WA SBL - June 2018

2018 WSBL Mid-season Awards (Prediction)

MVP Race

This years race is heating up with league MVP Ali Schwaggmeyer again in great form but is being challenged by a number of players this year.

Anita Brown- Magic - 23.8ppg 8rpg @45%. Brown has stepped into the big shoes of Nicky Gilday and has done a great job carrying this team through injuries.

Sydnee Fipps – Lakeside – 23ppg 5rpg @ 50%. The blonde bomber has improved in her 2nd season for the league leading Lakeside.

Dlesha Lloyd – Flames– 23ppg 9rpg @ 45%. deadly shooter hits 41% from downtown and her mid season arrival has surged rocko up the standings.

Ali Schwaggmeyer- Lakeside – 23ppg 7rpg 4apg @51%. The MVP is perhaps the most complete player post Sam Whitcomb and can beat teams in many ways. Numbers are up but she does have team mates that will take votes off her. Already has 9 games of 20p+ games.

Kayla Standish- Redbacks- 21ppg 10 rebs @50%. What a great addition to the league, the big has post skills but can step out and make 41% from downtown. A high vote getter in all her games 5 x 20+ games so far and seven double doubles.

Honourable mentions: Kisha Lee 22ppg 9.5rpg, Alex Ciabattoni 19ppg, 8rpg,5apg, Jennie Rintala 18.5ppg 10rpg.

MVP: Ali Schwaggmeyer Runner Up: Kayla Standish

Rookie of the Year
Opportunity to showcase some of the new talent in the SBL. Based on

Carla Drennan- Willetton - 6ppg 3rpg @43%. The long guard has found herself moving into the 8 player rotation and providing a scoring threat in her minutes. Career high 20p against Stirling recently.

Jewel Williams- Suns 13ppg 3 rpg @ 45%. After dominating her age group Jewel has been thrusted into a starting role for the surging Suns. The quick PG can beat you off the dribble but also land 37% of her 3pt attempts. A star in the making.

Emma Clarke – Perry Lakes – 10ppg 6rpg @ 33%. The former state and AIS player has returned to her junior club and was a starter in their first few games. Now the 6'1 athletic forward can hit the long ball is a good offensive rebounder.

ROTY: Jewel Williams

Most Improved

Cameron Flynn- East Perth- 9ppg 5rpg @ 31%– The long forward started the season on fire for the young team, former wanneroo product has excelled in her starting role in her second season.

Eryn Fisher- East Perth- 11ppg 7 rpg @ 28% - The combo forward has had to do it all, in her first season as a starter and teams leading scorer. Games of 21p and 19p and 11 rebs. Points and rebounds have almost doubled since her rookie season.

Tayah Burrows- Slammers- 11ppg 3 rpg @ 42%. The combo guard is averaging near 20mins a game in her second season seeing her ppg increase from 5ppg.

Catelyn Jones- Stirling- 8ppg 2rpg @39%. The aggressive scorer has jumped her scoring output from 2-8ppg in her second season. She is deadly from range hitting a great 43% and has become first off the bench for coach Clarkes team.

MIP: Eryn Fisher

Jewel isn't a rookie. She played last year.

That's a huge win for Rocko Men’s team. Women are rolling too.

Ugly game but no Hire, Godfrey, Travers, Washingto & Beau Samuelson.

White only going to get better too. Still looked rusty.
Justin Beard is arguably the best 5th option in the league. 3 games 20+ points in a row now. Came up huge in the clutch and did a number on Gavin field.

Could be a dark horse down the stretch.

Perry Lakes solid win. 3 big dogs all firing.

And Mandurah in struggle times... what the hell has happened to Chudier - should have stayed at rocko instead of chasing $$$

All the girls mentioned in Combos Rookie of the Year predictions have played WSBL before this year. All the girls should be considered for Most Improved with probably the winner being Williams.Obviously Combo doesnt take turnovers into account in the analysis.By the way,Flynn played all her juniors with Hawks.

Anon I was giving the Rookie category a bit of leniency with Clarke and Drennan not playing in 2017. Jewel yes has played in 2017. A true WSBL rookie would be hard to select as most ride the bench. Perhaps best 2 year player.

Yes Flynn was Perry Lakes junior. My mistake.

Pretty selfish by Hire to miss the game on Friday ... for what!?!?!? To accept an award for his community work. Mate you're a professional basketball player - maybe stop focussing on the off court stuff and you might actually be half decent. Egoistical stuff!!!

