Round 1 completed and some surprises in a big weekend of action.

The early season favourites all got up with Wanneroo and Willetton showing the way and with the 2011 disappointments Perth Redbacks women getting off to a good start with a big win away at Cockburn.

Last week it was "welcome and goodbye" this week I give you my "expert" take on the first half of the teams.

In no particular order here is my review of half the teams and their possible fortunes this year as told to me by a cousin's friend of friend who sits behind the scorebench at Belmont Oasis!

Willetton Tigers- The defending champions look red hot with a comprehensive win over the Stirling Senators team. Looking at the box scores, the main stay of Marsh, Hooper and Hargreaves dominated the scoring. Ex-Queenslander Lara Napier also contributing well across the stats lines. If they can stay healthy, they will be a force. I wonder how the depth looks at the post position but when you have players in the calibre of the Waves trio you cannot be taken lightly. Ex-Sun Sophie Doyle is a nice pick-up.

Wanneroo Wolves- the Wolves impressed and what a start by star signing Nikita Martin, dropping a casual 25 points against the Suns. The raps were big and she delivered. If that is a sign of things to come that signals Championship contender, genuine Championship contender. Will be looking to see how the development of Amy Kidner goes. This kid is the real deal!!!

East Perth Eagles- The girls say that Sam might miss a few games early in the season but dare I say she will be back before you know it. Arguably the best player in the SBL, Norwood is a key to the success of the Eagles in reaching the pinnacle. The addition of the Kelsey Maffin into the group once again will be a bonus as she is a scoring threat to be respected. The loss of Liz Cooke will stretch the post line up but I am sure that Coach Fletcher will get things suiting this guard dominated team.

Lakeside Lightning- They play hard, they shoot and they play with purpose. Lakeside will be a finals contender this year even without Bayliss, Van Schie and ever-reliable import Heidi McNeill moving on. But if Emily Fielding keeps posting numbers up like she did last week and Courtney Byrnes keeps getting better they will be going a long way to returning to the play offs.

Perth Redbacks- Plenty to like about this year with this team. Narelle focused on playing without the responsibility of coaching, with Payne and Hiddlestone back to their dominating best last weekend and the addition of ex- Senator Rachel Watman to this year's group. Pencil in finals for this group. Glenn Ellis takes over and he always gets results. Watman will bring the smarts and will be keen to make an impression after injury ended her year last year. Finals bound if they stay injury free.

Rockingham Flames- Flames Coach Ryan Petrik will be pleased that he gets both Tucker and Casey back and will also benefit with Jacinta Bourne spending the off-season with the Waves. This team will be the big improvers of the season despite going down to Lakeside in the first round when many expected them to win. This team has it all, inside targets, quickness and if they shoot consistently will be another new team pushing for finals contest.

Next week I run the tape on the other teams.

Good luck to all the teams next week.

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.