Slammers, Flames edge closer to history (Women's Semi-Final Wrap)
The first leg of the best of three women's State Basketball League semi-finals is over and the home teams prevailed with the Rockingham Flames and the South West Slammers rising to victory.
The Flames are one step closer to making club history after taking down minor premiers the Wanneroo Wolves 77-66 on Friday night in front of a large home crowd.
Rockingham led convincingly throughout the first half of the game and entered the last break with a 17 point lead thanks to the inside presence of Emma Cannon and Kaye Tucker.
Wanneroo fought hard in the fourth and closed the gap to just five points with 1:23 remaining, however the Flames steadied and edged closer to their clubs first grand final appearance.
Emma Cannon caused headaches for the Wolves finishing with 33 points and 19 rebounds, she was supported by Kaye Tucker who finished with 17 points and ten rebounds.
Shani Amos had a strong game for the Wolves finishing with 15 points and six rebounds, while Nikita-Lee Martin chipped in with 11 points of her own.
The Wolves struggled away from home only making eight per cent of their three point attempts and 37% of shots from the field, an area they will have to improve at home if they are to take the series.
On Saturday night the South West Slammers took down the Willetton Tigers 79-55 in front of their home crowd, edging closer to their first grand final appearance.
The Slammers dominated the defending champions, extending their lead at every break on the back of strong shooting from the field (45%) and beyond the three point line (43%).
Kim Sitzmann (23 points, ten rebounds) and Valerie Ogoke (14 points, ten rebounds) both finished with double-double performances for the Slammers.
Slammers junior Bianca Donovan rose to the challenge to finish with 12 points and former Willetton championship centre Zoe Harper had 11 points and four rebounds for the home side.
Emma Lobb stepped up to the challenge for the Tigers with 16 points, however Willetton will have to shoot better than 33% from the field and 0/12 from beyond the arc if they are to move into their fifth straight grand final.
The Kickz101 Women’s State Basketball League Grand Final is on Friday 31 August at the WA Basketball Centre, tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster, click here to purchase tickets online.
Article by Hannah Coleman
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)
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