Feel like Wolves got the better deal in terms of not having him this season, he’s been pretty disappointing this year and from accounts hearing Rockingham seriously regret signing him.

Huge win by the suns last night over the spiders. Took it too them and the trio of Davis, Timms and Belger looks to be formidable. Looked like a bunch of individuals against a team unit out there. Look to them to possibly sneak into the 8.

Also, all time dummy spit from Lako today in D1. Played the suns and he got told during the game "You can buy a team but you can't buy a win." Resulted in lako pulling his players off the court until something was done about it, and then abusing the fan after the game. The guy needs to get in line, so unprofessional.

Don't forget the SBL Allstar game's tomorrow at Bendadt :)

Why is the SBL protecting Lakos behaviour?

Why does the league protect any behaviour like this? How many suspended sentences have we seen over the past few years? Lako, Parsons, Parker. The league needs to start making examples of coaches, the message they are sending out with leniency like this is 'its ok to abuse refs you'll get away with it'

Parsons and Parker's were atleast advertised and their reputations dragged through the mud by giving the public a forum to have their opinions on the coaches character more than the charges itself.
The Lacko tribunal hearing hasn’t even been confirmed by the league, sweeping it under the rug nicely

Lako abusing a fan that just told what everyone else says about him. Classic!

Pretty poor social media coverage from the league for the ASG. No score updates, no idea who won MVP's or the 3pt shootouts (unless you follow the teams pages)

Daniel Alexander won the game MVP

I missed the first couple of dunks... Billups' 360 degree dunk and Alexanders off the back wall dunk....

https://www.facebook.com/andrew.burong/videos/pcb.10214326922599219/10214326920959178/?type=3&theater

Byrnes is Mansfields missus

WSBL Preview Round 13

What a tough round we have here, many close games that mean something come head to head end of season.

Senators @ Lightning

The 7th placed Senators had a timely 2 point victory on the road over Wolves last round, led by Amber Lands 15p 12 rebs to keep them in the hunt for the finals race. The 1st place Lightning beat yet another top 4 team on their way to a win over Tigers. The loss of Zoe Harper before the game meant the Tigers had to scrap to keep pace with the bigger Lightning with the lack of bench depth the difference in the two teams. In Stirling's first match up with the Lightning, the Lightning got away with a close 10 point win, but at home and the addition of ex Stirling big Roscoe, the Lightning should overpower the Senators on the glass and from range. The matchup of bigs Johnson v Grant will be a key in this game.... Lightning by 18.

Suns @ Eagles

The Suns 5 game winning streak came to an end in a 4 v 5 matchup against the Perth Redbacks. Rintala in early foul trouble meant the returning big Jessie Edwards lead the way with 22 points. The Eagles were surprisingly competitive in a 12 point loss to the surging Hawks. Point Guard Bree Fisher leading the way with 22 points. The Suns will be ruthless in bouncing back to maintain a grip on the top 4…. Suns by 30

Wolves @Cougars

The Wolves had a serious dent to their playoff hopes with a close 2 point loss to Stirling. They now sit at 4-10 in 11th place and meet the 9th place Cougars who were spanked at home by 41 points to the Flames. This is a close one but you always look at the team with the best player on the court and the Wolves will struggle to slow the high scoring Kisha Lee… Cougars at home with a great crowd behind them by 11

Tigers @ Slammers

Tigers have had some bad news in the end of season injury to starting big Zoe Harper. The experience Sam Norwood steps into her shoes but they now lack a quality 2nd big. The Tigers were good in their loss to Lightning, playing scrappy junk defence and import Payne relishing her role as a small ball 4. The Slammers got a huge win on the road at Mandurah last round, leading by as much as 20 points to finally win by 3. This game again is tough to pick with Bunbury a lot better at home. Bayliss, Fisher and Van Kleef all in good form. 3rd v 8th… But im going with the 8th placed Bunbury at home by 6.

Hawks @ Magic

Teams heading in opposite directions on the ladder with the Hawks surging in the back half of the year and Magic dropping down to 6th. Hawks need this win which may see them sneak into the 8 at the end of the round, a loss again puts them in danger of not defending their championship this year. Magic will still be without Milo but a better scoring spread against Slammers lead by Palusna dropping 19 points.
A great battle in the middle in this one. Palusna v Burton will be great to watch.. Im going with the home team.. Magic by 8.

