WNBL Round 6 Wrap-up

Sunday 09 November 2003

Kristen Veal to retire?

Say it ain't so, Vealy! All the details are here but I can't say I'm too surprised. I hope she continues to play.

Lori Chizik to replace Timmsy in commentary

When I saw the ABC had three commentators this week, I thought the ABC had actually boosted the budget for its WNBL broadcasts but I should've known better. Looks Lori is being groomed to fill in for Michele. I liked Lori's commentary this week and was hoping the ABC would use her to replace the rather redundant Steve Robilliard who is just there because the ABC don't have anything else for him to do at the moment.

Sugababes - Hole In The Head

Well ok this isn't basketball related but I have to plug this song. This is more mainstream then their previous UK #1 hits Freak Like Me and Round, Round but is nevertheless a fine piece of sophisticated *and* catchy pop (yes, they don't have to be mutually exclusive) with the usual Sugababes attitude thrown in ("sneering, man-eating teen strumpets" according to dotmusic.co.uk - it was a complement). The thing I love about the Sugababes is that they manage to display their quality without having to resort to overdone vocal histrionics like Destiny's Child or to baring excessive amounts of flesh like Britney "kissing and doing crap duets with Madonna apparently gives me cred" Spears or Christina "Dirrrty" Aguilera. Highly recommended.

Sydney 76 def Perth 66

Televised game of the week and a surprisingly good game to watch. Well maybe not from a Sydney fan's point of view - the Flames were very mediocre especially during the first half but looking at it objectively, it was an entertaining game to watch. Sydney got out of the blocks early but were reeled in by Perth who were executing well and taking advantage of some shoddy Sydney D. Perth maintained this for the first half while Sydney continued to rush their offense (Perth also played some great D). The Lynx were a shock three point leaders at half time and left Sydney with a lot to think about. Whatever Karen Dalton said at half time worked because the Flames stepped up the defensive intensity in the second half and started to be more aggressive offensively with penetration and feeding the posts more. Perth continued to play solidly on both ends of the court and made a run or two at Sydney but Sydney's talent and depth eventually came through and they ran out ten point winners.

Emma Randall was the star for the Flames with 21 points and was a presence on the offensive boards. Belinda Snell continued to be streaky shooting wise but led the Flames in rebounding again and had some nice passes (5 assists). Tammy Hoare was rested in this game (injury could explain her rather inconsistent form over the last couple of weeks). For Perth, Kerie Hughes nailed some nice shots but showed she's not really point guard. McClure had a good all-round game though she needs to lay off the fouling a bit. Natalie Love was the Perth player who impressed me most with her work in the paint. Perth should be very proud of their performance especially without their captain Tully Bevilaqua.

Just a note to the Flames - you look a lot better when you pound the ball in, run the floor and attack the basket as opposed to clanking 15-18 footers. PLEASE drop the jumpshot offense - it's not playing to your strengths. Perth played good D but you still managed to earn a lot of points from putting the ball on the floor - it should become more of a habit.

AIS 70 def Bulleen 69

Upset special of the weekend with the youngsters winning a tight one. Bulleen were in control for three quarters of the game till the AIS made a big run in the 4th quarter thanks to their inside game picking up and clutch scoring from Afeaki and Cunningham winning the game. Afeaki led the AIS with 19 points with Hanna Zavecz scoring 17. Larissa Cavanagh led the Boomers with 21 points but Bulleen went 4/15 in the 4th quarter.

Townsville 77 def Perth 56

First home win for Townsville this season against a Perth team on the second leg of a long roadtrip. Jodie Datson led Townsville with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals while Natalie Porter found her stroke and had 18 points off 6/12 shooting and pulled down 11 rebounds. Gina Stevens continues to be cold though with 2/11 shooting. Natalie Love led Perth with 12 points and 7 rebounds while Carly Boyanich had 11 points in 15 minutes. Perth really do miss Tully - Kerie Hughes had 7 assists for the weekend but committed 13 turnovers which is not really acceptable.

Canberra 81 def Bulleen 69

Kristen Veal sat out this game with a rolled ankle but the LJ Capitals continued to roll on. Interestingly enough, the game was tied at three quarter time with a 25-13 third quarter from Bulleens but the Caps reasserted their authority in the 4th quarter. LJ had 31 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks and was ably assisted by Lucille Bailie who scored 14 points. Katrina Hibbert led the Boomers with 16 points with Cavanagh and Jordan having 15 and 14 respectively.

Player of the week not named LJ: Hmm hard to find a candidate this week. Larissa Cavanagh had two good statistical games but Bulleen dropped both games in Canberra which isn't a good result for them. The award goes to Natalie Porter who rediscovered the fine art of scoring from the field this week.

Round 7 preview:

Perth vs Townsville: Townsville have rediscovered some form but if Tully is back and Perth play like they did in Sydney, it could be a good game. I'll still go for a Townsville win though.

Canberra vs Sydney: Sydney have given Canberra their toughest game all season but they've been erratic while LJ has been consistently good for Canberra. Canberra to win by about 15 though Sydney will give a good fight like they normally do.

Dandenong vs Bulleen: Hollie Grima is Bulleen's main interior presence and she hasn't done anything much this season. Dandenong's post presence stamp their authority over Bulleen and win comfortably.

AIS vs Sydney: Second game in two nights for Sydney and it's very possible the youngsters could spring an upset on the weary Flames. Still Cotton and Randall look to have found some form and Sydney's press could cause the inexperienced AIS problems. Sydney to win in single digits.

Adelaide vs Townsville: Adelaide seem to have had an inordinate amount of home games to start off the season and catching Townsville on the second leg of the Doomsday Double is icing on the cake. Adelaide dominates Townsville in the paint and wins comfortably.

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