WNBL Round 5 wrap-up
Wednesday 05 November 2003
Michelle Brogan not suiting up for Adelaide last weekend? The saga continues but we all know the ending... (Athens selection)
The WNBL website = amateurish. Takes them several days to put the Dandenong/Townsville in the database and the boxscore isn't up yet when the ABC site has it. Amusing stat database errors with mis-spelling of names (Deanne/Deanna Ranford, Kerie/Kerrie Hughes). Yes I am aware that they don't have many staff but please, you're meant to be a semi-pro sports league (of sorts) and the spelling errors are plain silly.
Televised game of the week. U-G-L-Y. Dandenong tried to push around LJ but someone forgot to tell them that you need to score to win a game. LJ ruled the paint and Dandenong were cold from the perimeter so the result was inevitable. Jacinta Hamilton continued to impress with another double double but the rest of the Rangers stunk. In the meantime the Lauren Jackson Capitals continue to roll...
Looks like Perth will go winless this season as they blew their best chance at home against the AIS. AIS point guard Kathleen McLeod impressed again with 15 points and will compete with AIS team-mate Cunningham for Rookie of The Year honours. Speaking of Cunningham, she pretty much stunk it up in this game with 2 points, 3 rebounds and 4 turnovers in 12 minutes and was reportedly not happy with being benched for an extended period. Natalie Love led Perth with 11 points and has shown great heart this season despite being outmatched at the 5. However Perth aren't going to win games with McClure shooting 2/16 from the field.
The biggest scare Canberra has gotten all season. Sydney led 41-38 at the half but lost it in the second half, only scoring 15 points compared to Canberra's 29. Sydney actually rebounded in this game and outrebounded the LJ Capitals by 9 (17 rebounds from Belinda Snell which is probably a career high) but alas their shooting deserted them and turnovers continue to be a problem. Perhaps coach Dalton should slow down the offense a bit and play Narelle Lindsay more - I think she is a steadying presence on the floor. LJ dominated with 39 points, 19 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 blocks but the rest of the Capitals stunk it up. Kristen Veal may get an award for spectacular regression - pre-2001 Vealy, please come back!
A close game for three quarters till Adelaide pulled away in the fourth. Adelaide won the battle in the paint - Laura Summerton had 24 points and 8 rebounds while Rachel Sporn continues her great form with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. Gabrielle Richards and Kathleen McLeod had 13 points each for the youngsters. Eva Afeaki had a good weekend in terms of rebounds (double digits in both games) and assists (5.5 a game) - now if only she could get her shooting on target and keep down her turnovers. Still, a nice showing from her.
Dandenong 74 def Townsville 62
Strange but true - after only losing one game at home last season, Townsville have lost all three games at home this season. It doesn't help that marquee players Natalie Porter and Gina Stevens have not shot well at all this season. This trend continued as they shot a combined 4/17 from the field. Nat Porter's 8 turnovers didn't help either. Jacinta Hamilton led the Rangers again with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Another strange stat is Townsville actually outrebounded Dandenong which is funny considering Dandenong have been dominant on the boards this season and Townsville were outrebounded by rebound minnows Sydney a few weeks ago.
Townsville really have to get it together. They've lost three games against potential playoff teams AT HOME and while they've had a tough schedule, they have to win these key games at home. Coach Herbert really has to light a fire under Porter and Stevens - their poor offensive performances really hurt Townsville considering they need them so much especially with Boyd's departure. Looks like Jodie Datson is fighting hard as usual but she can't do it alone. The next few weeks should be interesting for the Fire though they have a gimme at home this weekend against the abominable Perth Lynx.
Player of the week (not named LJ): LJ ruled again but Jacinta Hamilton gets the POTW not named LJ this week for two good performances in a road split. Belinda Snell rates a mention with her 17 rebounds - Sydney's posts should take note of Belinda's heart and hustle.
Next week:
Sydney vs Perth: Well I was meant to go to this game but apparently I have other commitments. No big loss - the game is televised and watching Sydney massacre Perth would be fun but ultimately unsatisfying. Even worse for the Lynx, Tully Bevilaqua is not coming on the road trip due to injury so there goes their defensive stopper (thanks to hellcat for this info). Betting spread of about 30-35 perhaps?
AIS vs Bulleen: AIS have the post presence but Bulleen have the experience and the perimeter play. AIS commit a ton of turnovers and Bulleen wins by double digits.
Townsville vs Perth: Townsville *should* break their losing streak here. I wouldn't be surprised if this game is a really ugly one considering the league's two worst shooting teams will be on court here.
Canberra vs Bulleen: Kate Cohen should get revenge on the team who released her at the beginning of the season. Bulleen don't have the interior D to even limit LJ and as shown this season, the rest of the LJ Capitals can disappear and still win thanks to LJ's offence and defence. LJ's D is much underappreciated - her presence in the paint deters slashers and post feeding and her long arms are great for steals and blocks. In fact, I think her D is the prime reason for Canberra's success.