Anzac Day Blockbuster (Mens SBL Preview)
Title contenders Lakeside and East Perth meet in an Anzac Day blockbuster to tip-off round seven of the Men’s State Basketball League.
Lakeside requested a fixture on one of the most important days on the Australian calendar and have planned a major tribute to the Anzacs around the game.
Lightning coach Andy Stewart said the club was expecting a huge crowd when second meets third at the Lakeside Recreation Centre.
But he said the day was about far more than the big fixture between two top teams.
“It’s a real tribute to the Anzacs and I think that’s important,” Stewart said.
“I reckon we’ll have 150 kids here tomorrow and it’s also an education for them to respect the past.”
Lakeside and East Perth both enter round seven on the back of losses and will no doubt be desperate to get back on the winners’ list.
But the Thursday fixture has caused issues for both sides, who have a short turnaround from last round.
Former NBL shooting guard Drew Williamson – who won a championship with the Perth Wildcats in 2010 – and potential national league player Tom Jervis have been key players for the Eagles this season, averaging 19.1 and 18.6 points a game respectively.
But Stewart warned his side against placing too much emphasis on the star duo.
“Stopping the supply to Tom Jervis is the key and not letting Drew Williamson get going from the perimeter,” Stewart said.
“They’re our main points of focus but East Perth are a pretty good team.
“If we concentrate on Drew and Tom then guys like Mike Jones, Joe-Alan Tupaea and Jarrod Balcombe will hurt you.”
East Perth face the difficult task of backing up on Friday night against Perth, while Lakeside get a day’s break before taking on Wanneroo, who meet Kalamunda on Friday.
Elsewhere, unbeaten Perry Lakes will look to extend their seven-game winning streak when they travel to Willetton.
Mandurah host the reigning premiers in Cockburn who last week welcomed back Brian Carlwell but were still unable to get over the line against Willetton.
Goldfields Giants hit the road to tackle Cockburn on Saturday and Kalamunda on Saturday.
Geraldton face Stirling at home and South West put their undefeated home record on the line against Rockingham.
Article by Shayne Hope
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)
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