1. Lakeside Lightning (1st place, 14-2 record) - Still the benchmark after strolling to victory against the Slammers, who were never going to provide a real test. The Lightning should be equally convincing against Mandurah on Saturday.

2. Wanneroo Wolves (3rd, 12-5) - In the past two weeks they've played both top two sides, winning one of the two. That was a decent outcome from that stretch, and with a pretty friendly remaining schedule, the Wolves have a good chance of finishing in the top two.

3. Cockburn Cougars (2nd, 12-5) - Gave the Wolves a good test on Saturday but fell just short. There's an excellent chance those two teams meet in the semi-finals and that thrilling battle showed it would be a great series.

4. Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks (4th, 11-6) - Weren't particularly convincing in their win against Goldfields, but did enough for the win. Should be far too good for the Slammers on Saturday.

5. Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers (5th, 9-7) - Just when it seemed the Tigers were getting close to the form that saw them win last year's championship, they suffer a shock home loss to the Buccs. They looked flat in that game and will need to play much better to avoid defeats to Stirling or heated rivals Perth.

6. ATD Stirling Senators (6th, 9-7) - A dominant 7-2 home record and the stunning form of Geordie Cullen have consolidated Stirling's finals spot and have given them a chance of sneaking into the top four. Should beat the Magic on Friday and could upset Willetton on Saturday too.

7. Perth Redbacks (8th, 8-8) - Belmont Oasis was such a fortress for the Redbacks last year and they'll be hoping their victory against the Buccs was the start of making it so once again. If they can get their home form back on track, they could shoot up the ladder with the return of Jesse Wagstaff.

8. SKILLED Goldfields Giants (7th, 9-8) - After an unsuccessful road-trip, the Giants must bounce back with victory against Kalamunda on Saturday. They're tough to beat at home, but unless they can find a way to beat the best sides in Perth, they're not a true title threat.

9. Australian Central East Perth Eagles (9th, 7-9) - The loss to Cockburn was a blow, but they bounced back in style with victory against the Giants. Recruiting Drew Williamson has been a huge boost to East Perth's finals chances, and expect them to test the Redbacks on Saturday.

10. Kalamunda Eastern Suns (10th, 7-9) - Broke their three-game losing streak with a much-needed victory against Mandurah which saw them stay in touch with the top eight. Victory in Kalgoorlie would be a huge boost to their finals hopes.

11. Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers (12th, 6-11) - After they beat Willetton, it seemed the Buccs were back in finals contention. But losses to Rockingham and Perth in the next two days put a huge dent in that. With a tough schedule to finish the season, they need a miracle.

12. Rockingham Flames (11th, 6-11) - Are finally back to playing some good basketball after that horrible stretch where they lost 10 out of 11. They're not a top eight side, but they're better than that streak suggests.

13. Mandurah Magic (13th, 5-10) - Any lingering finals hopes were definitely ended by their loss to Kalamunda and they're simply playing for pride now. Injuries and a horrible road record have derailed what shaped as a promising season.

14. Southwest Slammers (14th, 0-17) - Are getting worryingly close to the humiliation of a winless season. With six of their final nine games against top eight sides, they'll need to take their chance against Mandurah in two week.

Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Marg Prior

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