Lightning too hot for Wolves

Lakeside Lightning have continued their perfect start to the men’s State Basketball League season with a 106-86 win over the previously undefeated Wanneroo Wolves.

Last year’s runner-up led from midway through the first quarter onwards and their second victory of the season was never in doubt, with the Wolves unable to maintain the form that saw them win both their round one games.

The Lightning led by as many as 27 early in the last quarter before Wanneroo cut the lead to 14 with over four minutes left, but the home side was able to see off the comeback in the final minutes.

Import Ben Beran had 34 points from just 28 minutes for Lakeside, while centre Jarrad Prue finished with 15 points and 25 rebounds.

Wanneroo were without Wildcats development player Greg Hire, who was away with the NBL side, and import big man John Vaudreil, who was at the game but hadn’t been cleared to play.

And their importance showed, with Lakeside able to use their size advantage to win the rebound count 55-35 and outscore the Wolves 42-30 in the paint.

In their absence, Seb Salinas top-scored for the Wolves with (23 points) while Matthew Schmechtig (21 points and seven rebounds) also impressed.

Despite his side’s comfortable victory, Lakeside coach Andy Stewart said he had again been frustrated by aspects of his side’s performance.

“I’m happy with the win, but there’s still so much for us to work on,” he said.

“We were out by a fair margin and I wanted to use that as an opportunity to get a bit of bench experience, but the bench really struggled tonight, which is a major point of concern.”

In the women’s match, Glasscraft Wanneroo Wolves made it two wins from two games with a comfortable 86-58 win over the Lightning.

Lakeside, who are yet to win this season, led early in the fourth quarter but were outscored 47-18 from that point, including 20-7 in the last quarter.

Whitney Perret had 19 points to lead the way for Wanneroo, who dominated the rebound tally 47-27 and shot 14 per cent better from the field.

Heidi McNeill top-scored for Lakeside with 24 points while Courtney Bayliss had 12 points and seven rebounds.

Lakeside’s next fixture is against Perth on Saturday, while Wanneroo travel to Cockburn one week later.

Article by Jacob Kagi at Lakeside Recreation Centre
Photo by Mick Cronin

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