Posted on 23 September, 2011
ro2011 Season: 18 win 6 Losses 3rd Overall,
2011 Post Season: def Nunawading (elimination final), def Bendigo (semi-final), lost to Knox (prelim final)
Unfortunately the year ended as it began with a loss at the hands of arch rivals Knox for the Swinburne Lady Cobras. After the opening round loss to Knox Kilsyth put together a nine game winning streak which included a win over 2011 SEABL champions the Dandenong Lady Rangers, to finish the first half of the season 9-3.
Two mid-season losses to Bendigo and Dandenong meant that the fight for a top-two position became just that much harder. Head Coach Cheryl Chambers was absent at different times throughout the season with her Australian Gems commitments as was star Abby Bishop who had Australian Opal commitments.
The second half of the season had the same result as the first half with a 9-3 record however with Knox and Dandenong dominating the competition the Swinburne Lady Cobras were viewed as a shaky contender, finishing the last four regular season games 2 and 2.
The Swinburne Lady Cobras entered the post-season in third position after a 13 point win over Frankston; this resulted in a home final against Nunawading. With Abby Bishop free from Opal commitments Kilsyth ran out 33 point victors and progressed to another home final against Bendigo. A hard fought five point victory to the Swinburne Lady Cobras led to a preliminary final against Knox.
All the signs were showing that Kilsyth was ready to defeat Knox however after shooting 3 from the first 22 attempts the season came to the end for the Swinburne Lady Cobras.
Eva Afeaki and Chantella Perera shared MVP honours for season 2011 after both producing great first years in Kilsyth colours, Eva Afeaki was known as one of the toughest competitors on the court dominating under the ring while Chantella Perera was seen by oppositions as one the fittest players in competition.
Australian Opal Abby Bishop brought a wealth of experience to the team and it became clear as the year progressed how much was not only gained by having her on the court but what she was teaching the youngsters on the team. Bishop ended the season averaging 19.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.
The end of the 2011 Season also saw club stalwart Erica McMenamin announce that she was taking a year off the game after playing 271 games for the Kilsyth Lady Cobras. Head Coach Cheryl Chambers also announced at season end that she would not be continuing at Kilsyth, taking time out to spend time with her young family. Everyone at Kilsyth wishes them both the best in 2012 and beyond.
The Swinburne Lady Cobras are now searching for a new Head Coach, head to www.kilsythbasketball.com.au for all the up to date information on the position and all your Kilsyth news.
