Posted on 23 June, 2010

Kilsyth’s inconsistent season continued last week as they lost 81-63 on the road at Dandenong.  This week they will take on the League’s hottest team, with six straight wins and a road win against Bendigo last week, Nunawading have leaped into contention for the Championship.

After starting the season at 7-7, the Spectres have moved into second place in the South Conference at 13-7. They have five players averaging double figures including explosive new import Eric Williams (13.5ppg, 9.7rpg).

Melbourne Tigers NBL player Tom Greer (15.4ppg, 9.1rpg) leads the team but with Shane McDonald (13.6ppg) and former Cobras Gerard Leonard (12.1ppg) and Chris Cameron (12.4ppg) all contributing the Spectres have a balanced scoring attack with must be respected.

Their scoring prowess will be tested this week when they come up against one of the League’s top defensive teams.  Despite slipping up against Dandenong last week Kilsyth remain one of the toughest team to score against.

If they are going to win their 13th game of the Season though, Kilsyth will need to pick up their scoring this week.  With three games in eight days at home, the Swinburne Cobras have a chance set up a Championship run but they must find a way to lift their scoring.

Both Fernandez Lockett (16.4ppg, 8.7rpg) and Matt O’Hea (14.8ppg) have scored below their season averages over the past three weeks and will need to lift their offensive efficiency.

Kilsyth will tip off against the Spectres at 8.15pm in what is a crucial match for two of the League’s Championship contenders.

Prior to the men, the Swinburne Lady Cobras will also take on the Nunawading Spectres.  Kilsyth enter the match in a unfamiliar position, having been  convincingly beaten at Dandenong last week 83-66, the game is a must win.

Their is no word yet as to whether Australian Opals squad member Hannah Zavecz will return to the line up after missing last weeks match through injury.

Despite their 5-8 record Nunawading have a talented line up and after defeating Knox three weeks ago have the potential to knock of the League’s top sides.

The Spectres have two Australian Opals squad members in Marianna Tolo (14.3ppg, 10.6rpg) and Carly Wilson (16.6ppg) in their line up as well as a wealth of young talent.

Kilsyth will need to be at their best if they are going to regain their momentum and will need their supporting cast to be much improved against Nunawading.

Deanna Smith (29pts, 11rbds) held most of the scoring lresponsibilities against Dandenong and will need Ellie Manou, Alice Kunek, Hayley Moffatt and rest of the support cast to lift their effectiveness at the offensive end.

Kilsyth will tip off against the Spectres at 6.15pm, get down and support the girls against our local rival.