Doccy and Cougars ready for challenge of Flames

SOPRANO Designs Cockburn Cougars playing-coach Deanna Smith is proud of her team for fighting hard as a young group to make the women's SBL playoffs in 2015 and now she's looking forward to the challenge of facing the Rockingham Flames.

The Cougars ended up finishing the regular season in eighth position with a 9-13 record but it was a good performance to make the playoffs for a third straight season.

While Smith has remained the star on the floor for the Cougars averaging 22.0 points, 8.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists a game, she has done a terrific job of bringing in some strong support and developing young talent.

Katie Loberg has worked tirelessly all season averaging 14.7 points and 6.2 boards while Taryn Priestly, Abbie McDonald, Chelsea Evans, Kirsty Pitcher, Kristen Everard, Alyce Roberts, Nicole Pitcher and Nicole Roberts continue to all ensure the Cougars are a competitive outfit.

Smith is proud of the group for pulling together to qualify for the playoffs again in 2015.

"We are really excited to reach our first goal of the season which was to make finals, now it's about refocusing on the process that got us here and building upon that to go further. The girls have put in a lot of time and hard work and I think finals is a great reward for that," Smith said.

"I'm really happy with the development and progress that we have made this season as a team and believe that all of the girls have grown in both confidence and skill level."

The challenge is certainly a daunting one in the quarter finals for the Cougars up against the defending champion minor premiers Rockingham, but Smith is looking forward to locking horns with the best starting this Friday night at Wally Hagan Stadium.

"Our first match up against reigning champs Rockingham Flames will be a tough one as they are a great team that is very well coached," Smith said.

"I have no doubt Ryan and the Rocko girls would have done their homework on us and have a few tricks up their sleeves. I'm looking forward to seeing what they will throw at us and how we counter that!"

Smith is also confident that in the pressure filled atmosphere of playoff basketball that anything can happen and that the Cougars game can stand up to that.

"Finals basketball is a wonderful thing where anything can happen, we have had a solid preparation and are ready and focused for the challenge that awaits," Smith said.

"When we play with confidence and execute the game plan we are a tough unit that could achieve anything. Finals is as much mental as it is the physical side of the game, so this week we have focused on both sides to ensure we are ready to go!"

Article by Chris Pike
Photo by Mick Cronin




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