Sarah Mozley

Willetton Tigers WSBL head coach Simon Parker says captain Desiree Kelley’s outstanding performance on Friday night demonstrates her commitment to herself and leading her team.

The Tigers won the first match of their double-header on Friday against the East Perth Eagles, finishing with a final score of 92-60.

However, the Tigers inaccuracy cost them the win on Saturday night, going down 54-64 to the Stirling Senators.

Parker said despite the loss, the results from the weekend were overall positive.

“We had a great team game on Friday night against the Eagles with contributions from everyone and it was a shame we didn't back it up on Saturday night against the Senators,” Parker said.

“We had better stats compared to the Senators but the thing that let us down was our shooting percentage… splitting the weekend was still a good result for the group.”

Captain Desiree Kelley led from the front in the Tigers' victory on Friday, finishing with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and six steals.

Parker said Kelley’s high standards bring out the best in a young Tigers outfit.

“Desi had an outstanding game on Friday night, she really set the tone for the game and how we wanted to play, she is focused on doing this every week and she’s been a great leader for the young group we have,” Parker said.

“Her impact has been very positive, she is stating very well in important areas, including steals, rebounding and assists.

“It's important to the group as a senior player she keeps leading by example and playing with the intensity that's needed to be successful in the WSBL.”

The Tigers also fielded their new American import, Laina Snyder on the weekend.

Parker said he was impressed with her first outings as a Tiger.

“Laina had a good first round of basketball for her first time on the court with the playing group, very happy with her contribution,” Parker said.

“She is a very composed player, good knowledge of the game and how it's played which is somethings we need in the group. 

“She has good ability to score from inside the paint and from the perimeter… she can defend the post and on the perimeter which makes her versatile.”

The Tigers can look forward to a single game this weekend after a few back-to-back double headers.

However, Parker said there is now rest for his team that is continuing to grow and change.

“We are looking forward to some single games definitely, gives us a chance to work more on us rather than focusing on the next team we play,” Parker said.

“Having players come into the team the past couple weeks makes it difficult to cover everything and have in place enough to be ready to play on the weekends.

“This week will be no exception with the arrival of another international player we need to get ready to play in the coming weeks.”

The Tigers will take on Lakeside Lightening this Friday at Lakeside Recreation Centre.