Rockingham remain clear favourites to claim a maiden Women’s State Basketball League championship this year after extending their winning streak to nine games in round 10.

The Flames had expected a stern challenge from Kalamunda and were pushed all the way by the title hopefuls, but proved too strong down the stretch.

League-leading scorer Samantha Whitcomb was again at the forefront for the Flames, knocking down a game-high 33 points to lead her side to victory.

It was Whitcomb’s second-highest tally of the season, bettered only by her monster 47-point haul last month, and lifted her average to 26.5 points a game.

Talisia Bourne (11 points) and Kaye Tucker (10 points, 11 rebounds) also had a big impact for the home side.

Kalamunda’s Jennie Rintala registered a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Adrienne Jones had 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Rachel Muenggenborg (13 points) and Melissa Moyle (10) also had an impact on the scoreboard but it wasn’t enough for the Suns, who occupy fourth spot on the ladder and are still well-placed with a 7-4 record.

Wanneroo drew level with second-placed Willetton with an 8-3 record after accounting for Mandurah, 64-42 on the road.

The Wolves dominated the first and third periods to run away with the result on the back of 12 points each from Nikita-Lee Martin and Casey Lockwood, and Chelsea Burns’ nine-point, nine-rebound effort.

Cockburn are still in the finals mix after beating Perth 75-68, while Stirling are on the verge of the top eight following their 81-67 win over South West.

On Friday night, Lakeside beat Perry Lakes 69-64 away from home.

Article by Shayne Hope
Photo by Deprimo Photography