Red-hot Rockingham meet ladder leaders Wanneroo in a blockbuster clash to kick off round nine of the Women’s State Basketball League on Friday night.

The Flames, who were beaten by South West in last season’s grand final, started the new season 0-2 but have since gone on a seven-game winning streak to surge up the ladder.

But Wanneroo will be confident of inflicting a rare defeat on Rockingham, who are unbeaten since round three.

The Wolves boast a 7-1 record and suffered the only blemish on their 2013 record when beaten by South West last month.

The game is set to be a thriller, with Rockingham’s league-leading scorer Samantha Whitcomb (25.7 points a game) and Wanneroo’s league leader in assists Chelsea Burns (4.8 a game) expected to feature heavily.

Friday is littered with big games that shape as crucial encounters for different reasons.

Perth need a win to pinch Lakeside’s spot in the top eight, while second-placed Willetton host fourth-placed Kalamunda in another blockbuster top-four affair.

At the foot of the ladder, East Perth host Mandurah in a battle between two sides desperate to find some winning form.

It doesn’t get any easier for the big guns on Saturday, with Wanneroo returning home to host Willetton in an encounter between the league’s top two sides.

Lakeside and Cockburn are currently eighth and seventh and will be fighting to preserve their play-off places, while struggling Mandurah have another winnable game against Stirling, who will be looking to press their claims for a berth in the top eight.

Kalamunda will be looking to hang onto their top four place against Perth, who are knocking on the door of the top eight.

Article by Shayne Hope

Photo by Serene Maisey: Wanneroo Wolves guard Megan D'Arcy drives to the basket