NotJackToft
Years ago
CABL Round 2 Review
After missing Round 1, I have decided that I will continue on previous years tradition here on Hoops by providing a look into each Rounds game, and hopefully build some anticipation.
Again like usual I do not claim to have the wit and tongue of Jack Toft at my disposal, but will try and entertain none the less.
Women's:
North 3rd (1-0) v West 4th (1-0)
North got over the line last week against Woodville, by a margin of 13 points, which I am sure has surprised some punters. Anchored by Hill and Peris and well supported by Badenoch and Smart, they led the entire game and only dropped one quarter by 2 point, out rebounding, shooting at a higher clip and getting to the line more often, however struggling from behind the arc. West won by a similar margin against the lowly rated Mavs, with Sheirlaw doing most of the damage, and again supported by Zecevic. West dominated the game form the opening tip, but took the foot of the pedal in the fourth losing the quarter by 7 points. They struggled to out-rebound the Mavs, and didn't look to spread the floor only shooting 4 times from long range. North will have too many options for West to defend effectively, and will comfortably beat them on the boards.
North by 16.
South (2nd 1-0) v Woodville (8th 0-1)
MOTR
Didn't those Panther girls shock the league last week? Realistically written off for the season before we even got going, those looking deeper probably were not as surprised as maybe the Eagles were. Kinross dropped 30pts at 72% and Howard dropped 30pts and pulled 11 boards, eventually downing the Granny Smiths by 20 points, and out scoring them in every period. They shot at about 2% better clip, and had 12 extra shots and forced a staggering 28 turnovers. The Warriorettes went down to arguably the leagues 2nd best Womens side in the Rockets, by 16 points, but had some promising signs along the way. Reynolds had 21pts, and 8reb at 58% , no other player had double figures but nearly all scored. Their inability to get to the line (11 FT) and doubled up with their inability to defend the paint effectively (38FT against), showed their lack of experience and depth. South won't shoot the same clip this week, however should have enough to handle the Warriors.
South by 9.
Norwood (1st 1-0) v Southern (5th 1-0)
No player for the flames played more than 26 minutes in last weeks drubbing of the Sabres, and the result of that game is more about what the Flames forced Sturt into, rather than what they did themselves. Norwood only had 2 players in double figures (Ireland & Lewis) and only 1 player not registering a score. Shooting at 44% as a team, dragging 18 extra boards, and forcing 19 second chance points to Sturts 0, winning by 36 points, the Flames have rolled on like Season 2013 never ended. Southern managed to handle the unrated Lions side, however unconvincingly, only getting up by 9 points.. Allowing 27 first quarter points is not going to fly most weeks, and their perimeter defence was exposed allowing 5 for 8 three balls. A solid game on the boards, out rebounding the Lions almost 2 to 1, with Barber doing the damage with 14 boards. Quintrell was Southerns star dropping 30pts on 60%, but if you think Simon and his girls will allow that this week, you would be fooling yourself. Norwood to remain undefeated.
Norwood by 33.
Centrals (6th 0-1) v Forestville (9th 0-1)
The Eagles will be relentless this week. Have no doubt that Sharon would be furiously unhappy about last weeks loss to the Panthers, and will be asking more from her Girls this week. The Eagles ever reliable Fergus was their leader once again, dropping 17 points and 8 boards at 54%, supported on the scoresheet by Johnson doing her best Melo impersonation, with 15 points on 15 shots. 28 turnovers and scoring 10 points in any quarter isn't going to see you win too many games, and the will look to buck this trend against the lowly Lions. After a big off season shake up once again, the Lions seem doomed as cellar dwellers once again. 2 bad quarters against Southern shooting 7 from 27 hurt them last week. Centrals had a team performance last week with Onaca and Wedding holding the team together. However their lack of depth and experience will prove to much most weeks.
Forestville by 25.
Eastern (7th 0-1) v Sturt (10th 0-1)
Both teams coming off a loss, however the calibre of opponent staggering in difference. Eastern were handled by West by 14 points, however shooting almost 20 less shots and having about 40% of the shots you took from long range, and only knocking 2, doesn't really make for a big surprise. A clear lack of offensive structure, combined with inexperience means most weeks, the Mavs are going to see the same results. Hooley and Tarren (18pts, 16pts) the clear standouts, however Tarran saw foul trouble restrict her playing time to only 19 minutes, but still grab 7 boards as well. Sturt struggled to get going on the offensive end, shooting only 24.5% for the game, and giving up 19 second chance points. They need bigger contributions from Hargreaves, Spadling, McPhail and Gladstone, with Richards the only real contributor with 11pts and 10reb. Eastern may give them a scare, but not a big enough one.
