Round two WSBL preview
Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks and Perth Redbacks will both look to bounce back from disappointing starts to the women’s State Basketball League season when they meet in round two.
The Hawks made last year’s Grand Final but fell to Glasscraft Wanneroo Wolves on the opening weekend, while Perth were thrashed by defending champions Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers, and both will be desperate to avoid 0-2 starts.
Tegan Walker impressed for the Hawks in round one but will need more support for her side to get past last year’s semi-finalists, while Perth will be hoping star centre Marita Payne can get closer to the numbers which saw her named an All-Star in 2010, after having just one rebound against the Tigers.
Perry Lakes will start favourite for Saturday’s match against Western Stainless Stirling Senators, who finished 11th in 2010 and lost at home in round one.
Willetton and Mandurah Magic meet on Sunday in a rematch of the 2009 Grand Final.
The Tigers were victorious in that title decider and were led to their round one victory against the Redbacks by a dominant performance from West Coast Waves star Melissa Marsh (22 points and eight assists).
But Mandurah will come into the match full of confidence after Casey Mihovilovich had 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead them to a stunning comeback win over Australian Central East Perth Eagles.
Willetton also meet local rivals Metropolis Fremantle Cockburn Cougars, who showed improvement on last year’s 10th place finish in their win against Stirling.
Lakeside Lightning suffered a home loss to Kalamunda Eastern Suns last round and will be keen to bounce back when they meet the Redbacks on Saturday.
The Lightning also meet Wanneroo, who reached last year’s semi-finals and impressed in their round one victory.
Southwest Slammers have the chance to beat their 2010 win total when they host Kalamunda on Saturday.
The Slammers won only once last year but matched that with their opening round win over 2010 finalists Rockingham.
But they face tough competition in a young Suns side which just missed last year’s top eight.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Mick Cronin
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