Posted on 22 July, 2016
Assist PT Lady Cobras (13-2, 1st South Conference) vs Ballarat Rush (9-9, 4th East Conference)
Sam Woosnam’s Women got back on track in a big way last weekend, overcoming a 13-point deficit to defeat reigning championship Dandenong, 62-57. While Steph Cumming and Jasmine Gill again led the Lady Cobras in scoring, it was the defensive prowess of Rosie Moult and Emily Fryters that proved the difference, helping Kilsyth stay unbeaten at home in 2016.
Ballarat is looking to end a two-game losing streak, following back-to-back losses at Frankston and Brisbane. Despite their .500 record, the Rush enter as one of SEABL’s most dangerous teams, led by the foursome of Joy Burke (15.6ppg/11.9rpg), Kerryn Harrington (15.6ppg/3.8apg), Abby Wehrung (14.8ppg/4.9rpg/4.0apg) and Ashleigh Spencer (12.2ppg/6.1rpg). Ballarat has taken down powerhouses in Geelong, Dandenong and Launceston in recent weeks, and are in need of wins to stay in the playoff hunt in the ultra tight East Conference.
With both squads possessing serious firepower, this one could be decided on the defensive end, and if the Lady Cobras can contain the likes of Burke, Harrington and Wehrung, they have a chance to stay perfect at home.
Assist PT Cobras (7-12, 7th South Conference) vs Ballarat Miners (9-10, 6th East Conference)
The Cobras are desperate to put an end to their current slide, dropping their fifth straight game on Saturday night in a thriller against Dandenong. Kilsyth’s recent play has been marred by crunch time struggles, with late game execution the deciding factor in several losses. While the Cobras have been competitive throughout 2016, the team was dealt a significant blow earlier this week, with leading scorer Kyle Adnam forced to sit out the remainder of the season due to contractual commitments with Melbourne United.
Ballarat is also looking to bounce back from their recent struggles, having lost four of their past five games. Although it hasn’t translated to wins of late, the Miners possess unmatched offensive firepower, having scored over 90 points in 13 games this season. They are led by a trio of Americans in Roy Booker (26.1ppg/4.6rpg), Earnest Ross (21.1ppg/8.1rpg/5.2apg) and Ollie Bailey (20.4ppg/7.9rpg), who account for the majority of the Miners offensive output.
With Adnam out for the Cobras, Coach Rod Popp will look to fellow guards Avery Johnson, Joel Naburgs and Alex Vanrenen for increased production on the offensive end, while the trio will need to be just as big on the offensive end to slow down Booker and Ross. If they can, and Tim Lang can win the battle down low against Bailey, the Cobras have a chance to end their streak in what should be a high-scoring, entertaining matchup.
