Round 11 WNBL wrap-up
Sunday 14 December 2003
Televised game of the week. LJ and Sporn were out with injury and both could be back next week. Game looked like an uninspiring affair. Nothing much to see, move along please.
The youngsters nearly shock the league leaders They shut down Dandenong from the field but Dandenong won the game from the line. Jacinta Hamilton had a nice return with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 blocks.
Bulleen 91 def Adelaide 78
Spron still out and Hollie Grima takes advantage with 24 points and 9 rebounds. Katrina Hibbert also had a big one for the Boomers with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and no turnovers. Deanna Smith had 35 points (probably a new personal best) and 8 rebounds for the losers.
Believe it or not but Perth were leading at three quarter time 52-44. However it looks like Perth has truly forgotten how to win and/or didn't have enough in the tank and were overrun in the final quarter 32-11! Young Perth guard Melissa Marsh showed some form with 20 points and Nat Love continues her solid breakout season with 18 points and 8 rebounds. This was also Melissa McClure's last game of the season as she needs major knee surgery (she has no knee cartilage - thanks to hellcat for the info). McClure shot poorly (2/11 FG) but had 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Kristen Veal had 23 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winner. Lucille Bailie had 20 points and 8 rebounds.
Well I was this game and boy was this a different game compared to last week. The first half was basically a defensive grind. Both teams were playing great D and it was a war of attrition. The defining moment of the game was the whole third quarter where the Flames just lost focus at both ends of the court and Dandenong ran riot led by Jacinta Hamilton and Carly Wilson (11 points for the quarter). The Flames regained some of their poise and defensive intensity for the final quarter but it was too little, too late. It's hard to dig yourself out of a 15 point hole after three quarters.
So what was wrong with the Flames? Well I think a major problem is the Flames' point guard arrangements. For whatever reason, the coaching staff insist on giving Musselwhite major minutes at the point. Yes she is bigger than the other Flames point guards, she is athletic BUT SHE IS NOT A POINT GUARD. She shouldn't have to worry about running the offence and she's not that good at it either. The Flames look a lot better with Narelle Lindsay or Kelly Wilson running the point. Also what was up with Wilson only playing 3 minutes? Injury?
Dandenong were good at forcing cheap turnovers in this game. They forced three cheap turnovers when they surprised the Flames with a press though the Flames eventually adjusted. The Flames also made a habit of turning the ball over after they themselves had forced a turnover which was just frustrating to watch. There's no need to rush after you've forced the interception.
The Flames looked their best when they were attacking the basket (no surprise there). And that's what you have to do against Dandenong - take it to them. Yes they play tough physical D but they also have a propensity to foul. And the Flames weren't exactly having a brilliant day from the field either - the friendly rings of Sydney Uni were not so friendly today. A lot of the Flames' shots or putbacks rimmed out.
I was very impressed with Jacinta Hamilton today. She has some nice post movies, was quick to the boards, runs the floor well (got a few easy baskets in transition) and she's found her rhythm free throw wise (9/9 tonight when she was 36% from the stripe before this round!). I think she'll have to bulk up a bit to take her game to the next level but she's definitely in the mix in regards to Athens selection. Carly Wilson scored a quiet 19 points. I only really noticed her in the third quarter when she was a part of the big surge. McInerny played good D as usual but it puzzles me why her offensive game is almost non-existent. She has decent speed and good athleticism - so why can't she develop an offensive game? It's astounding - she'd be a lock for the Opals if she could put the ball in the basket semi-consistently.
As for the Flames, Snell was her usual solid self. Hammonds had a bit of a shocker shooting-wise but she did keep on going inside and earned several trips to the line. I really think the Flames need a stronger post presence though. Hoare could be that but for whatever reason, she hasn't developed into that. Randall will never be a big rebounding or defensive presence, Cotton is too small and Hammonds is really a wing. Other teams have a strong rebounding/defensive post presence - Canberra has LJ, Dandenong has Hamilton, Adelaide has Sporn and Brogan, Townsville has Brassard, Bulleen has Grima and the AIS has Richards. Sydney needs one as well - if Richards is leaving the AIS, they should pursue her.
There were a few Australian basketball personalities at the match. Tom and Robyn Maher was there and I was sitting a few seats away from Robyn for the whole match. Carrie Graf was also there and moved to sit next to Robyn in the fourth quarter.
Pointless fluff - is it just me or are Jacinta Hamilton and Laura Summerton good candidates for being separated at birth? Laura's face is a bit longer and her features are a bit more accentuated but there is a very strong resemblance there.
Player of the Week: Jacinta Hamilton. Dandenong get the road double and she has had two strong performance in her first weekend back after a finger injury.
Comments
Useless stat for the Sydney/Dandenong game: Michelle Musselwhite hit the floor 11 times... :)
Posted by: lelak | Tuesday 16 December 2003