THE South West Slammers have been a powerful force in the Women's SBL the past four seasons but an all local roster appears to have its work cut out to keep that going for 2016.

Having never previously been a serious threat in the women's competition since 1992 (absence between 1995-99), the Slammers got on a roll in 2012 winning the championship and then knocking off the minor premier Willetton Tigers from eighth position in 2013.

They might have missed the playoffs altogether in 2014 but still played some dangerous basketball and then were back in post-season action last year with 10-12 record. That saw them finish in sixth position before losing in the quarter finals to the Joondalup Wolves.

But now South West looks to have a big job ahead of them with coach Juliann Bissaker coming into the season with a squad made up of local players.

Patricia Bright (16.5 points, 9.3 rebounds) and Deonica McCormick (16.5 points, 6.4 boards, 4.9 assists, 2.0 steals) were both effective imports last season with the Slammers but have returned to the United States.

Bianca Donovan too was a key player in South West's fortunes averaging 7.8 points but she has joined the Perth Redbacks for the 2016 SBL season.

Kate Fielding also averaged 11.4 points. 6.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.8 steals in 2015 and she is another significant loss to the team for 2016.

The Slammers aren’t without some additions, though, highlighted by Dena English joining after spending time in the college system at Coastal Georgia.

Taylah Kemp also returns having previously played with the Slammers in 2012 with Tayah Burrows and Cian Parsons two young players who could receive significant minutes throughout the season.

Raya Thompson, Brittany Gliddon, Meg Ferraz, Kelly Bastow, Georgia Denehey and Rebecca Preston are all players who will need to take the next step for the Slammers to be competitive.

During the SBL Blitz at Warwick Stadium, South West beat the Mandurah Magic but lost to the Perth Redbacks, Willetton Tigers and the Metro team.

The Slammers open their 2016 season at home to the Joondalup Wolves on Saturday March 19.

ROSTER
Raya Thompson, Brittany Gliddon, Meg Ferraz, Ebony Bilcich, Dena English, Tayah Burrows, Cian Parsons, Demi Liddle, Rebecca Preston, Kelly Bastow, Georgia Denehey, Taylah Kemp.
Coach – Juliann Bissaker

EXPERTS THOUGHTS
Championship Winning Coach - VLAD ALAVA
PREDICTION - 12th
The heyday of 2012 seems long gone and it will feel even longer this year. This is a team that has too many young players, some serviceable role players but not a single standout player. The loss of last season's imports Bright and McCormick have not been replaced to date and if they don't, it could be a very very long year.

SBL Slam Radio Host - MATT CECINS
PREDICTION – 12th
A rebuilding year looks on the cards for the Slammers. It will be a good opportunity for young, local talent to play increased minutes across all positions this season. Eaton is a tough place to play for visiting teams, so I expect the Slammers to be competitive during home games.

ANONYMOUS
PREDICTION – 12th
With no imports or restricted players signed, and Donovan and Fielding no longer there, it's hard to make a case for them being a playoff contender.

Article by Chris Pike
Photo by Ashley Pearce Images