THE Willetton Tigers women's SBL team has been working hard leading into what they hope will be a 2014 season that helps erase the memories of a disappointing finish to 2013.

The Tigers finished the 2013 regular season on top of the standings with an impressive 17-5 record setting up a quarter-final clash with the No. 8 seed, but defending champion South West Slammers.

And the Slammers ended up bundling the Tigers out of the playoffs leaving a bitter taste in everyone's mouth involved with Willetton after the men's outfit missed out on making the playoffs altogether as well.

West Coast Waves pair Lisa Wallbutton and Antonia Edmondson are both back on board for Willetton this season with Ebony Antonio returning to Perth, and to the Tigers after spending last year with Bendigo in the SEABL.

Brooke Hiddlestone formerly of the Perth Redbacks is also board with Willetton this season while recently-retired WNBL star Melissa Marsh will be up and going towards the mid-point of the season after she returns from a trip overseas, and after letting her body rest after her final WNBL campaign.

Coach Brad Spicer and his players won't be forgetting the disappointment of 2013 anytime soon and that has been a big motivating factor heading into the 2014 campaign.

"After the disappointment of the last season we are looking to get back to playing after a long off-season," Spicer said.

"During the off season we looked to develop a squad that had a better spread and relied less on the production of a limited number of players.

"We have changed our structures to better reflect the balance of scoring in the team and have worked hard to develop individual skills to take advantage of the structures."

Spicer is excited by the return of Antonio to the Tigers line-up while the arrival of Hiddlestone is another reason that everyone associated with Willetton is confident of another strong season.

"The addition of Ebony Antonio who returns to the squad after two years in Bendigo and Brooke Hiddlestone former league MVP from retirement spread the scoring load and add to the experience to the team for 2014," Spicer said.

"Along with the return of Des Kelly back into the team after a long injury break, her athletic ability will add to our scoring depth.

"We also are looking to Mikayla Prini to have a breakout season with the loss of Lara Napier, Mikayla comes of a successful year with the Under 19 Australia Squad and time with the Waves.

"Hayley Winter joins the squad out of the Willetton Junior program and a number of State Teams, her ability to shoot the ball from range will add to the need for a spread of scoring."

Willetton's 2014 season gets underway this Saturday night at Willetton Basketball Stadium against the defending champion Wanneroo Wolves.

Article by Chris Pike