Eagles @ Senators

The 7th placed Senators could find themselves out of the 8 if they drop this one. Coming off a tough Friday game v Lakeside this is a danger game for Coach Clarke. The Trio of Land, Martin and Johnson will be too much for the baby eagles… Senators by 17.

Lightning @ Suns *** Game of the Week***

The 1st placed Lightning head up the hill to take on the 5th placed suns who have shown that they can compete with the heavy weights this year. Both teams coming off a game the night before. Lakeside hope to repeat the 97-78 win in their first matchup this season. Grant and Roscoe v Edwards and Rintalla, Swags v Ciabattoni and a bunch of bench matchups means that Lakeside have a real tough road game here. Both teams in form, both teams with scoring punch. I can see an OT in the making. Lakeside with Fipps the difference maker in this one… Lakeside by 5.

Actually thought the refereeing in Mandurah was great tonight #Lol

The referring favoured Mandurah tonight, tough win by the hawks in the circumstances!

Wow Andrew Black is an absolute sniper. Someone respect the man!!!! 7/8 3s down in Bunbury last night - leading the league in 3 point percentage and he's certainly getting them up.

Hayden Noeohdroerk's biceps seem to be getting bigger too! Applecross Jetts member of the month I heard. Happy days for Willetton!!!!!!!!!!

Jason Kyle?

Hayden's arms are not big LOL, barely 16inch biceps. Perhaps go to a better gym than Jetts small fry HAHAHAHAH LOL!!!! Dumbbells probably only go up to 50kg. LOL!!!

Surprised the foul count was even for buccs and redbacks considering the Redhage and Hu$$ey flop show they love to put on

WSBL Round 14 Preview

Wolves @ Redbacks

The 4th placed Redbacks come off a break and meet a Wolves team that was missing three starters in Amos, Martin and Ironmonger in their 20p loss to the Cougars. The Wolves season is nearly all but over however they are only a game out of 8th spot. Reds will be all over them in this one especially if any combination of Wanneroo's big 3 are missing.... Reds by 25.

Tigers @ Hawks

The Hawks season continues to be a mathematical equation sitting in 10th spot on 5 wins with the Slammers currently holding 8th also with 5 wins. A big win down in Mandurah on the back of a Farnworth 25 point game. Cougars (5 wins) hold the head to head (2 wins) and Slammers beat Hawks in round 9 by 15. Hawks have 8 game left and would need to pinch one game outside of Slammers, Wolves, Senators wins. Talk of the loss of Lauren Jeffers and her 10p 4 assists average no longer playing will put a serious dent in their finals run especially defensively. The Tigers are locking up their top 4 with a solid 12 point win over Slammers in Eaton. No easy task, Parkers girls held off the home team behind Cotton and Payne combining for 38p and 19 rebs. Tigers have Norwood to slow Burton in this one.. Tigers by 12.

Cougars @ Lightning

The cougars moved into 9th position with solid 20p win over a Wolves team missing 3 starters and a coach. At home Cockburn seam to play at another level. Kisha Lee dominated the game finishing with 29p and 12 rebs. The Lightning continue to pace the competition with two big wins over the weekend. Against Stirling the lightning were pushed to the final buzzer winning by 5, with Jane Johnson causing issues inside and out on way to a 22 point game. On the back of the double header the Lightning faced a top 4 contender in Suns at home. The lightning bounced back into dangerous form and it was a 2nd quarter run behind three consecutive triples from Ali Swagmeyer (14 points in 90 seconds!) that lead to a 49-30 half time lead. The guards of Swags 19p, Fipps 21p and Byrnes 16p dominating the Suns backcourt. Lightning in fine form and their run to continue… by 22.

Magic @ Flames

The 6th placed Magic lost again at home to the Perry Lakes and continue to miss the presence of Milo in the big games. Her return soon will make them a dangerous lower seed but can’t drop too many more games. The Flames had the bye and will be ready for this one. D’lesah Lloyd could be the best one on one player in the league. Her 24p 8.5 rebs shooting 42% from 3 could of pushed her to MVP favourite had she not come in late. Flames are way too quick in one, at home…by 17.

Eagles @ Slammers

The Eagles had their closest loss of the season going down by 7 to the Suns in Morley. The addition of 6’1 import Lacondra Johnson (20p 7 rebs in 25 mins) has made this team competitive (who would of thought ). The Slammers would be seething with the loss at home to the tigers and this is a must win game to keep a grip on the finals run. Slammers way to desperate.. by 18.

