(Courtesy of Norwood Basketball Club)

Eastern Mavericks come to Mars on the back of an exciting overtime win over the Tigers last weekend.  Jamie Fricker and Danielle Clayton were devastating in the match, Fricker shooting 20 pts at 78%. The Lady Flames struggled against the Bearcats, with no player scoring in double figures, and the team missing an incredible 21 free throws. West Adelaide will be the pace setters for this year’s title, but a 36 pt loss is not what coach Simon Pritchard was expecting.  Starter Zara Olekins, who led the league in 3pt % the previous week, was kept scoreless from the 3-point line and will need to find form to get the Lady Flames back on track.

Keep an eye on Michelle Trewartha, who played her 1st game for the flames last weekend: she top scored with 9pts and 6 rebounds, and can be a tenacious defender all over the floor.

Lisa Ackroyd battled tirelessly at Port Adelaide and her duel with Jane Symons will be the match-up of the night. Ackroyd was the leading rebounder versus The Bearcats and Symons was the difference between the teams, according to Tigers coach, Travis Leaver, last weekend. Symons’ ability to seal in the low post will surely test the Flames.

Amanda Williams’s first bout versus her old club is set to sizzle, with the aggressive point guard sure to provide the spark and leadership the Lady Flames need to get over the Mavericks.  If shooting guards Jess Smart and Jordan Walker-Roberts can light up, it is hard to see how the Mavericks can contain the Flames for all four quarters. Zara Olekins will be relishing her chances to get to the basket as will back up point guard Jess Hansberry.

This will be tight till half time, but The Lady Flames should prevail in a tight defensive game. Cara Boothey is another player to watch and her match up with Stephanie Talbot could be an insight into the future of the Lightning. Jess Foley and Rebecca Duke are currently taking a well-earned break from basketball in Europ eand are set to return when the Lady Flames play Centrals.