Been a while since the last report and so much to get talking about.

In the time since my last column, one thing keeps coming to mind- the rise and rise of the Lakeside Lightning.

The team being right up the top of the ladder is somewhat of a surprise packet, but I am sure that is of no surprise those who wear the purple and white.

I am one to acknowledge that even though I think they are finals team this year, I can admit that I am somewhat surprised by their standing so far- I mean its not like they have had an easy start to the season on the draw! Genuinely, I thought the loss of Jess van Schie and former import Heidi McNeill may have resulted in some tough adjustments early for Darren Nash’s team. But stick that to your theories Off the Bench!! What do I know?!?! 

Emily Fielding is doing wonders this season. She keeps that form up she will be in the MVP race. Courtney Byrnes continues to impress and show maturity beyond her years and they have yet again picked up a decent import to round off their squad.

Lakeside have shown that there is clearly more than one team that can rise to the top at Bibra Lake.

After six rounds in, another thing that has impressed me has been the depth of the League. There are genuinely no easy games this season. I look only to the teams at the bottom of the ladder and it’s easy to work out that all teams will need to grind out wins and the very least not take anything for granted prior to tip off.

Cockburn are yet to win a game yet came close pushing Slammers in their recent clash and entertained Perth in over time earlier in the season.

Stirling narrowly lost to Slammers away, pushed Redbacks at home last week and also impressed early against the Wolves at home a few weeks back.

Mandurah hung tough early with Wolves last week, dropped only by 5 to Perry Lakes away and were within single digits of Slammers in Round 4.

On a different note, I am quite enjoying the greater publicity and exposure of our SBL teams in social media. Most teams have a Facebook page and are interactive on their websites. Provides a good day’s entertainment rather than work or midday television. Facebook comments alone give me plenty to smile about. Not to mention the friend requests I’ve been getting lately! I especially like the Mandurah Magic’s interview segment- now if only more teams can get on that! I think it’s a great way to keep fans engaged off the basketball court and provides greater exposure of players to not just their Clubs but also the general public. Good publicity I say.

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.