Round Seven MSBL Power Rankings
Where does your team rank seven rounds into the season? Find out where sbl.asn.au writer Jacob Kagi has them in the men's State Basketball League Power Rankings.
1. Lakeside Lightning (1st place, 8-1 record) - Many questioned their depth before Ben Beran's injury, but their nine-point win over Cockburn answered those. They're definitely the team to beat.
2. Wanneroo Wolves (3rd, 7-3) - Bounced back from last week's disappointing loss to Willetton with a comfortable win over the in-form Senators and could strengthen their championship stocks further with wins over Perry Lakes and Perth.
3. Cockburn Cougars (2nd, 7-2) - Their loss to the Lightning may have served as a bit of a reality check, but still lost by just nine points despite playing well below their best. Still should be considered a legitimate championship threat.
4. SKILLED Goldfields Giants (4th, 6-3) - Have won three straight and six of their last seven after beating the Slammers. This week's game against heated rivals Geraldton will be a real test.
5. Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks (5th, 5-4) - In the last few weeks they've ended Cockburn's unbeaten run and won at Geraldton, both of which are impressive results. Face the toughest of doubleheaders this weekend though, with games against Wanneroo and Lakeside.
6. Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers (6th, 5-5) - Were humiliated in their 22-point loss to Kalamunda, despite Matt Knight's debut, but bounced back with a decent win over Mandurah on Saturday. Their inconsistency will be causing Shayne Hampel major headaches.
7. Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers (9th, 4-5) - Suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Hawks but have put in some good performances lately. Face a real test next week against the Senators and Giants.
8. Perth Redbacks (7th, 5-5) - Have lost four of their last five and appear to be taking time to gel. Desperately need Jesse Wagstaff to help their rebounding and their defence.
9. ATD Stirling Senators (10th, 4-5) - Have picked up some impressive results in recent weeks but haven't been able to put together a consistent run. Still a real chance for the top eight.
10. Rockingham Flames (8th, 4-5) - Four straight losses will be a big concern for the Flames and they need to turn it around quickly. It doesn't get much easier next week, with games against Willetton and Cockburn.
11. Australian Central East Perth Eagles (11th, 4-6) - Another side that has been plagued by inconsistency, while their 1-4 road record certainly hasn't helped their cause.
12. Kalamunda Eastern Suns (12th, 4-6) - Got back into finals contention with big wins against Willetton and Perth and should continue their good form with a win over the Slammers.
13. Mandurah Magic (13th, 3-7) - Had a mixed weekend with a big win over Rockingham before losing to Willetton. Casey Crevelone's absence has dealt a major blow to their finals hopes.
14. Southwest Slammers (14th, 0-9) - Have been competitive in most of their games recently and a first win for the season may not be too far away.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Travis Anderson (Andmedia/Sports Vision)
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