Flames @ Suns **Game of the Week**

The Flames will be coming off a Friday game and head up the hill to take on the suns. Key match ups of the Flames Allen v Edwards and Rintala and Lloyd and Harrison v Ciabottoni. Home court makes this a closer contest, the flames have the edge in the guard department and cover well in having only one big. If Suns are legit contenders this is the game they must get after losing to Lakeside at home last round… Flames by 14.

Suns @ Senators

The Suns have to back up after a bruising Sat night game to play Sunday at 12pm at Warwick. Senators have a big chance to take them in this one and secure a playoff bid. The addition of the Throns girls has given Stirling depth and 3pt shooting and the play of Johnson is improving to being an inside/out threat. Senators will jump on this one by 11.

Good to hear random be very honest on the radio show last night about the flames edfort in kal last weekend. Refreshing to see someone not afraid to hold back despite it bwing his own ckub. I thought he and darrsh worked well together too

Where are the links to the SBL Slam show?

Their website (98five.com) has the 29th May edition as the latest one.

There has been two since then.

The website and coverage of the league is a travesty. Couldn't they find some Uni students that wanted to show off their work on the website and a couple of Journalist they could throw some free lance work to for exp.

Idk but its been bad for years and no hope in sight.

I will volunteer when I am done playing ;)and give back as much as possible as it is the only way this league will improve.

Pretty sure every player in the league would do an interview how bout one of you guys go to a training session and conduct one. Not one player is going to turn you down.

Sometimes happens when you've been on such a long winning streak. I'm sure the wolves will rebound.

LOL

Anon reply#692670

It's on a ROLL not ROLE :)

Johnson?

Just listening to the radio show, they need to get Holmen in more often! He and travis work so well off each other, there's clearly a good relationship there given how well they bounce off each other.

Can we get a prediction for grand finals matchup in MSBL? How about MVP and all star 5? Do players on better teams get preferred in these votes?

Re the All-time win/loss records.... I do have that info and will try to get it posted tomorrow.

This is what they were as at the end of the 2013 season...

http://www.sblonline.net/records/men-all-time-winloss/

Should try to get all time stats of a few of the major catergories if you can. Pts rebounds 3pm steals assists things like that? Be interesting to see which of the winningest teams had major contributors over the years?

what's this all about suspended sentences? Not in article.?

Pretty sure Lako knows the SBL judiciary by first and middle names.

Most undisciplined guy in the whole show

what's this all about suspended sentences? Not in article.?

Rubery is the third Head Coach to be sanctioned in 2018 with Perth Redbacks Head Coach Nik Lackovic and Joondalup Wolves Head Coach Ben Ettridge both receiving suspended sentences earlier in the season.

They had no problem with previous suspended sentences being put out there for all the world to see. Let's hope BWA have the constitution to stand up to these two clubs.

Apparently Melania wore jacket overnight saying stating that she doesn't care about suspended sentences.

They cried wolf or wolf spider?

I attended the Willetton @ Redbacks games last night. Willo Women looked outmatched and Redbacks look very strong.
Redbacks Men would have been in trouble if willo had a bit more veteran talent to call on. But they did an amazing job of being in the game until the end.

Side note: Shawn Redhage fouled out and the DJ played the "goodbye" song. At a home game which I found to be a hilarious blunder on his behalf. But the Redbacks bench not so much.

Anyone notice Laco's pathetic attempt to "trick" the opposition by changing his starters. Opposition and bench officials picked it up quickly enough. Only the dumb are so confident to expect they are smarter than the rest.

Hu$$ey is so overrated as a scorer and such a liability on the defensive end. Can't belive that the redbacks are paying this guy to try and win a championship, absolute joke.

Can't belive the fact that Garbellini came second in the three point contest, have not seen a worse shooter in my life. Would not even suit up for th god squad that is the wolves.

Top 3:
1. Karl A-Mart (kalermernder)
2. Serm Koorris (Woolfes)
3. Hoomish wooorden (Agels)

Seeing as though in the terms and conditions of the forum it clearly states that there should be no sniping at clubs or no offensive material posted I will then keep that out of what I write.

1. The reffing in the SBL is A grade, the most professional people I've ever seen.

2. The atmoshpere at all the SBL venues is electric, so exciting and inviting.

3. $10 is a fair and reasonable price and I would even consider increasing the price for the quality of basketball that is put display.

4. I love how each club is treated equally by the SBL and all involved, regardless of there club size and historical performance.

5. I love how each team regardless the result of the game are great sports and stay around for post game functions, especially top placed clubs.

