Posted on 2 May, 2017

Struggling offensively in the game’s opening 20 minutes, the Lady Cobras got going in a hurry after halftime, reeling off a 22-3 run to start the third period and blow the game open. Garrick and Perera fuelled Kilsyth’s sizzling third quarter performance, combining to outscore the Chargers, 17-14 in the period. It was more of the same in the final stanza, with Garrick teaming up with Beadle to combine for 20 fourth quarter points, ending any hopes of a Hobart comeback in the process.

"Maddie had a great game – she dominated with her scoring in the second half and also got on the boards,” Lady Cobras Head Coach Sam Woosnam said.

“After being injured at the beginning of the year it was nice to see her get her stroke back and we are looking forward to seeing that every week from her."

Following a sub-par showing at home against Nunawading the week prior – one which saw the Lady Cobras lose their first home game since 2015 – Woosnam was pleased with her group’s response to some early season adversity.

"After a horrible performance the week before it was nice to turn it around and have a comfortable win,” Woosnam said.

The reigning Coach of the Year also had high praise for Perera, who has elevated her game to new heights in 2017 as she has been called upon to shoulder more of the load on the offensive end for Kilsyth.

"Chantella has been a shining light for us this season and is playing some of the best basketball of her career,” Woosnam said about the speedy guard.

“She’s showing great leadership and leading by example in all areas, so I couldn’t be happier with her at this stage of the year and I look forward to her continuing to get better as the year progresses.” 

While Garrick and Perera and carried the bulk of the Lady Cobras perimeter scoring duties, Beadle has been an absolute force down low early in the season, averaging 21.4 points per game on an impressive 55.7% shooting from the field. Woosnam was pleased with Beadle’s performance on Sunday and her adjustment to a new league, and expects big things from her center moving forward.

"Angela has been carrying the majority of the scoring load for us this season, and it’s been a different look for us having such a strong scoring presence inside the paint,” Woosnam said.

“She will continue to improve as she gets to know the league a little more. I was also happy that she got on the defensive boards, which is something we’ve been on her back about all year."

Beadle pulled down a season-high 15 rebounds to go along with 20 points and five assists, Perera scored 19 points and recorded a game-high five steals, and Garrick scored 23 of her game-high 28 points in the second half, buried five three-pointers and pulled down 12 rebounds, with her dominant performance earning her SEABL Player of the Week honours.

The win moves the Lady Cobras record to 5-2, which keeps them atop the East Conference standings. They return to action on Sunday as they take on Canberra in a home doubleheader, with the Women tipping-off proceedings at 12pm, followed by the Men at 2pm.