deak
Years ago
Summerton - POTW
Adelaide Lightning forward, and heir to Rachael Sporn's throne, Laura Summerton, lifted her team to two outstanding victories and herself to Player of the Week in Round 16 of the 'Price Attack' Women's National Basketball League (WNBL).
With so many of Adelaide's finest leaving the Lightning at the end of last season, new coach Chris Lucas couldn't be blamed for viewing 2004/05 as a rebuilding season.
Jan Stirling stepped aside from her coaching position to concentrate on the Opals' chances in Athens, Rachael Sporn retired after almost 20 years in the league, Deanna Smith chased her dreams to Europe, Michelle Brogan stepped aside and 26-year-old captain Sam Woosnam injured her knee, ending her season within the first month.
Adelaide's two wins on the weekend sent a message to their opponents and secured their 13th consecutive finals appearance in 13 years in the league and confirmed their place as a WNBL dynasty team.
At 21 years of age, 180cm Summerton led the Lightning in Friday night's game against the Townsville Fire and had a career-high 35 points at 70 percent and eight rebounds as Adelaide overcame a loud and parochial crowd and a rampaging Chandi Jones (45 points) to douse the Fire's 2004/05 chances, 101-99.
With that nail biter under their belts, the Lightning travelled to Sydney for a game at the Sydney Entertainment Centre against the Flames where Summerton continued her outstanding form with 10 rebounds and 25 points at 55 percent.
In another tight match, the Lightning took the win from the hometown favourites, 89-77.
That gave the Athens Olympian 60 points at 63 percent for the round and the league scoring lead at 19.5ppg. She also averaged nine rebounds and 2.5 assists.
"Laura's performance on Friday night was special, but to be able to back it up less than 24 hours later was sensational," Lucas said. "With Sam (Woosnam) going down early in the season, Laura has been helping Jenni (Screen) with the on-court leadership of the team and has grown in that leadership role.
"Losing Rachael (Sporn) and Michelle (Brogan) means that Laura is now drawing the best post defender. It took a while to adjust to that, but she has worked hard and is now seeing the benefits. She's playing with a lot of confidence now, she set a standard and she is reaping the reward of all her hard work on and off the court."
Other players in contention for the award in Round 16 were Belinda Snell (Sydney Uni), Katrina Hibbert (Bulleen Melbourne), Jenny Whittle (Canberra), Angela Marino (Canberra), Chandi Jones, (Townsville), and scoring sensation (47 points v Canberra) Jessica Bibby (Dandenong).
