The 2011/12 Summer Season Finals series are underway. This week the SECBL Men’s semi-finals are scheduled for Wednesday night when minor premier, Bulldogs, take on the improved Panthers side in the second semi-final. Roos, back in the finals after a season or two, meet last season’s grand finalist Panthers-Wizards in the first semi.

The SECBL Women’s first semi-final between fourth placed Panthers and Cats, in third place, was played last Wednesday. The Women’s second semi-final between League leader Cougars and Bulldogs will be played at 7.30p.m. on Wednesday.

Finals in other senior and all junior grades are in progress over the next two weeks.

This season Bulldogs have not dominated the Men’s competition to the same degree as previously, but when all players are available and fit, they will once again assume the role of favourites for the title. In recent weeks power-house Simon Berkefeld has been away as well as Kurt Russell and Jo Ferguson-Lane under injury clouds. Panthers defeated Bulldogs twice 91-77 and 84-56 but Bulldogs scored easily in their last encounter, 81-68.

 Panthers however are now without Pioneers’ co-captain Erik Burdon, who led the club side so efficiently in the earlier weeks of the season. It is pleasing to see players such as Jak Ryan, Teagan Brown and Mitchell Mott take on added responsibilities. Bulldogs at full strength are favoured to move into another grand final. Kurt Russell holds the key to this game; he is the Bulldogs on court leader, who does the little things to set up opportunities for team-mates.     

 Panthers-Wizards scored an 8 point win over Bulldogs in the last minor round last week. This result is likely to jolt the minor premier into the next gear for their semi-final clash against Panthers on Wednesday night.

Nick Morrison played a “blinder” in Panthers-Wizards’ win over Bulldogs last week and will be the danger player for Roos in the First Semi-final. Chris Mason is the “engine room” for Wizards while  State junior Matt Parslow is in top form as shown in his performances as captain of the Lakers Under 18 side, current SA Country Division 1 champions. These two were solid in possibly Wizards’ best win of the season to date.

Roos on the other hand must not be under-estimated. They have defeated Panthers-Wizards on their three meetings during the season but by just 3 and 1 in the most recent contests.

Hard working Shane Heemskerk, skilful Ben Anderson and new comer Jai Deyaolu are the key players in Roos improved form this season.

Cougars' women start the warmest favourites for several seasons to take out the SECBL Women’s title. They meet Bulldogs in the second semi-final at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday. Cougars are simply too experienced and talented for opponents.

Meanwhile Panthers women turned the tables on Cats in the first semi-final when they won in a high scoring shoot out, 78-54.Cats easily accounted for a weakened Panthers in the previous week. The return of Sam Loughhead and Sonia Bawden saw team-mates lift their desperation and momentum and hence dictate terms against Cats in the semi-final.

 Next Wednesday, Preliminary Final night, Most Valuable Medal counts will be held in conjunction with the finals. The two finals will be played at 7.30p.m. and the presentation of the SECBL MVP counts will follow.

The Association is looking for strong support from members for this new initiative.