle, Dylan Myers and Farren Parfitt.

The Buccs are hosting the Slammers and have won 10 straight since losing the opening match of the season to the Bunbury team.

Coach Mark Heron said the injuries gave other players the chance to show what they’ve got.

“It’s a great opportunity to not just get court time, but court time in a massive game when it’s on the line, ” he said.

“Having a few people out of the line-up is only going to strengthen our squad for the future.

“All those guys will get more minutes in a big-game situation.”

Wrensted injured his right big toe and will have stitches removed later next week.

He will resume training in a few weeks.

Wrensted said it was tough watching the boys from the sidelines at the weekend.

“It was irritating at first, ” he said.

“But once they started to play good, it wasn’t so bad, ” he said.

“I was itching to get out there.”

Smith will resume light training this week and is expected to be another three to four weeks away.

“He’ll probably have to get a week’s training before we test it out in a game situation, ” Heron said.

“He’ll have to have his knee pretty heavily strapped.”


Article by Ryan Hadji (Geraldton Guardian)

Photo by Serene Maisey