Sturt by 13.
Men's:
North (9th 0-1) v West (3rd 1-0)
North copped the brunt of the Warriors spirit last week, copping a 28 point slamming by the title favourites. Down at the half by 18 points, North could do nothing to stop the Warriors hot hands, unable to defend the +50% clip, whilst going 7 from 36 themselves. North also gave up a 20+ rebound advantage and 17 second chance points. Not much to write home about. Vasiljevic and Collins the only players in double figures. For an experienced team, they were disappointing, and will look to bounce back against a somewhat new look West.
West had a Round 1 gimme against the Mavs, in a game they would have penned in months ago. Braithwaite had a night out feasting on 21 points on 10 shots, supported by Truslove with 13 and 13, and Spadavecchia with 19 points. The difference in the win was West's ability to get to the line, with 39 free throws. Perhaps the years on Belly's sideline antics finally paid off? Or perhaps there is a deeper lesson here. North won't be as feeble inside as the Mavs, and will have a serious run on the track this week. Could go either way.
North by 6.
South (10th 0-1) v Woodville (2nd 1-0)
Woodville started by sending a serious message to fellow top 5 contender North in the form of a 28 point drubbing. Shooting an impressive 56% from the field, and dropping down 52 boards, Woodvilles new Starling was huge with 23 points at 76% and 11 boards in 25 minutes of playing time. With contributors across the board, the Warriors were simply too hot for any team last week. South on the other hand copping a belting at the hands of the Eagles, going down by 36, and unable to guard Rios. Finding themselves in foul trouble with 33 fouls, and giving up 38 free throws, as well as shooting 33% for the game, was going to make a tough game, even harder. Boal had 16 and 9 in 21 minutes and 5 fouls, with Reid dropping 15 and 4, however on 15 shots. The Warriors don't look in trouble here, but South seem destined to stay glued to 9th spot this season.
Woodville by 34.
Norwood (6th 0-1) v Southern (4th 1-0)
Norwood went down last week to the young Sabres side by 2 in OT. In what was a tightly contested game, the Flames gave up 17 extra shots, 20 second chance points, and 10 extra O Boards - they were lucky to be that close, and lucky that Cooper is already bald. Norwood lost this game, Sturt did not win. Krause the standout with 20 and 12, O'Boyle had 20 points on 6 of 9 threes, and Matthews had 18 points, 6 boards, 4 assists, and 5 steals in 27 minutes of playing time after fouling out. Southern men continued their rise under Tucker taking care of Centrals by 15. Shooting 51% and out rebound the Lions, Southern had a comfortable first half lead 55-36 but dropped the ball in the third allowing the gap to close by 11, then pouring on 31 last quarter points to seal the deal. Sam McDaniel really consolidating his form from last year dropping 25 points and 13 rebounds in 29 minutes of game time. Will be a close game, with Norwood wanting to desperately avoid an 0-2 start, in a game that will be a lot more important than it seems.
Southern by 5.
Centrals (7th 0-1) v Forestville (1st 1-0)
The Panthers got torn apart by the Eagles and Rios last week, going down by 36 and Rios dropping 33 on 6/13 three balls. Mainly supported by Fildes with 16 and 8, and everyone else chipping in, shooting 51% from the field and getting to the line for 38 free throws. No sign of missing Doyle yet, but perhaps as the season wears on. Centrals were beaten soundly by the ever growing Tigers, and perhaps this is a sign of the Lions development. Again significant reliance on Miller 27 points, and Clausen 29 points and 8 boards, makes the Lions predictable, and easier to guard, with the rest of the team combining for 28 points. The quality of match ups will make this game even harder for the Lions, as the experience at these positions is somewhat favourable for the Eagles.
Forestville by 22.
Eastern (8th 0-1) v Sturt (5th 1-0)
The Mavs were beaten by the better side last Saturday night, and something that will become a common trend for them again this year. The loss of the Breheny's to the Sabres, will hurt their output and ability to defend significantly. Scipio the only player to really make an impact with 22 points, and Giles with 8 and 11 the next best. Their absolute inability to defend the paint, and stop penetration without fouling, will need to be addressed, however whether or not adjusting their systems can help this is not as clear cut as that. Sturt did not win last week. As much as they have a W in their column, Norwood handed them that game on a platter. You will not win games, giving up the extra opportunities that Norwood did, and the Sabres can't rely on having that each week to get the W. Unfortunately for the Mavs, I don't think it really it matters this week what they do.
Sturt by 24.
A bit earlier this week as I don't have time later in the week!