P.S I love the equal salary cap that each team has!
#Can'tBuyAWin

If you invested funds in the Redbacks IPO this season, you've done your nuts.
The stock is nose-diving quicker than a Redhage off-ball flop.
A few bankers around Belmont on the phones at the moment and sweating profusely...

So crazy ending to the Lakeside v Mandurah WSBL game. The Magic played very well all game to get up by 9 points on the league leaders with 2:47 to go.

What happened next was a capitulation of pressure and a team that got red hot quickly. Lakeside scored 18-2 to win by 8.

That has to be some sort of scoring feat. No TMAC wasn't playing.

WSBL Finals - The Road Home

As we approach the final 5 rounds of the WSBL regular season, let's look at the road home for the top 8 and how the ladder will shape come round 19.

1st - Lakeside 16 Wins 1 Loss – Tigers (A), Slammers (H), Wolves (H), Flames (A), Eagles (H), Bye
How can this team be stopped, coach Mansfield has this team rolling in 2018, Likely only tough game v Flames coming up. Lock them in for holding home court in the finals.
PREDICTED FINISH 20 Wins 1st.

2nd - Redbacks 13 Wins 4 Losses – Cougars (A), Magic (H), Slammers (A), Flames (H), Eagles (A).
The Reds have a tough run home with slammers down south and Flames as an epic match up at home, won’t slide out of top 3.
PREDICTED FINISH 17 Wins 3rd

3rd - Flames 12 Wins 4 Losses - Hawks (H), Senators (H), Redbacks (A), Lightning (H), Wolves (A), Cougars (H).
Two tough games coming up on the way home. The game v Redbacks could decide if they finish top 2 or not. If both finish on 17 Wins, Rocko has the H2H. PREDICTED FINISH 17 Wins 2nd

4th - Suns 12 Wins 6 Losses – Hawks (A), Magic (A), Tigers(H), Slammers (A).
Suns have the toughest run home will only 4 games remaining. Could lose all 4. I expect at least 2 losses here. Anymore and they slide out of top 4.
PREDICTED FINISH 14 Wins 5th

5th Tigers 10 Wins 6 Losses – Lightning (H), Cougars (H), Magic (H), Eagles (A), Suns (A), Hawks (H).
Have a real shot as getting into the top 4 if they can go at least 4-2 in the final run. Suns game will be important. Tigers hold a 10 point H2H on a potential tie breaker.
PREDICTED FINISH 14 Wins 4th

6th Magic 7 Wins 8 Losses – Redbacks (A), eagles(A), Senators (H), Tigers (A), Suns (H), Cougars (A), Wolves (H).
Milo is working her way to being back on court real soon, which makes this team a dangerous lower seed. Brown is in great form and Palusna is becoming one of the elite bigs in the competition. 4 solid wins available in the back run.
PREDICTED FINISH 11 Wins 6th

7th Slammers 7 Wins 9 Losses – Hawks (A), Lightning (A), Redbacks (H), Cougars (A), Senators (H), Suns (H)
Coach Harpers young guns are on the verge of making their first playoffs in a long time. But they need to find at least 2 wins to lock in the birth especially in games over Senators and hawks.
PREDICTED FINISH 9 Wins 8th.

8th Senators 7 Wins 10 Losses – Cougars (H), Flames (H), Magic (A), Slammers (A), Hawks (H).
Their final 2 games will decide if they play finals or not. They have the H2H on slammers by 16 points and 1 game ahead of Hawks and hold H2H by 15 points.
PREDICTED FINISH 9 Wins 7th

9th Hawks 6 Wins 10 Losses – Flames (A), Slammers (H), Suns (H), Wolves (A), Tigers (A), Senators (A).
The defending champs still have a chance to make finals but will needs 3 wins in the final 6 games. Gettable games v Slammers, Wolves and Senators. Senators hold a 7p H2H margin.
PREDICTED FINISH 8 Wins 9th.

Finals matchups Round 1:

Lakeside v Southwest
Rockingham v Senators
Redbacks v Magic
Tigers v Suns

Caught da Willo @ Redbacks game. Y all the talk about Noerdek arms? Saw him in a casual get up on his Instagram, couldn't even tell he worked out. Was wearing a medium size top too. Come on dudes, let's give credit to da real big cats of da game.

THE RUN HOME...

