NotJackToft
Years ago
Round 7 SA State Basketball League Preview
Welcome back for Round 7 of the SA State Basketball League. Enjoy the preview, and apologies for any grammar errors, it was done hurriedly.
Women's
Eastern (9th 1-5) v South (5th 4-2)
Both teams are coming off losses in Round 6, with the Mavs going down to North by 28 at Hillcrest and the Panthers losing by 30 to the undefeated Flames.
South have been a surprise packet this year with the inclusion of league assist leader Mahony and league scoring leader Howard, however outside these two the Panthers drop off substantially. Last week the Flames forced Mahony into 8 turnovers, and limited Howard to 3/17 from the field, and comfortably came away with the win. Let this be the blueprint for all sides going forward to down the Panthers.
The Mavericks lack depth, however contribution from experienced players Macdermot and league rebound leader Hooley, have seen them fight in most games with season. The Rockets had too many options to go to last round, and the Mavs had trouble guarding Hill and Peris.
Like last week, the experience and talent of Mahony, Howard and Kinross will be too much for the Mavs to defend, and South will get the win by 20.
Norwood (1st 6-0) v Forestville (3rd 4-2)
Both sides coming off a win in Round 6, however the Flames have been far more convincing in victory than the Eagles have been. However, with past history still ever present, the Flames would always be wary of a clash with Forestville, and i'm sure the Eagles would be more than happy to break the streak.
Jade Johnson has been outstanding for the Eagles on the offensive end, whilst Fergus has continued to be reliable as always.
Norwood have spread the minutes well this year, doing their best to imitate the spurs rest and rotate policy. Lewis has been the centerpiece through the first 6 rounds, and I would expect to see increased play and numbers from Foley and co. as we head into the second half of the season.
Whether or not the Eagles will pull the Borrego card is unknown, but perhaps that is worth saving for game 2 in this series closer to the finals.
However I am sure Sharon wants to win this game more than most this season, so the brown paper bags and granny smiths may be out to entice a few extra minutes.
The Flames will roll on through, and are impossible to tip against. Norwood by 14.
Southern (8th 2-4) v Woodville (6th 2-4)
The Tigers suffered defeat at the hands of the Eagles last week in a spirited performance, as have been most of their losses this year. The Warriors also suffered defeat to the newest contender on the block, the Sabres, in one of their less impressive games for the season.
The Tigers have been valiant in defeat, however with the loss of import Barber who was important to their side averaging a double double in points and rebounds, will make staying as competitive as they have been, a hard task.
The Warriors have been let down by 10 minutes in their losses this season, and would be disappointed about dropping some very winnable games. Reynolds has been huge, as well as Perkas, with a handful of other contributors.
With the loss of Southerns import, the Warriors would be favorites to take this game. However I would expect a close encounter. Woodville by 5.
Sturt (4th 4-2) v West (6th 2-4)
West much like Woodville, have been on the end of some serious close losses, carrying a percentage of +100 with a record under .500, however they look to carry on their momentum from last weeks win against the Lions. Sturt's lineup has been bolstered with Novosels inclusion, and look to be a real threat against the Flames.
Novosel, Spalding and Richards all average double figure points for the Sabres, and all shooting the ball at +46% from the field. Sturt have an experienced line up, with key players at every position, and potential for further inclusions as the season progresses.
West haven't been bad, they just haven't been quite good enough. Anchored by the work of Shierlaw, Holland and Langenbrinck, the Bearcats need more output from the rest of their side to push them over the line. Poor shooting has hampered the Bearcats in a number of games this season, and to be considered come August, they need to find better looks.
Sturt will walk away with the win, and continue to build to their mouth-watering clash with the Flames.
Centrals (10th 0-6) v North (2nd 5-1)
North have suffered only the one defeat this season, but look to have been cruising most games so far, doing enough to get the win, but not really putting teams away. Whether this has been through rotation, or just not having the ability, it would be good to see the Rockets give 40-minutes of leather, so see where they really stand.
The Lions have had some bad seasons in recent years, with the odd finals appearance, however this seems to be rock bottom for them.
The Rockets have been led by the forever young Hill, and Peris, however Badenoch and Mckay have racked up some points on the way. North have traditionally been known as a good shooting team, however they have seen some patchy form this year. They will need to address this to content with the likes of the Sabres and the Flames.
The Lions have been, well without being too harsh, very unimpressive. Herriman and Wedding their only shining lights, however 2 lights in a dark wilderness, doesn't provide much light.
The Rockets to win, and win well. North by 36.
