Hampel's thoughts on Pre-Season Blitz
Willetton were in control throughout the final, taking an eight point lead into half time and controlling the margin the second half. Outstanding displays from forward Mark Jones with 26 points and 11 rebounds and centre Daniel Johnson with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists ensured a hard fought victory, the first ever of any kind by the senior men.
Johnson was the standout performer in the competition averaging over 20 points per game and showed why the Melbourne Tigers are eagerly chasing his signature for the 2010/11 NBL season. There were also excellent contributions from the guard rotation of Ian Callaghan, Mitch Clarke and Brayden Santich who needed to step up in the absence of Adam Nener to bring home a victory.
Coach Shayne Hampel was obviously very pleased with the result. “Stirling will be up there this year. They have a talented squad and have recruited an outstanding point guard in Jo-Allen Tupaea from Hawks, he was hard to control in the final. They have some great shooters also and Justin Eckhardt with 17 points and Will Foster with 12 points really gave us some headaches. Our guys fought really hard. Its reward for some hard work over the pre-season.”
“Overall, the tournament was a good stepping stone for us as we try to integrate the juniors into our programme and establish a mindset from within the group with how we want to play."
"We know what we will get from the senior players but I was really pleased with young forward Andrew Dunnell as well as guards Mitch Clarke and Brayden Santich with cameos during the weekend from Daniel Casey, Nick Rondas and Tim Friday. The horizon is a bright one with these guys coming through the ranks.”
“All teams were having a look at each other. There will be some really strong contenders for the 2010 title. Lakeside are still the favourites in my mind but there are a string of others who are hot on their heals.”
The Tiger women finished a credible sixth with many players out with National Under 20 commitments and Melissa Marsh, Kate Malpass and Brittni Morgan having a break after Go for 2&5 Perth Lynx commitments.
The Women’s final was won by the Cockburn Cougars who were never headed in their 57-43 victory over the Eastern Suns.
The SBL Season starts on Saturday 13th March with an away trip against the East Perth Eagles. The first home game is against the Perry Lakes Hawks on Saturday 28th March.
Photo by Jodi Hampel from Precious Collection Photography
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