Joondalup WOLVES (1st 17-3)
@ East Perth / @ Goldfields / vs Hawks / @ Lakeside / vs Flames / @ Mandurah
Six games remaining for the Wolfpack, with only two of those being up at HBF and one of those games being against the ressurgent Hawks. Only two danger games though for Ettridge's boys and that would be the Hawks clash along with the trip to The Church the night after hosting Perry Lakes. If they should lose one of those however, the Buccs have the H2H over them and will drop the Wolves to 2nd. Predicted Finish - 2nd 22-4

Geraldton BUCCANEERS (2nd 16-3)
vs Suns / @ Cockburn / @ Lakeside / vs Senators / @ South West / @ Mandurah / vs Willetton
The boys from the Midwest are yet again set to make some noise in August and it's definitely not unrealistic to expect them to be playing at Bendat on September 1st. Only two more road trips for the Buccs and neither of those would really worry Coach Evans on the proviso he has a fully fit squad for both, although Lakeside on the back end of a double header could be the only true test to them remaining undefeated for the rest of the season. Stirling and Willo as their two final home games of the regular season will be good hitouts to get them in Finals mode. Predicted Finish - 1st 22-4

Perth REDBACKS (3rd 13-7)
@ Cockburn / vs Magic / @ South West / vs Flames / @ Goldfields / @ East Perth
All is not well within the Web, with reports of player disharmony and more individuals than team chemistry for the defending champions at the moment. A very friendly run home for the Redbacks sees them on the road for four out their remaining 6, but on paper Coach Lackovic's side shouldn't lose any of them. Have the H2H over Lakeside and if they remain undefeated for the rest of the season, will lock up 3rd position and a likely Semi Final stoush with the Buccs. Predicted Finish - 3rd 20-7

Lakeside LIGHTNING (4th 11-8)
@ Willetton / vs Slammers / vs Buccs / vs Wolves / @ Rockingham / vs Eagles / @ Goldfields
Tough run home for the Squad of God with games against four potential Finals teams in the Tigers, Buccs, Wolves & Flames - Though of note is the two hardest of those clashes against the Buccs and Wolves respectively - will be in South Lake in front of the Purple Army. H2H could play a major role in determining where the Lightning finish, so these final seven games could determine whether they have a first round matchup with home court advantage, or worst case scenario a first round matchup vs the Buccs or Wolves with only one game at the Church. Predicted Finish - 5th 15-11

Perry Lakes HAWKS (5th 11-8)
@ Rockingham / vs Slammers / vs Suns / @ Joondalup / vs Giants / @ Willetton / @ Stirling
The boys from Headquarters starting to really find form on the back end of the season, with the addition of Holmen starting to prove a master stroke for Coach Parsons. Only three out of their remaining seven games at Bendat, and tough away games to Rockingham, Joondalup, Willetton and Stirling await them. Similar to Lakeside, H2H will play a major role in where the Western Suburbs Winged Brigade finish on the ladder. Predicted Finish - 4th 16-10

Rockingham FLAMES (6th 11-9)
vs Hawks / @ Stirling / @ Perth / vs Lightning / @ Joondalup / vs Cougars
Probably the toughest run home out of everyone in the Top 8 at present - its not out of the realms of possibility for the boys from the 'Ham to go 0-6 and be bundled out of Finals contention. Must win games against the Senators on the road, along with Lakeside and Cockburn down at the Hothouse if the Flames want to finish without a likely quarter final clash against the Buccs or Wolves. Predicted Finish - 6th 14-12

Willetton TIGERS (7th 10-9)
vs Lightning / vs Cougars / vs Magic / @ East Perth / @ Kalamunda / @ Perry Lakes / @ Geraldton
Seven games remaining for the boys from the Boulevard and the fact that their final 4 games are on the road, and not one of them a guaranteed win such has been their inconsistency this season, means the Tigers will have to win at least two out of their remaining three home games to secure one of the remaining Finals spots. Likely losses on the road to the Hawks and Buccs in their final two games could see Willo heading into the Quarters with not much confidence at all! Predicted Finish - 8th 12-14

Stirling SENATORS (8th 10-10)
vs Cougars / vs Flames / @ Mandurah / @ Geraldton / @ South West / vs Hawks
Even split of home and away games for Coach Ellis' men with expected tough games against the Flames, Buccs & Hawks to determine whether or not they hold onto 8th position on the Ladder and scrape into the 2018 SBL Finals. Cougars won't be a pushover this weekend and the Slammers could be the result which decides the Senators fate... lose down at Eaton and it could be Curtains for the Senators finals aspirations. Predicted Finish - 7th 13-13