Men's
Eastern (10th 1-5) v South (7th 3-3)
The Panthers mini-streak has been ended by the ever dangerous Flames, whilst the Mavs have broken through for win number 1 against the struggling North outfit.
South have been impressive in victory this year, taking care of a few contenders. Reid has been pivotal to their performance, as well as experience point Boal, and the always improving Robertson. South have shown they have what it takes to mix it with the best of them, and they should continue to improve as the season goes on.
The Mavs shocked everyone with their victory over the Rockets last week, with guard Scipio elevating his play and taking a key role in the Mavs offense. Shorne has provided a great supporting roles, as well as a number of contributors racking up the points and boards in a real team effort.
The Panthers can mix it with the top sides, and should get the win here. South by 15.
Norwood (5th 3-3) v Forestville (8th 2-4)
With a serious rivalry in the past few years, these sides are not exactly fond of one another. The Flames looked to have got their season back on track after a hit and miss start, now at the .500 and in the five. Whilst the Eagles are on a 3 game slide, losing last round to the undermanned Tigers by a point, and in unfamiliar territory.
Fildes has had a breakout year this year for the Eagles, whilst Rios has racked up alot of points, however at a questionable clip and shot selection. Mottram has been dominant in the minutes he has player, and I would anticipate he will see more time in the coming rounds to ensure the Eagles secure more wins and place themselves for a finals run.
For the Flames, Lycett has been ever improving on his return from injury, shouldering most of the offensive load. With support from the experienced backcourt of Webber and Matthews, Norwood should still be able to roll with the best of them. I feel Norwood are just starting to hit their straps, and will look to consolidate their spot in the five coming into the back 9.
Norwood to win, and send the Eagles into damage Gibson control. Flames by 8.
Southern (3rd 4-2) v Woodville (1st 4-2)
With the top 4 sides all tied on 4 wins and 2 losses, and two contenders playing, makes this game vital. The Tigers have injury concerns, whilst the Warriors look to have recovered from a small early season hiccup.
Southern are without playmakers and leading scorers Johns and McDaniel due to injury, and they still managed to hand the Eagles a 1-point loss last week. They will now rely heavily on Ellison and Florance to score some buckets.
Southerns uptempo, inside out game, has been effective against even the best sides, however their loss of personnel will allow teams to focus defensive efforts, and shut down their run.
The Warriors are up and about after dispatching of fellow top 5 side the Sabres by 25 points, in a dominant display of offensive firepower. Starling has been nothing short of outstanding, and an early Woollacott medal hopeful, whilst current 6ers Sims and former 6ers Ng spreading teams thin for Stanbridge to take advantage.
Southern are going to struggle without their go to guys, and the Warriors will be comfortably by 22.
Sturt (4th 4-2) v West (2nd 4-2)
Another clash pitting two more teams tied at 4 wins and 2 losses. The winner of this clash will move the 1st or 2nd, and secure an important head to head win over a fellow contender.
The Sabres got hammered last round by the Warriors, and look to rebound against a tough ask in the Bearcats. Import Moore and Klaosen have been to go to guys for buckets, with Burns a known 3pt specialist been rushed off the perimiter and having a poor shooting year from deep. The Sabres whilst solid, can be predictable, and should look to diversify their offense to free up their stars.
West have been solid this year, however suffered a loss at the hands of the unpredictable and struggling Lions. Everyone knew that Centrals were dangerous, and just in a bad patch of form, and the Bearcats payed the price of the Lions finally clicking. Import Dawson is leading the league in scoring, and Truslove leading the league in rebounds. With their shooters not really firing at the moment, West can improve considerably, and will do so as the season progresses.
West will grind out a hard fought victory. Bearcats by 9.
Centrals (6th 3-3) v North (9th 2-4)
The Lions look to have found their form this season, knocking off big scalp West last round. The Rockets have sunken to a new low, losing to the last placed Mavs.
Clausen and Miller are still the go to options for the Lions, with veteran Atkins taking up some of the scoring load during their dry spell. Centrals have had what feels like a really bad start to the year, but find themselves only 1 game from top spot. After winding up against the Bearcats, and dispatching of the Mavs the week before, the Lions would hope this roll will continue.
The Rockets really have failed to take off this season, will their stars under performing considerably, and some woeful shooting performances, making this one of their worst starts in recent memory. Pero seems to be finding a groove, whilst Goodluck their most consistent and Wernham playing reasonably. But North need more from their seasoned guys, and surely their pride is
at stake just as much as the win.
Really tough game to pick, but based on form the Lions should get over the line. Centrals by 11.
