South West slam into top spot (Round 5 women's wrap)

South West Slammers took two massive steps towards securing their first ever women's State Basketball League playoff spot with a pair of victories which saw them finish round five in top spot.

The Slammers got past winless Cockburn 71-64 before smashing Kalamunda 94-67 to register their sixth win of the campaign and jump ahead of previous leaders Lakeside.

In 15 previous seasons in the competition, the Bunbury side has won more than six games back in 2002 when it finished ninth with eight victories but South West looks set to cruise past that with 16 matches left this year.

New Slammers recruits Zoe Harper and Valeria Ogoke both continued their impressive seasons with 25 points each in the win against the Eastern Suns, which left them in eighth spot with just one win from five games.

Even though Lakeside was knocked out of first place, it also remained unbeaten with a 68-55 triumph against Perry Lakes Hawks.

Emily Fielding was just three steals shy of a triple-double in a performance that helped the Lightning hand Perry Lakes its third loss from the past four games.

Mandurah is one of just two sides yet to earn a win after falling 66-63 to under-strength local rivals Rockingham 66-63.

In the absence of former MVP Kaye Tucker, Flames import Emma Cannon stood tall with 24 points and 10 rebounds to help last year's wooden spooners consolidate their spot in the top eight.

Wanneroo Wolves bounced back from their shock loss to the Hawks a week earlier by smashing northern rivals Stirling 65-46.

Megan Lee (13 points) led an even Wolves contribution that saw them earn their sixth win from seven games and hand the Senators their fifth loss from six outings.

East Perth's woes continued with yet another loss, this time a 59-50 defeat to Perth Redbacks.

The Eagles, Grand Finalists last year, have won just one of their first six ahead of a brutal schedule that sees them face title favourites Willetton and Wanneroo consecutively.

Marita Payne was at her dominant best with 22 points and 18 rebounds to help Perth stay within touching distance of the top four.

Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)

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