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Kalamunda Eastern SUNS - Probably would have been a serious finals contender if they had gotten Belger earlier, but with 12 losses already its really hard to see the Suns winning three out of their remaining five games (They should beat Mandurah and will definitely go close against the Slammers, but then they would need to beat either the Buccs or Hawks on the road, or the Tigers up the Hill in Week 19. That being said, if they do manage to beat the Tigers, it would have to be by +13 to get the H2H on them) If they can re-sign Belger and Davis, and have them here for the majority of the season - could be the big improvers in 2019

Cockburn COUGARS - For a team not expected to make alot of noise in 2018, the boys from Hammy Hill have definitely surprised many throughout the course of the season. Unfortunately for Coach Nener though their already slim finals hopes will all but vanish over the next four weeks with a tough run against the Redbacks, Senators, Tigers & Buccs likely to end their season. Off the court and they are improving all the time, so $$ back into the club should hopefully see two imports back at the Cougar Den in 2019 and with it, maybe... just maybe a return to Finals.

Predicted Quarter Finals Matchups
Geraldton (1) vs Willetton (8)
Joondalup (2) vs Stirling (7)
Perth (3) vs Rockingham (6)
Perry Lakes (4) vs Lakeside (5)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9zIUfFk7i0

What are the reports of player disharmony at Redbacks?
They should be a shoo in for the title with that stacked lineup. They recruited extra players on top of last years championship team so anything short of a title would be an ignominious failure I think.

Is that you Christian?

Round 16 WSBL Preview

Round 16 shapes up to be a cracker in determining the who will make the final 8. Games that will define the Head to Head for some teams if they finish equal on wins come end of season.

Hawks @ flames

The Hawks will need to target not this game but the slammers game on Saturday to keep their chance of a finals run alive. Burton v Allen and Farnworth v Lloyd are the key matchups in this one. Hawks are really missing a 3rd scorer this season. Flames are dominant at home and are in hot form moving into the finals, can they get another 1,000+ crowd at the hot house. Flames by 18.

Wolves @ Eagles

Two teams that won't feature in the finals this year. If there is any game that Eagles can snatch a win it’s this one. Using the thought that the team with the best player on the court wins (except Cleveland), then Eagles with Ladondra Johnson (21ppg 7 rebs @ 39%) might have a chance to register their first win. The Wolves are still missing Ironmonger and Amos which makes this contest an even one... Eagles in upset by 7.

Cougars @ Senators

This one is spicy. Former Senator Kisha Lee returns to her former club as the hottest player in the league having just dropped 42p and 15 rebs over Suns. Lee has been unstoppable as the premier Forward in the game. Cockburn has been competitive all season pushing top 4 teams to close losses. For the Senators they need 2 more wins to lock in 7th place and coach Clarke would have this as one of the target games. Lee v Johnson will be fun to watch as two athletic forwards go head to head. Senators have just a little more scoring depth. Home team Senators by 8.

Slammers @ Hawks

Strap in for a cracker. This game goes a long way to both teams making the final 8. The Slammers need two more wins in a tough run home and if they don’t get this one it might be bye bye. Last round the Slammers were down an import with Fisher not playing. This hurts their big rotations. Last game the Slammers beat Perry lakes 68-53 with Van Kleef leading the way with 22 points. The young backcourt of Denehey and Burrows have been in great form. Perry lakes HAVE to get this one. Doccy will have their team firing early… Hawks by 10.

Redbacks @ Cougars

Double header for Cougars but back home where they play best. Last round the Redbacks got the Ws over Tigers and Hawks and are travelling nicely towards a top 3 position. Standish continues to be a 20 and 10 machine and Cougars will struggle with her inside/ out game. Pirini v Moyes (12ppg) will be worth the watch as the two guards are the barometers of the team’s performance. Redbacks can throw Jakens, Haywood, Standish and Williams at Kisha Lee to slow her down. This will be a close game but Reds are in great form…Reds by 10.

