Here are two sides with solid team basketball under their belts during 2005 and decent form. That was, until West got absolutely thumped by the struggling Flames last week. I think the Bearcats will bounce back, but not enough.
Eastern are undefeated at home and at nearly full strength with Joel Goodenough regaining minutes. They have a sizable Holmes, sorry, hole right where the Bearcats have strength -- in the forward ranks. Nik Campbell will be faced with Paul Bell and Ben Evans from the Bearcats and could be forced into fouling to stop them. Trebilcock from the Mavs is likely to be more or less negated by Crothers and Truslove, should he play. Brad Bungy, again, is a key -- if he loses the sour face and stays out of foul trouble, he would be useful on the boards against the shorter Bearcats, and could frustrate West offensively also.
Statistically this year, forwards have had good games against the Mavs -- Dan Thompson, Oscar Forman, Dix nearly had a triple double, and Pilkington was solid.
In the guard ranks, Eastern have a distinct advantage. They don't look at all like basketball players -- farmers, financial advisers more likely -- but you can't deny the ability of Davis, Becis, Warhurst and Goodenough to surprise you each and every game. If it's a close game especially, these guys have the experience under pressure to make opponents pay. I just cannot imagine West getting a big, early lead at Mt Barker, if it's close then the Mavs will win out, and I think a solid Eastern win is the most likely finish.
Phillips will score, but Eastern's guards will score more and we all know that's what will matter on the scoresheet.
I'd only bet on two teams beating Eastern in the hills, the Bearcats aren't one of them, and I wouldn't even bet much on those two teams taking the Mavs down. If Truslove and Cioffi are together at West later in the season and face Eastern, it will be a different story, but Blake will be exhausted this weekend even if he does play. Eastern have a great opportunity to pick up two home wins this weekend, and cement their position in the league leading pack.
Girls at 6:30, guys at 8:15.
