WNBL Round 1 wrap-up
Tuesday 07 October 2003
Firstly some news for those who don't know:
* Canberra have signed Kate Cohen for the season to replace Eleanor Sharp
* Chika Emeagi has reportedly left Dandenong after being told she wasn't in the starting lineup in the first game
This was the televised game this week and it was a game of two halves. The first half was all Dandenong with them shooting a blistering 56% for the half. Bulleen did try to make a few runs in the first half but Dandenong stopped their momentum every time. The Rangers up by 13 at the half.
The third quarter was an entirely different story with Bulleen's D keeping Dandenong to only 7 points while Bulleen rebounded and executed a bit better to only be down by 5 going into the last quarter. The first 4-5 minutes of the final quarter were an offensive drought with only one field goal being scored by either team. Bulleen got to within four in the last minute but couldn't close it out and Dandenong ended up with an eight point win.
Despite signing Hollie Grima, it looks like Bulleen will have the same old problems as they did last year. They were outmuscled by Dandenong in the paint and their perimeter shooters couldn't pick up the slack. Their transition D was also lacking though that's probably early season cobwebs. Bulleen hustle well as usual but they need to take advantage of the defensive stops. Also what's up with their endgame play - no fouling in that last minute and they fooled around with the ball way too much when they needed a 3 pointer. Best for Bulleen were Katrina Hibbert and Kylie Jordan who was quite aggressive on the offensive end. Desiree Glaubitz was a bit disappointing and I wish Sharin Milner would attack the basket more.
Dandenong looked really good in the first half but fell asleep in the second and nearly had victory stolen from them. I was impressed with their inside play and rebounding (McInerny set a career high in rebounds). Their perimeter play could be a bit better with Wilson falling asleep in the second half and McInerny showing that her shooting is still by far the weakest part of her game. Bibby looked good in her first game back with her a couple of nice jumpshots. I'd say Dandenong could be a lock for the top 4 as long as their perimeter game improves.
The first of a tough three game Canberra road trip for Perth (three games in three days). The AIS romped home with this one with Bevilaqua and McClure out injured. Gabrielle Richards led the AIS with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Eva Afeaki had 14 first half points before being injured early in the third quarter. Perth was led by guard Kerie Hughes who had 23 points.
WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson made her 2003-04 WNBL season debut a memorable one with a career high 48 points (third highest single game total in the history of the WNBL) to go with 18 rebounds, 6 steals and 4 blocks. Jo Hill made a solid return to the WNBL with 16 points. Starting guards Abrams and Veal combined for 13 assists and only 3 turnovers. Perth was led by Suzanne Williams who had 19 points.
This is a significant upset. Sure it's the first game of the season but when you consider Townsville only lost once at home last season, have better talent and depth than Perth and actually have guards - you would think Townsville would win quite handily. However Townsville's two best scorers (Porter and Datson) combined to go 5/29 from the field and the team as a whole only nailed one 3 pointer from sixteen attempts. Brogan and Sporn played well enough to offset Summerton's 4/18 from the field and starting centre Braithwaite's four fouls in four minutes.
Three times unlucky for Perth as they lose their third game in three days. The game was much closer this time but a poor last quarter did them in. Gabrielle Richards continued to sizzle with another haul of 21 points and 11 rebounds while new AIS point guard Kathleen MacLeod had 7 assists.
Adelaide played the second leg of their big Eastern roadtrip this week and managed to keep up with Sydney for three quarters before succumbing in the last to lose 69-56. Adelaide dominated on the boards and in the paint (Braithwaite went 8/10 from the field and had 9 rebounds) but their poor decision making showed as Adelaide accumulated 26 turnovers (Braithwaite and Sporn combining for 14). Adelaide also couldn't guard Belinda Snell who scored 24 points including 4/5 from three point range. The Flames showed off their depth with nine players playing 14 minutes or more.
Player of the week: Geez this isn't too obvious of a pick. Lauren Jackson. Honourable mentions go to Gabrielle Richards who averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds in two wins and Belinda Snell who was the difference in the Sydney/Adelaide game.