Round two MSBL preview
Wanneroo Wolves’ second round match against 2010 men’s State Basketball League runner-up Lakeside Lightning has been made even tougher by the unavailability of star forward Greg Hire.
Hire travelled to Queensland on Thursday with the Perth Wildcats squad for Saturday’s match against Cairns Taipans due to injury concerns over Drew Williamson.
The 23-year-old Wildcats development player had 44 points, 41 rebounds and 12 assists across Wanneroo’s two round one victories, which was enough to earn him the SBL’s PowerPlayer of the Week award, and will be sorely missed for Friday’s clash against Lakeside.
The Lightning started the season with an impressive 98-71 victory against Kalamunda Eastern Suns, but face a tough doubleheader, as they also play Perth Redbacks on Saturday.
Former NBL player Adrian Majstrovich had 42 points in his Redbacks debut to lead his side to victory over Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers last week, but star Lakeside forwards Luke Payne and Ben Beran should provide him a difficult challenge.
The Redbacks also host Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks, who will be hoping to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Wanneroo.
Willetton have the chance to get their title defence back on track with matches against Cockburn Cougars and Mandurah Magic.
The Tigers should be tested by the Cougars, who beat ATD Stirling Senators and Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers last week, while Mandurah split their opening round doubleheader.
SKILLED Goldfields Giants made a nightmare start to the season with losses to Wanneroo and Kalamunda and will look to bounce back when they host Australian Central East Perth Eagles.
The Eagles will be hoping to continue their hot start after they thrashed Mandurah last week.
Geraldton also lost twice on last week’s road-trip and will be keen to bounce back with a home win against Rockingham Flames, who beat Southwest Slammers in round one.
Wildcats training squad member Everard Bartlett had his Buccaneers contracted extended by a week and will be available, following his impressive performances in round one.
Southwest face a difficult home clash against the Suns, while Stirling meet Perry Lakes with both looking to register their first win of the season.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Grant Lauterbach
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