Flames look to go one better (Women's Round One Preview)
Rockingham Flames push to go one better and claim a maiden championship commences tonight as the 2013 Women’s State Basketball League runners-up head to Willetton to face the Tigers.
The Flames have added some depth to their side with the return of Courtney Hargreaves. The former WNBL player and SBL championship winner will join a largely unchanged squad for 2012 Coach of the Year Ryan Petrik.
The Tigers missed the Grand Final for the first time in five seasons last year and have added New Zealand Internationals and West Coast Waves players Antonia Edmondson and Lisa Wallbutton to their line-up for 2013 which should prove tough for the Flames.
After missing the finals for the first time in twenty seasons last year, new Hawks coach CJ Jackson will need a big game from star Waves forward Natalia Burton if his side is to get over the line against the Kalamunda Eastern Suns on Friday.
The Hawks will then return home on Saturday to host the 2012 wooden spoon winners the Mandurah Magic, who have appointed former league MVP and former coach Brooke Burns to turn things around.
Also with a new coach, the Stirling Senators will look to make their first finals appearance since 2008 when former SBL Coach of the Year coach Glenn Ellis takes the reigns for his new side against the Lakeside Lightning on Friday night.
The Senators will then host their first home game for the year against cross-town rivals the Wanneroo Wolves on Saturday, who will be coached by former Stirling coach Vlad Alava.
The Wolves have added New Zealander and Townsville WNBL player Casey Lockwood to their line-up along with SEABL player Chelsea Burns in an attempt to go one better than their semi-finals appearances the past three seasons.
Also on Saturday night the Cockburn Cougars will kick off their 2013 campaign with a game against the East Perth Eagles who will be led by new head coach Aaron Berryman.
2012 SBL champions South West Slammers will enjoy a bye in the first week of the competition before they take on the Perry Lakes Hawks in week two.
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)
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