Coming into the second half of the season and it becomes interesting to look back at the performances so far this year.

This edition of Off the Bench, I look at the top ten players that I have played against this season.

Strangely, as part of this research, I actually came up with the names before looking up their individual statistics.

In most cases, the statistics came up to back up.

So here they are, sure to cause plenty of debate... in no particular order.

 

 

 

 

1. Samantha Norwood- Power Forward/Centre 16.1ppg 10.1 rpg 1.6apg 44.5% (FG%)

Arguably the best true post player in the league across all areas. At 6’2 can run the floor as well as any other big (other than Senators Michelle Joy and Leah Rush), can shoot to mid-range and does have some post moves to boot. Defensively, challenges shots and is deceptively wider than you think around the shoulders making her difficult to get around. Norwood is also a level headed player who won’t cause team difficulties centred around her role or lack of it in a team.

2. Melissa Marsh- Shooting Guard 19.3ppg 5.9rpg 5.3apg 40.2% (FG%)

One of the League’s veterans nowadays having started so young but a genuine threat on the offensive end with her perimeter shooting. Has the smarts that take years upon years of experience to learn but with her elite level standing she has been able to gain these at a quicker rate than your standard SBL player. Concerns around her defense have always been there but her experience and offensive firepower can’t be ignored.

3. Rachel Watman- Point Guard 14.6ppg 7.1apg 5.3rpg 35.1%(FG%)

First year player in the League who was really starting to hit her straps before going down with a season-ending injury. Watman has the perimeter range and penetration game to keep defensive teams honest while also being a defensive pest herself on the other end. Very balanced and complete player who is a very good rebounder for a guard. I personally did not enjoy our contest this year as she seemed to get around our defensive line over and over again.

4. Jasmine Hooper- Combo Guard 15.5ppg 9.5 rpg 5.1apg 47.9% (FG%)

Another combo guard who has tremendous ability for a young player. Can realistically play the 1-4 as she is such a good defender with a quick first step she uses on both offense and defense. Being a tall guard, if she can perfect some post moves and extend her shot to the perimeter three pointer, she will be impossible to defend on single coverage. Playing against her, I was amazed at her ability to find the ball on both sides of the floor easily and also her speed with the ball up and down the floor. I would say the hottest prospect in the SBL coming up.

5. Casey Mihovilovich- Combo Guard 19.0ppg 7.5apg 6.1rpg 44.7% (FG%)

The wily veteran consistently puts up good numbers across all areas. Years of experience in the SBL has her with a head start with the smarts and genuinely outwitting younger opponents on a weekly basis. While she was only a bit player in the WNBL, her skills are definitely top notch at the SBL level. Didn’t stitch us up this year, but then again we do have a second clash to look forward too in her eyes!

6. Marita Payne- Centre 19.5ppg 9.5rpg 2.6apg 55.5% (FG%)

Hard to ignore the tallest player in the league and with the stats to match as well. Marita is top 10 in both scores and rebounds per outing and also enjoys some blocks and dimes to round it off nicely. Her height is the obvious advantage on defense- changing, if not blocking shots on a regular basis (I have fallen victim to the long arms of the law). The tall centre is definitely a post presence with solid offensive moves both back and front to basket.

7. Zoe Harper- Centre 17.6ppg 8.0rpg 1.9apg 57% (FG%)

The big unit is a big reason to why the Tigers are doing amazingly well. Scoring mostly in the key and being such a strong presence in the paint means that Harper must be considered on any Top 10 team to date. Another who is shooting above 50% from the field, she is a focal point of the Tigers inside game that allows her perimeter team mates space and time to play.

8. Kate Malpass- Combo Guard 16.8ppg 5.8rpg 6.3apg 46.6% (FG%)

Malps is enjoying another productive season this year and looks like she is enjoying her SBL season as well. She is shooting a very good clip for a guard and has a solid skill set across the board. Her 16.8 ppg and 6.3 apg (leading the league) are solid numbers for any guard but snaring in just under 6 rpg is what makes her such a key member of the Tigers outfit. A tough match-up as she has some decent post moves as well she uses effectively to isolate smaller opponents.

9. Shani Amos- Guard 7.1ppg 4.1rpg 2.1apg 41.6% (FG%)

Shani is a smooth operator who has speed and agility to burn. She hounds and pesters point guards around the league to great effect and is unbelievably quick between the rings. She would arguably be one of the best and quickest lateral movers in the league. I know that our team plan is to always wipe her out with a screen back court when she gets stuck into our PG, just so we can get the ball over the floor effectively! But even that is hard work as she simply glides around it.

10. Hailey Dunham- Guard 21.3ppg 9.5rpg 4.3apg 49.2% (FG%)

We haven’t played the Magic with her on the floor but kudos must be given out to the guard who is leading the league scoring and averaging almost double digit rebounds per game- while I keep hearing that she is point guard. With those statistics, I would love to be able to match up against her soon or at the very least watch her play- if I don’t get off the bench! ;)

So there it is... plenty of debate to start I’m sure... just my take on some of my competition.

Next week I look at the Top 10 Most hated players in the League... no just joking, I don’t want to make this about myself! ;).

The opinions, views and comments in this article are those of the individual and are not the opinions or views of the State Basketball League or Basketball WA.