Round 12 WSBL Power Rankings
1. Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers (1st place, 12-1 record) - After consecutive byes, the Tigers are finally back in action on Friday when they meet Perth in a rematch of last year's semi-finals. May be rusty, but should still be too good for the Redbacks and Senators.
2. Mandurah Magic (3rd, 9-3) - Cruised past Kalamunda to continue their outstanding form. Since the addition of import Hailey Dunham, the Magic have looked a legitimate title threat, but the real test of that will come when they play Perry Lakes in a few weeks.
3. Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks (2nd, 11-3) - Coming off the bye, the Hawks face the Slammers on Saturday and should be far too strong. They're definitely one of the biggest threats to Willetton winning another title.
4. Glasscraft Wanneroo Wolves (4th, 10-5) - Extended their winning streak to four games with a thrilling victory over the in-form Cougars. Will be favoured to finish in the top four now and have home court advantage for their quarter-final series, potentially against Cockburn.
5. Metropolis Fremantle Cockburn Cougars (5th, 9-6) - Their loss to Wanneroo sees them sit one game outside the top four, but they're still in good form and are tough to beat. Have the bye this weekend, which is a good chance to recover from a draining doubleheader.
6. Australian Central East Perth Eagles (6th, 7-6) - Can beat anyone on their night, but their inconsistency continues to be an issue. The loss to Cockburn put a huge dent in their top four hopes and they'll be desperate to bounce back with victory against Perth this week.
7. Perth Redbacks (8th, 6-7) - Got a much-needed win against a depleted Stirling side which was a huge boost to their finals hopes. The Redbacks lack production from their guards at times, but a front court of Marita Payne and Brooke Hiddlestone can cause any team problems.
8. Kalamunda Eastern Suns (7th, 7-7) - With three straight losses, Kalamunda's realistic top four hopes have ended and they'll need to turn it around soon to ensure they make the eight. Have the bye next week to regroup and it has come at a pretty good time for them.
9. Lakeside Lightning (10th, 4-9) - Finally broke their losing streak with a huge win against the Slammers, where they remarkably took 100 shots from the field. Need to upset Mandurah this week to get back into finals contention though.
10. Western Stainless Stirling Senators (9th, 5-9) - It was always going to be tough for the Senators without Rachel Watman and Michelle Joy, but their 32-point home loss to the Redbacks was particularly bad. Joy may return this week, and the Senators desperately need her back.
11. Rockingham Flames (12th, 1-13) - Coming off the bye, the Flames will be hoping to upset an in-form Wanneroo side, but that seems unlikely at best.
12. Southwest Slammers (11th, 1-13) - Their game against Lakeside may have been their best chance to win a second game this season, but their 42-point loss suggests they're a long way off. Haven't won at home this season and that won't change against Perry Lakes on Saturday.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)
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