Women's SBL Season Preview – Willetton Tigers

DESPITE the loss of a couple of veterans, the Willetton Tigers are backing in much the same group to attempt to go one step better in the Women's SBL in 2016 than they managed last year.

The Tigers went neck and neck with the Rockingham Flames for the minor premiership right throughout 2015.

They both finished with 20-2 records to be the two standout teams, but it was the Flames who pipped the Tigers for top spot.

Willetton still went on to beat the Perry Lakes Hawks and then the Joondalup Wolves on the way to the grand final where they went down to the Flames in a tight contest by five points.

While Melissa Marsh (3.5 points, 3.2 rebounds) and Lisa Wallbutton (7.3 points, 9.0 rebounds) were still strong contributors in last season's run to the grand final, coach Simon Parker will be banking on further natural improvement from the remaining squad.

Just how much centre Louella Tomlinson plays this season after her strong 2015-16 campaign for the Perth Lynx in the WNBL could very well determine their fortunes.

Last season she averaged 17.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.9 blocks and 3.1 assists a game. Her numbers could go up again in 2016 but how much of the season she becomes available for is the biggest question mark.

Aside from that, it remains a strong looking Willetton team with Kate Malpass again to be the centre piece of the offence from the perimeter. She was outstanding last season on return to the SBL with 15.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.8 steals a game.

Desiree Kelley improved in 2015 to put up 7.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals but there's every chance she can improve further in all areas during 2016 to become a genuine star of the competition.

With Ebony Antonio, Zoe Harper, Lara Napier, Emma Gandini, Paris Duffield, Emma Lobb and Carleen Steacy all remaining, there are plenty of talented players with experience to ensure the Tigers are around the mark again in 2016.

During the SBL Blitz at Warwick Stadium, the Tigers recorded victories against the Mandurah Magic, Joondalup Wolves and South West Slammers. Their only defeat came at the hands of the Metro team.

Willetton begins its season against the East Perth Eagles at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre on Friday March 18.

Their opening home game will be 24 hours later on Saturday night at Willetton Basketball Stadium against the Rockingham Flames.

ROSTER
Lara Napier, Emma Gandini, Carleen Stacey, Desiree Kelley, Louella Tomlinson (restricted), Ebony Antonio, Paris Duffield, Zoe Harper, Kate Malpass, Emma Lobb
Coach – Simon Parker

EXPERTS THOUGHTS
Championship Winning Coach - VLAD ALAVA
PREDICTION – 3rd
The loss of Marsh and Wallbutton hasn't been covered meaning plenty of more opportunities for their young wings in Gandini, Steacy and Kelley. Gandini and Kelley, in particular, impressed me last year when I reflect on our four games against the Tigers. This team needs to stay healthy to finish in the top end of the ladder. As a punter, I would be worried if any of their back court or front court fall to the injury bug.

SBL Slam Radio Host - MATT CECINS
PREDICTION – 3rd
The Tigers retain a nice balanced line-up that can score from inside and beyond the three-point line. Ebony Antonio is a fantastic athlete and exciting player to watch. Louella Tomlinson broke the record for blocked shots last season, and the Tigers will have obvious rim protection. If the Tigers can protect the perimeter, and Desiree Kelley has a breakout season, the Tigers will be well placed to challenge yet again.

ANONYMOUS
PREDICTION – 2nd
There are no new signings by Simon Parker to the team that came so close in 2015 and they lose Lisa Wallbutton and there are questions over how much Tomlinson will play. But Desiree Kelley can go to the next level and if Kate Malpass has another big year, they have enough to be around the mark.

Article by Chris Pike




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.

Create A Team App Account.

Stack Team App is a platform that allows teams and social groups to improve communication by creating their own smartphone app.

Create A Team/Club