Lightning @ Tigers ** Game of the Week**

Last time these two teams met the Lightning got a 7 point win at home, but the Tigers showed desperation and hussle to make it a close contest after losing Zoe Harper pre-game. Tigers Import Ashli Payne dominant in the 2nd half with 21 points. For the Tigers their big depth has been boosted with the return of Tayla Hepburn (10pppg 5 rpg) and youg gun Carla Drennan has given them a scoring option off the bench. The Lightning continue to roll and find ways to win not matter how far back they are. Lightning are on a 8 game winning streak and the return of Mel Moyle strengthens an already deep bench…. Lightning by 10

Magic @ Redbacks

The Magic were fantastic for 37: 24 secs last round against the Lightning on the road. Coach Meigel would be having nightmares over those last two minutes. Anita Brown has really stepped up in the second half of the season as the teams go to scorer and form a lethal 1-2 combo with Palusna. The battle in the middle will be great with the two premier bigs in the competition going head to head. The Magic sorely miss Milo or at least a 3rd scorer to force team to spread the paint… Redbacks too tough at home… by 11.

It has been really good and I am skeptic on how the league has been covered over the years.

Confirmed DT done for a few weeks if not the season after an incident with Ben 'The next Taylor Land' Smith off the ball. Seriously Smith may be a good shooter but he is dirty as f... and the refs need to start watching his cheap shots. How is the radio show too, still with the bloody redbacks centric commentary with Hughes and Mackay on last week, absolute joke its not like there isnt thirteen other clubs in the damn league. He'll have Nix and Lackovic on again sometime soon as well just to make sure we havent heard enough about Perth.

Hahaha oh the beloved keyboard warriors. Keep fighting your good fight ol mate!

You didn't notice Carl Catalano or Peter Harper on that same show you're referencing? Or the fact that we have had around ten different guests this season from most of the clubs in the League. By my count i've only missed out on around four clubs and I am aiming to get someone on the show from those very clubs by the end of the season. What you call ridiculous I call a great insight into someone who played in the League, won the ultimate prize at a young age and has since then gone onto to much bigger and better things in the US College and High School systems. I had Jason along with him because they are childhood friends who have remained close, Jase is also still a good friend of mine and he still is relatively in touch with all the happenings around the League - as was evident by his knowledge during last weeks show. He also happens to own the one store in this city dedicated to the sport we love so in my eyes it was a win/win having him and Luke on the show - if you didnt like it then cool, dont listen.

Stop hating on something just because of your clear vendetta against Perth. Be proud of the work the League, and the clubs around the League are doing this season - Heritage Round is a great example and i am loving seeing the stats and great photos from days gone past of the teams from the early to mid 90s.

Random, if I was clever enough I would insert that gif of all the movie stars at the Oscars giving a standing ovation. Or maybe one of a fist bump. I'm not sure - there are far too many choices.

Well said. Some people just need to have a whinge to make themselves feel better. Keep up the good work.

I must say I find it hard that people are having a go at Ben Smith for my injury. At no point have I ever had any malicious or resentment towards Ben for the injury. I do not think he meant to pull my arm out, it was an in game play and he simply made a cut and grabbed my arm to make the cut and he continued to move forward and the arm was dislodged. It is a play we all do at some point in time and it was an unfortunate thing.

I will have surgery Wednesday to repair the rotator cuff, biceps attachment and the labrum. So much negativity surrounds this league at times and at the end of the day 3/4 of us players and staff are in this league doing what we can without pay, without recognition and without respect for what we can all offer. The men and women all take time out of their lives, family times and in some cases serious health conditions and situations at home to show up every day and do what we love.

There are some people in this league who are dealing with some serious things right now, far more devastating than myself not being able to play the sport i love. Seva of Cockburn and Berty of Gero, my thoughts and love and respect go out to both of you. Things aren't easy right now and sometimes basketball is what binds us all together. Much love and prayers go out to you both.

Thanks for the well wishes from everyone for myself and good luck to the rest of the players for this season.

GO HAWKIES :)

P.S. Big Moot, good luck for the 400th big fella.

Great Post DT, great to have players post on here and hear their thoughts on the sport. We forget that 99% of people in basketball are volunteers who love the game and regardless of who they follow or what they do, they are trying to do what's best for the sport.

Trav love your work and appreciate the hours you put in on the show and at Rocko. Your work at u14s level is fantastic.

Also a shout out to the coaches of SBL, yes the Head Coaches get some minor payment for travel costs etc but all the coaches would put in 8-10 hours a week at least to support their Association. we forget coaches are volunteers, yes we love the game but we still sacrifice do to so.

The SBL has come on leaps and bounds in the last 2 seasons, Facebook is flooded with player reviews, highlights, recaps or promotion. I think we should embrace a very good semi-pro league we have here in WA.

I'm fairly sure Jenny Marsh had a year or two with Stirling so it's likely that she is 1987 MVP.